What would a Pantera in Decent Shape (Not showroom Quality) well kept GT5 go for in todays market place? Paul
I owned a Pantera of that vintage. I cannot address prices. But, aside from the fact that they are brutish "rumble buckets" they have at least two serious problems. 1. They had dangerous frame rusting, some so bad the frames parted! Check to make sure the frame is straight. Also take a sharp awl and look for what might appear to be fresh paint on the frame. If you see it, poke hard to make sure someone has not covered up rust-through with fiberglass. I am not kidding! 2. There is no cut-out switch for the airconditioning compressor. If you floor it through the gears, you WILL blow a hose and lose all your freon. I did it once, and only once, on a 95 degree day north of KCMO. Man, don't I wish we had computers and a site like this in those days! Just do your homework and be very, very careful. Best.
No more than any other old Italian car. Mine is 35yrs old, and when restored a few years ago, was found to only have 1 quarter-sized spot of rust--on the door sill. Leave any old car out in the rain, and it will rust. Find one that's been treated right, and it should be fine. I've heard running a Pantera in high RPMs with the AC running is not good, but I've never heard of any disasterous results. I've certainly never experienced any, and I've done it lots.
Panteras don't have frames. Their unibodies are prone to rust, though, and rust is the big determinant of value. Buyers are also generally wary of post-Ford gray market Panteras, too. Matt Merritt (has owned four Panteras)
Good advice. I personally know of 4 cars that have had this problem repaired. Look in the rear engine compartment where the inner side panels meet the rails under the engine. This area can completely split. HaHaHa! This happened to me as well. Makes one loud sound. I had just finished a spirited drive through the mountains and figured it was safe to turn the air back on, a few minutes later BAMM! Scared the hell out of me. Instantly pulled to the side to check the car and could not see any obvious problem until my friend, who had been following in his 330GTC, asked if the air conditioner hose should be connected. It had blown right out of the metal fitting. I was more than relieved that this turned out to be this simple of a problem. I think, after 125,000, miles I have seen everything that can happen to a Pantera... at least I hope so For GT5 prices try these guys. http://pantera.infopop.cc/eve/forums There has been a discussion, just recently, about this very topic.
You got that right! That is exactly what happened to me. After that, I turned the air off when I wanted to "git it." And, right you are that it wasn't expensive but, on a 95 degree day, man is that scary.
