European exoticars need cool European nuances, such as Glasurit single stage polyurethane paint. This isn't a basecoat/clearcoat trip through a paint booth, but rather one solid color applied in seven coats by Custom Auto Body in Phoenix, Arizona. This gives the glistening red finish depth, like enamel did in the good old days.
If you like this Pantera's rich persona, thank Vintage Restorations & Rods in Phoenix. We like the Etoiles custom three-piece wheels. Inside, you will find rich Connolly leather, real wool carpeting, cold air, Recaro buckets, factory white-face instrumentation, a custom shifter, Simpson restraint harnesses, and more.
Rare is the Ford enthusiast fortunate enough to own and drive the imported, limited-production Pantera, originally sold through Lincoln-Mercury. Tom can count himself among the fortunate few who understand what life is like at nearly 200 mph in a slippery-smooth Italian beast called Pantera.
Seek and Ye Shall Find
For more information on these ultimate Ford-powered Italian classics, check out the Pantera Owners Club of America web site at www.poca.com, as well as the De Tomaso corporate site at www.detomaso.it.
The Details
- 1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group V
- Owner: Tom Bechtel, Phoenix, AZ
Engine
- 4.6L DOHC Cobra V-8
- 3.552-inch bore, 3.543-inch stroke
- Steel Crank
- Forged H-Beam
- Manley Connecting Rods
- Forged Pistons
- Aluminum Block
- Cobra Heads
- Cobra Intake
- Ron Davis Radiator
Transmission
- ZF Five-Speed Transaxle
- HD 800HP Spicer Half-Shafts
- 4.22 Gears
Exhaust
- Custom Stainless System
- Wilkinson Headers
Suspension
- Front: Billet Control Arms with graphite bushings, Heim joints, Koni racing shocks, Eibach springs, modified custom sway bar, billet mounts
- Rear: Billet Control Arms with graphite bushings, Heim joints, Koni racing shocks, Eibach springs, modified custom sway bar, billet mounts
Brakes
- Front: Wilwood NASCAR 13-inch Cross-Drilled Rotors, Four-Piston Ultralite Calipers
- Rear: Wilwood NASCAR 13-inch Cross-Drilled Rotors, Four-Piston Ultralite Calipers
- Billet high-volume master cylinder
Wheels
- Front: Etoiles Custom three-piece, 17x10
- Rear: Etoiles Custom three-piece, 17x12.5
Tires
- Front: Michelin Pilot Sport, P285/40R17
- Rear: Michelin Pilot Sport, P345/35R17
Interior
- Hand-Sewn Connolly Leather by Custom Auto body, Cave Creek, AZ
- Wool Carpeting
- Recaro Bucket Seats
- Stock White-Face Instruments
- Custom Shifter
- Simpson restraint harnesses
Exterior
- Glasurit Primary Red, Single Stage Poly, Seven Hand-Rubbed Layers
- Hand-Made All-Metal Spoiler and GT5 Flares by Custom Auto Body, Cave Creek, AZ