An Italian sports car with an American V8 actually sounds like a good idea. Especially when the body was designed by Tom Tjaarda at Ghia and the engine is located behind the passengers. From the very beginning, the De Tomaso Pantera was a unique blend of two worlds: Italian design and American muscle. And that’s precisely what gave it a character you can’t really compare to many other cars.The Pantera debuted in the early 1970s as the successor to the Mangusta and represented a major step forward for De Tomaso. The car was equipped with a Ford Cleveland V8 mated to a ZF transaxle. Interesting on paper, but in practice, it was a combination that worked surprisingly well. Plenty of power, a low center of gravity, and a car that, despite its exotic appearance, remained perfectly practical.The example we are offering was restored in the past and then completely rebuilt mechanically by Gary Hall Pantera. And that’s certainly worth taking a moment to consider.Gary Hall has been closely connected to the Pantera world in the United States since the early years and is regarded among enthusiasts as one of the leading names when it comes to these cars. Anyone who delves even a little into the history of the Pantera in America will inevitably come across his name. The fact that this Pantera was worked on by his shop certainly speaks to the care with which the work was carried out.This Pantera drives convincingly, feels solid, and does exactly what you’d expect from a Pantera. Naturally, the whole car feels like a sports car—the low seating position alone gives that away. The V8 delivers its power effortlessly, and the driving experience is phenomenal. Visually, it’s a perfect match. The original Campagnolo wheels are present and complement the bold lines of the body perfectly. The car is also in a neat and well-maintained condition, both inside and out.This example not only has great looks and top-notch engineering, but also a history that adds just that little bit of extra significance to the whole package. A restoration by a name that has been associated with the model for decades, the original details, and the sensational driving experience make this model legendary.There’s just something special about a Pantera. Not because we want to say so, but because you’ll notice it the moment you see it and take it for a drive. Contact Gallery Aaldering today and discover this Pantera for yourself. We export our vehicles worldwide—ask about the possibilities.
