DeTomaso brand:owners strike me as not that historically inclined

I understand your perspective on this. I believe the core issue is that the association to Ford trumps the DeTomaso connection for their cars. That's why you see so many Panteras shamelessly compromised with flares, wings, wide tires, swapped engines and many other atrocities. A 308 owner would be drawn and quartered for even a fraction of those mods. I have to say that while I know of the DeTomaso car models, the designer and Alejandro himself, I'm much more familiar with Ferrari and Aston Martin history - even though my association with those marques has been over a much shorter period of time.

I've resisted the temptation to modify or paint my 1974 Pantera over 40+ years and there may finally be a payoff in that. I've seen a few orange L models in near stock form approach $150K at auction over the last few years. It would be interesting to know more about the $200K car...

 

I also think there are just nowhere near the same number of DeTomaso fans like the diehard Tifosi, Lamborghini or Porsche guys.

Yes there were a few Pantera's on bedroom walls but the fact that company is no longer building cars means that there is no continuous fan base going through the younger generations. No relevance.

Companies like Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche, Mercedes, etc know the value of being seen in the public eye on a high street or making the news on a race track.

DeTomaso is similar to DeLorean, both had their heyday in the 1980's and were on a decline ever since.

 

I have fond memories of the DeTomaso Pantera, and the Mangusta. Having had a ride in a Mangusta at Watkins Glen when I was a kid. A yellow Pantera - bone stock would be a cool car. But I would not want that as my only "fun" car... for that It would have to be a Ferrari or Porsche.

As for DeTomaso history... sadly its not a history that many can be proud of, lots of starts and stops, shady dealings and shoddy workmanship. I think many "average" sports car enthusiasts just dont know about the car and how it was conceived... or they think its a Kit car. I do remember Jackie Stewart having a bright Yellow one... that was good enough for me!

 

You would think the FORD guys would follow Detomaso but most barely know what they are now.

 

I know. But I guess when they were selling the Pantera in the USA, it was through Lincoln Mercury dealers... and not Ford... but still!

 

There seems to be a large group of active Pantera focused enthusiasts in America at least.

https://poca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=999896

 

Hmmmm I'm not so sure that the "average " Ferrari owner would be able to answer five similar questions about our brand.

I'm pretty involved in our Ferrari Club over here and when I speak to many owners they have a basic understanding of the Ferrari history but not in depth.

Fchat guys here have a much higher knowledge but that's a pretty small percentage of total Ferrari owners.