1972 De Tomaso Pantera

Make

De Tomaso

Model

Pantera

Year

1972

Listed price

$115,000

Location

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Transmission

Manual

Mileage

74,800 miles

The De Tomaso Pantera burst onto the scene in 1971, an audacious Italian-American hybrid born from Alejandro de Tomaso's ambition to compete with Ferrari and Lamborghini. Marrying the exotic flair of a Ghia-designed, mid-engine supercar body to the undeniable grunt and reliability of a Ford Cleveland V8, the Pantera offered a compelling blend of European exoticism and American muscle. This first generation, often referred to as the "pre-L" or "push-button" Pantera (due to its unique door openers), quickly became a poster car of the era, celebrated for its striking wedge shape, impressive performance, and relative affordability compared to its direct rivals. Over 7,000 Panteras were produced during its initial run, with Ford importing many to the US through its Lincoln-Mercury dealerships, cementing its place in automotive history as a truly unique cross-cultural icon. This 1972 example represents the desirable early production run, boasting a remarkably low 34,458 original miles. It stands as a testament to preservation, presented in its original condition, a rare find for a vehicle often subjected to modifications over its lifetime. Unlike many of its contemporaries, this Pantera has avoided the common pitfalls of rust and aftermarket alterations, retaining the integrity of its factory specification. For the discerning collector, this Pantera offers a unique opportunity to acquire an unmolested piece of Italo-American performance history.