I think I'm falling in love with the Pantera. Help me.

I have always loved “F” cars. What is not to like? Thoroughbred race history, gorgeous styling, and on most the phenomenal scream of 12 angry pistons.

When I purchased my current Pantera I considered a 328 to be within my budget. But growing up as a shade tree mechanic, I knew I would be unable to afford or do my own repairs on the car. Working on my Pantera is my recreation and mental therapy. It is not intimidating to work on. (Except the ZF) The car can more easily be worked on and with a more modest budget than the 328. This opens up ownership to a much larger group. Many Pantera owners grew up modifying their cars in the 60s and 70s. That is why you rarely see a bone stock Pantera or 2 that are alike. The fun is in making the car an expression of their owner. From basic stock to wild customs and highly modified motors pushing 700HP the Pantera almost 40 years old is still the best bargain on the road.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Jeff, those photos are calendar-worthy. Great looking car and setting. When are you coming over to take my radiator and manifold out?

 

The aftermarket single slots are a nice touch.

 

Break out the Bud and the cougar strippers the Panteras are in the house.

Here's my '74 girl:
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Great pics guys!

I debated between a Lotus Elise, Cobra kit car and the car I wanted since I was 16. Pantera won. Since I've owned it they have gone up in value, whereas the others have not. I pulled some disposable funds from my day trading account that couldn't seem to stop falling. So now, instead of watching my money depreciate, I take it for a ride, I look at it, I sit in it, and I watch it appreciate. Its great!! The Lotus is a great car, but the Pantera has alot more presence.

-William
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Ok, here's a pic of my 72 pre-L at Concorso in 2007. It's known in Pantera circles as the "Banzai Runner" because it was featured in the 1987 movie "Banzai Runner" starring Dean Stockwell and Billy Drago. It's mostly original, save for ignition, carb and intake, and header upgrades. The engine is currently being treated to a full rebuild and detail.

If you're looking for a Pantera, check out the "How to Buy" page on my website. Lots of useful info and resources there.
http://www.banzairunnerpantera.com/how_to_buy.htm

BTW Murph - I love the contents of your garage (and driveway). I have a 66 GT350 clone in my garage too, and it looks like it's in an almost identical state.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Thanks, mine just left the garage for the body shop!
I've got the engine over at Mike Cook's, he's stroking a 302 for it.

Ha! just checked your website you've got more stuff stored on yours!


William, that is one sweet looking engine compartment.

 

I've seen the car at the Peterson Museum here in LA. Got a tour of the basement that had a LOT of great cars not on display. Elvis’s Pantera was one of them. Still has the bullet holes in it.

 

Thanks Adams,

Where did you take your pics ?

I will do the work for trade time in your "F" car or Viper !
I will leave you with my wife's DD Jeep. I will bring your car back in time for Easter, maybe.

 

William,
That is a gorgeous engine bay. WOW !

 

you guys are killin it with these last 4-5 Pantera's shown..all the right touches on your cars! I love the last few 'variants' shown!

 

took this Pantera 'starter kit' out tonite...
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Thanks! Something I forgot to mention is that fo me, one of the best features of owning a Pantera is the ability to work on it, someting that is taboo in the F-car world. Most owners like to modify and customise their cars significantly to their own tastes, but I prefer a closer to stock look. Though my car is near perfect, it can always use an upgrade here, or a tweek there. The Pantera is a very simple car and the parts relatively inexpensive. Its very rewarding and therapeutic at the same time.

Good luck!

-William

 

Awesome cars, the ownership experience really is something else. I have my GT5S for six years now and it excites me just as much today. Here is a pic of my car parked behind a good friends early car modified to GT5S spec.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff217/steveirl/100_0088resize.jpg

 

Steve

i was looking to buy a special pantera
really close to get a GTS and later a yellow GT5-S....in the end i gave up since i had a good deal on an other lambo BUT every time i see pics of your GT5S i fall in love with these cars again: one day i will have one!
your blue GT5-S is just awesome and i have to say in some color the GT5 and even some GTS are as nice

Panteras are cool cars period

 

great!

btw the S1 won't go over this driveway without some help

 

good eye Emilio...as you can see the tires are right up to the edge...then I add the wood 'filler' and back er' on down....haven't scraped even a Countach front spoiler OR banged a Mangusta/GT 40 ZF!

now your lowrider, that is a different story, AND there are three speed bumps that would be a factor too.

 

here is an example of fine American engineering (curb filler) to facilitate the Italian engineered car! lol!
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

At 6'2" I don't fit well in a standand Pantera. However, I have heard of people installing dropped floors. Any thoughts?

Dale

 

It's not a problem with a Pantera. That's the real beauty of the thing, modifications are ok. It's about the only exotic that can be modified without throwing resale out the door.

 

LOL i use the same kind of tecnique to go "over" an almost laughable downhill to my garage....

 

cool shot of the 'hearse' in my garage...reminds me of a 'hearse' with those wing doors open! I think I'm falling in love with the Mangusta. Help ME!!!
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Your Mangusta is so cool. How is the head room in one? The windshield looks like it would be close. More room or less than your Countach?

 

some underskirt shots of the goose..

PLEASE!!! Pantera owners grace us with more photos of your cars! Where is Revson's black beast, time for some fresh photos!!! We've got some sickies on here that need their FIX!
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Couple of pics of my '71 from the Louisville Concourso. Was going to take a particular Mangusta, but...
This car belonged to Peter Revson originally. Was told the 180 degree headers were the original prototypes for this application. Pics were posted elsewhere, sorry for the repost...
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login