The Underrated De Tomaso Pantera: A Lamborghini Killer?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Alejandro de Tomaso: Early Life and Career
3. De Tomaso's Racing Career
4. From Race Cars to Road Cars
5. The Birth of the Pantera
6. Evolution of the Pantera
7. Driving the Pantera
8. Legacy of De Tomaso
9. Expansion and Decline
10. The Resurgence of De Tomaso

Introduction

In the world of supercars, certain names stand out as icons - Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche. But there are also Hidden Gems, lost to time, that deserve recognition. One such gem is the De Tomaso Pantera. While not as widely known as its counterparts, the Pantera holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. This mid-engine V8 supercar, produced from 1971 to 1993, was the thinking person's 70s Italian supercar. In this article, we will explore the fascinating story of De Tomaso and how it created the legendary Pantera.

Alejandro de Tomaso: Early Life and Career

The story of De Tomaso begins with Alejandro de Tomaso himself. Born in Argentina, Alejandro came from a privileged background. However, tragedy struck at a young age when his father passed away, forcing him to leave school and take over the family's ranches. Despite his responsibilities, Alejandro showed a keen interest in racing. He became politically active, founding a newspaper to oppose the ruling government and dictator. This ultimately led to trouble, and Alejandro had to flee Argentina and Seek refuge in Italy.

De Tomaso's Racing Career

In Italy, De Tomaso found work at Maserati as a factory driver. His exceptional racing skills quickly earned him recognition, and he performed admirably for the company. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Elizabeth Haskell, a wealthy and accomplished racer in her own right. Together, they competed in races throughout the late 50s.

From Race Cars to Road Cars

While racing was Alejandro's passion, he had bigger dreams. In the 1960s, he began to shift his focus towards building his own cars. His first projects were race cars, including the 1964 SP70 prototype racer, which he collaborated on with Carroll Shelby. However, due to clashes of personalities, their partnership dissolved, and De Tomaso decided to Continue on his own.

The Birth of the Pantera

In 1971, De Tomaso unveiled his most iconic creation - the Pantera. This mid-engine supercar captured the essence of Italian design and performance. Designed by Giampaolo Dallara, the Pantera featured a steel monocoque chassis and a powerful 5.8-liter Ford V8 engine. Its sleek and aggressive appearance made it an Instant hit among car enthusiasts. De Tomaso saw an opportunity in the American market and formed a partnership with Ford to sell the Pantera through their dealerships.

Evolution of the Pantera

Over the course of its production, the Pantera underwent several changes and improvements. In 1980, it received a chassis refresh, and a new version called the GT5 was introduced, featuring steel wheel arches and a larger fiberglass wing. In the 90s, the Pantera underwent a major redesign, with a smaller 5-liter engine and a new look by famed designer Marcello Gandini. Despite these updates, the Pantera Never lost its allure and remained a coveted supercar.

Driving the Pantera

Getting behind the wheel of a Pantera is a special experience. From the unassisted steering to the heavy clutch and gearbox, every aspect of the car demands effort and Attention. The sound of the roaring V8 engine is a symphony to the ears, and the performance is exhilarating. While it may not offer the same level of refinement as its Italian counterparts, the Pantera is a true enthusiast's car, providing a raw and authentic driving experience.

Legacy of De Tomaso

De Tomaso's impact on the automotive industry extends beyond the Pantera. He also ventured into luxury saloons with models like the Deville and Longchamp. Additionally, he was involved in Formula 1 and owned companies like Maserati and Gear. Despite his successes, De Tomaso faced financial difficulties in the later years, and the company went through various ownership changes.

Expansion and Decline

After De Tomaso's death in 2003, the company attempted to make a comeback in 2009 but faced setbacks due to legal issues. In 2014, the brand was once again purchased, this time by the same group behind the Apollo IE. In 2019, the new De Tomaso unveiled the P72, a car inspired by the brand's history. With ambitious plans for the future, the brand aims to Revive the spirit of De Tomaso and Create a new generation of exceptional automobiles.

The Resurgence of De Tomaso

The recent resurgence of De Tomaso signals a renewed interest in the brand and its legacy. The P72 is just the beginning, with plans to Delve deeper into the rich history of De Tomaso. As car enthusiasts continue to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of the Pantera, the brand's future looks promising.

FAQs

Q: Why is the De Tomaso Pantera not as well-known as other supercars?

A: The De Tomaso Pantera, while highly regarded among car enthusiasts, did not achieve the same level of mainstream recognition as the likes of Ferrari or Lamborghini. This can be attributed to various factors, including limited production numbers and a focus on niche markets.

Q: How many Panteras were produced during its production run?

A: Approximately 7,200 Panteras were produced between 1971 and 1993. The exact number can vary depending on different sources.

Q: What made the Pantera unique compared to other supercars of its time?

A: The Pantera stood out for its combination of Italian design and American power. It offered a mid-engine layout, a steel monocoque chassis, and a powerful Ford V8 engine, providing a thrilling driving experience.

Q: How does the driving experience of a Pantera compare to other supercars?

A: The Pantera offers a raw and visceral driving experience, with its unassisted steering, heavy clutch, and challenging gearbox. It may not have the same level of refinement as some of its Italian counterparts, but it compensates with its unique character and thrilling performance.

Q: What is the Current status of the De Tomaso brand?

A: The De Tomaso brand has experienced ups and downs throughout its history. Following the death of Alejandro De Tomaso in 2003, the brand went through various ownership changes and faced financial difficulties. However, recent efforts have been made to revive the brand, with the introduction of the P72 and ambitious plans for the future.

Q: Is the Pantera a good investment for car collectors?

A: The Pantera has gained a cult following over the years, and its rarity and iconic status could make it an attractive investment for car collectors. However, as with any investment, it is important to consider factors such as condition, provenance, and market demand.