1974 DeTomaso Pantera L

1974 DETOMASO PANTERA L

If you are looking to purchase a DeTomaso Pantera you know the story and history of these amazing cars so I wont go into that detail here. Back in 1973 Road Test Magazine voted the DeTomaso Pantera the Import Car of The Year. There were around 5500 of these cars imported over a 3 year period at an “affordable $10,000.00 price”. De Tomaso’s Pantera featured a beautifully designed Italian body with an easy to work on Ford 351 Cleveland High Output motor. Most of these cars were modified beyond recognition back in the day. The jury is still out on the pros and cons of the exterior styling differences between the L and Pre L cars. It is hard to deny that the L cars with the one piece canted gauge cluster and smooth dash were more refined inside. By 1974 all the “flaws” were worked out and the DeTomaso Pantera finally became a well deserved world-class super car. What I have for sale here is what I believe is one of the most original unmodified 1974 Panera’s available for sale. These unmodified DeTomaso’s are the ones that are appreciating at a surprisingly fast rate and will continue hold this value. This Pantera was sold originally in Pennsylvania to the Crafton J+J Steel Company. All I can assume is that it was a perk for a high level Executive. This interesting information is documented with the warranty tag. From the condition of this beautiful Pantera I can assure it was somebody’s pride and joy for many years, including mine. I have attached numerous detailed pictures of this fabulous car for documentation. My DeTomaso Pantera is located in Brighton, Colorado and is available for a highly recommended inspection before its sale. I am a 20-minute drive from Denver International Airport.

The following is original to the car unless mentioned otherwise:

*1974 Pantera L

*27K miles

*Just completed a 250-mile road trip with absolutely no issues, except for lots of thumbs up and pictures taken.

*Factory red color with one high quality repaint. Body is laser straight with no signs of any repairs. Stainless trim is bright and undamaged. Engine compartment has original finish with no undercoating masking.

*Marti Report for the build documentation. Original Warranty Card from first owner

*Numbers matching 351 4V Cleveland motor with, Ford 4V intake manifold, Motorcraft 4300D 4BBL with a recent rebuild, dual point distributor with fresh points, factory air cleaner assembly with soft down tube (it has tears in it), 351 4V Motor runs strong and pulls red line at least thru 4th gear. 5th gear redline is up to you to find out. No smoke or incorrect noises from the engine on cold start.

*Brakes work well no pulling and will bring the car down from speed smoothly but will pulse after numerous high-speed stops.

*ZF 5 speed transmission shifts crisp and precise up and down through all gears.

*Exhaust and headers are believed to be original. I can’t get a definitive answer on the headers. I will be wiling to send pictures or answer any questions to help with documenting this.

*Radiator has been recently replaced with a new aluminum 2-way correct split flow unit painted with Eastwood black radiator paint. This replacement was done to stop overheating in hot weather. The electric fans were retained with 2-step temperature activation through the factory relays. This gives a stock appearance with no additional vents in the hood with the added benefit of the motor running cool at 195 degrees. The original radiator comes with the car.

*Carpet, Seats, kick panels, console, dash, door panels, headliner, seatbelts, and interior bulkhead, show little wear if any. Pantera quality script floor mats are included.

*All glass including the rear view mirror and windshield are the same as when it left the factory. Slight scratches on the windshield from the wipers. Power window work smooth up and down with no hesitation. The locks on doors and trunk work with the proper keys.

*Gauges are all factory and work properly. I did upgrade all gauge lighting to LED’s so they can be brightly seen. I had to disable the dimmer but this is easily hooked back up if the LED’s are replaced with original bulbs. Original bulbs are included.

*Ventilation system works properly-defrost-heat blower motor speeds. A/C kicks on cooling is marginal I’ll leave this evaluation up to you as everything I read it never drove you out with the cold air.

*Radio is a proper period correct Mitsubishi AM-FM Cassette Stereo that functions quite well. I have been using a cassette adaptor for aux input, although I would rather listen to the mighty 351’s sounds. The door speakers were replaced with new coax style. Old speakers will be included with sale. No Pantera came from the factory with radios so these were either Dealer or owner installed with no specified brand or type of radio or antenna location. I do not have the factory block off plate.

*Weather stripping is still soft and functional.

* The luggage compartment has factory markings on the fiberglass underside. I had all the quick connectors to hold this down now I don’t…. Collapsible spare tire with proper anchor is present. The tool kit and pouch has what I believe to be all of the proper tools and jack.

*Currently the Pantera has the original Campagnolo Magnesium rims with the Good Year Pantera specific Arriva tires. These should be used only for show. Based on sales price, I will also include a set of additional Pantera Campagnolo Magnesium rims and newer tires so the car can be driven and enjoyed. This will easily allow for converting from driving to show.

*I have a complete set of reproduction factory repair and TSB manuals for the 1974 Pantera.

*The exterior, head lamp, running, brake, blinkers, door marker, dome lights, low fuel lamp, work properly and glow bright.

*Could be missing wheel well rain shield. Can’t find any documentation on this.

* This Pantera has always been covered by a Dust Guard Covercraft and stored in a climate-controlled garage while under my ownership.

Time has come to thin some of the herd, the best one is first to go. Bid with confidence!

THIS CAR IS ALSO AVAILABLE LOCALLY AND COULD BE SOLD BEFORE AUCTION ENDS UNLESS RESERVE HAS BEEN MET.