Lot 409: 1989 De Tomaso Pantera GTS 5

In many ways the De Tomaso Pantera can be likened to the road-going Ford GT40. Not only was it sanctioned by Ford, keen to have a machine to attract customers into its showrooms, but also it had similar mid-engine layout using a large capacity Ford V8 mated to the same five speed ZF transaxle. The Ford association was one that Alejandro de Tomaso was quick to capitalise on after producing his first car, the 1965 British Ford-engined Vallelunga. That grew into the Mangusta of 1966 with the 4.7 litre V8 used in the AC Cobra but sales were poor, not helped by a backbone chassis that was too flexible and under-developed suspension. Thus for the Pantera - meaning Panther- an all-new monocoque chassis was chosen, both for stiffness and to pass the all important American crash tests, together with wishbone/coil spring suspension front and rear designed by Giampaolo Dallara, fresh from his similar work on the Lamborghini Miura. Disc brakes and alloy wheels were fitted all round. This was clothed with classic and stylish wedge shape, two seater steel coachwork designed by Ghia, while power came from Ford's 5.7 litre, iron block Cleveland V8 with single Autolite carburettor. With 310bhp and 380lb/ft on tap, this made the charismatic Italian supercar capable of over 150mph and 0-60mph acceleration in just 5.5 seconds. The weight of the V8 did not provide the most ideal weight distribution but the Pantera nonetheless possessed a very good chassis. After production began in 1971 various model changes took place. In 1972, by when the model had been homologated for production racing, the L version was introduced with revised, better quality interior trim and new bumpers. The first mechanical changes appeared in the 160mph, 335bhp GTS of 1974 with Holley carburettor, ventilated disc brakes and wider wheels and tyres. Next came the GT4, based on the Group 4 racing models, with Weber carburettors and induction changes realising a claimed 500bhp and huge 10 inch wide front and 13 inch wide rear wheels. The GT5, with rear wing, came in 1982, succeeded by the GT5S in 1984 with detail body and mechanical improvement. Finished in red with complementary tan leather interior, this GT5S model is offered in good all round condition and comes complete with both a MoT test certificate and road fund licence valid for 12 months - a fine and desirable example of this classic Italian/American supercar.