1973 Pantera Detomaso 5332
OK - I have had the hope for the past 40 years of one day owning one of these. About 3 years ago I became serious and started trying to find "the” car. And, wouldn't you know it, the car I settled appeared in Oklahoma City. Thank goodness I have a number of great friends there who could vet the car for me.
Bright and early on July 4th, 2013, my new baby arrived. Just in time for a parade in the neighborhood, and a car show the next day (she got a trophy!).
Whilst the car was not perfect, it was also not bad. Little things, like the replacement seats being held in by thin strap metal and plastic clips (sort of a rocking motion when driving - accelerate and you rock back, hit the brakes and you rock forward), leaky hose clamps, new ignition mounted so you can't put the trunk back in the car, a very poorly rebuilt engine, sloppy suspension, a steering rack with an extra part in it (go figure), dead a/c… all things I could take care of. But oh my lord, did she drive!
Now, 3 years later, after about 2 years spent redoing all the little challenges, I can safely say I had no idea how beautiful a driver she would be when fixed up a bit. Or, perhaps a bunch. The rebuild resulted in 480 hp and 400 foot pounds of torque. Too many upgrades to list, but the result is worth all the hours spent bringing her back. Please, enjoy the pictures, and know that she is a dream to drive.
Read MoreBright and early on July 4th, 2013, my new baby arrived. Just in time for a parade in the neighborhood, and a car show the next day (she got a trophy!).
Whilst the car was not perfect, it was also not bad. Little things, like the replacement seats being held in by thin strap metal and plastic clips (sort of a rocking motion when driving - accelerate and you rock back, hit the brakes and you rock forward), leaky hose clamps, new ignition mounted so you can't put the trunk back in the car, a very poorly rebuilt engine, sloppy suspension, a steering rack with an extra part in it (go figure), dead a/c… all things I could take care of. But oh my lord, did she drive!
Now, 3 years later, after about 2 years spent redoing all the little challenges, I can safely say I had no idea how beautiful a driver she would be when fixed up a bit. Or, perhaps a bunch. The rebuild resulted in 480 hp and 400 foot pounds of torque. Too many upgrades to list, but the result is worth all the hours spent bringing her back. Please, enjoy the pictures, and know that she is a dream to drive.
April 2020 - NEW INTERIOR!
Our COVID-19 project - install the reupholstered interior in our Pantera. Looks so simple when installed, but amazing how many truly dumb things an upholstery shop can do to make sure one spends hours, days, weeks getting things done right. Getting there! Mores shots on the next page.
