Lot 248: 1973 De Tomaso Pantera GT

In many ways the De Tomaso Pantera can be likened to the roadgoing 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 US 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 a 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 380ib.ft of torque on tap, this made charismatic Italian supercar capable of over 150mph and 0-60mph acceleration in just 5.5 seconds. In the same ownership since 1988, this Pantera is presented in red with the grooviest multi coat livery in Woodstock design applied over the top. The interior is just as cool with a matching multi-coloured Tex red interior. The car is ready to be used once you have dusted off your chest wig and large gold medallion. Interested parties should note that this lot comes with European taxes paid certification. This extremely rare statement piece certainly has the performance to carry off its image!Ein fantastisches Beispiel eines ebenso fantastischen Supersportwagens der 70er und 80er Jahre, stauben Sie Ihr Brusthaartoupet ab, holen Sie die Goldketten heraus und los geht's! Seit 1988 im Besitz des Verkufers, alle Einfuhrsteuern fr den europischen Markt sind bereits gezahlt.