1971 De Tomaso Pantera

Make

De Tomaso

Model

Pantera

Year

1971

Listed price

$75,600

Location

New Braunfels

Transmission

Manual

Mileage

25,824 miles

When Alejandro de Tomaso debuted the Pantera in 1971, he aimed to build on the success of the Mangusta, creating a more mass-produced, yet still exotic, mid-engine sports car. Unlike its predecessor, the Pantera (Italian for "Panther") benefited from a partnership with Ford, which supplied its reliable Cleveland V8 engines and a vast dealer network for sales in North America. This unlikely transatlantic collaboration birthed a machine that fused Italian design flair from Ghia's Tom Tjaarda with American muscle, offering supercar performance at a relatively accessible price. Early "pre-L" models like this 1971 example are particularly prized for their purer, less adorned styling before the impact-bumper regulations of later years. This striking yellow 1971 De Tomaso Pantera, showing just 25,824 miles, embodies that original vision. While the factory 351 Cleveland V8 was potent, this particular example has been upgraded with twin turbos, promising an even more exhilarating experience. Though currently needing attention to its fuel tank, which has a small leak, the engine has been started and reportedly runs smoothly, benefitting from a recent Royal Purple oil change. This right-hand-drive coupe, a less common configuration for the model, presents a unique opportunity to acquire a true Italian-American icon. Ready for its next chapter, this Pantera awaits a discerning enthusiast prepared to bring its latent power back to the road.