1971 De Tomaso Pantera

Make

De Tomaso

Model

Pantera

Year

1971

Listed price

$79,000

Location

Dallas, Texas

Transmission

Manual

Mileage

26,041 miles

The De Tomaso Pantera, Italian for "Panther," roared onto the scene in 1971, a bold collaboration between Italian passion and American power. Conceived by Alejandro de Tomaso as a more mass-producible successor to the Mangusta, it aimed squarely at the burgeoning supercar market, offering exotic mid-engine styling at a more accessible price point than its European rivals. Early models, like this 1971 example, are particularly coveted by enthusiasts and known as "pushbutton" cars due to their unique door release mechanism. These initial Panteras, hand-built before Ford took over production, represent the purest expression of De Tomaso's vision, blending Ghia's sleek design with the raw, undeniable grunt of a Ford Cleveland V8. This particular 1971 "pushbutton" Pantera presents a unique opportunity for the dedicated enthusiast. While it requires a full restoration, its Nevada and California provenance has kept the core structure remarkably solid, despite some surface rust on the front and rear hoods from prolonged storage under a cover. The original Verde Acqua finish, still visible, promises an absolutely stunning result once meticulously brought back to its former glory. Though the engine and transmission details are currently unknown, the potential for a magnificent, early-production Pantera shines through. This is a chance to revive a true Italian-American icon, a project that will undoubtedly yield an extraordinary reward.