If the idea of combining classic 1960s and ’70s supercar styling cues with a simple, reliable and affordable American V8 power unit sounds appealing, you’re not alone.
Alejandro De Tomaso thought that recipe was the perfect way to take on Ferrari and Lamborghini, and that’s exactly what he did, first with the Mangusta in 1967, and then, more famously with the Pantera, four years later.
The Pantera was styled by Tom Tjaarda of Italian design house Ghia, and built in Italy, but it was powered by a 330 hp (335 PS) Ford 351 cu-in (5.8-liter) Cleveland V8. That wasn’t the only Blue Oval connection; Ford even sold the supercar through its Lincoln-Mercury dealers between 1971 and 1975, after which it left De Tomaso to carry on alone.
Related: Ares Design Panther Resurrects De Tomaso Pantera As 641HP Coachbuilt Huracan
Much like its Countach rival, the Pantera survived through to the tail end of the 1980s, by which time it too had sprouted huge wings and flared arches. But this 1972 model with its narrow arches and early, small bumpers is how the car looked when it made its U.S. debut at the 1970 New York Auto Show.
It’s a fair bet, however, that show goers wouldn’t have been so keen to slap down their deposits if the car on display had looked as sorry as this one. Recently rescued by the seller from a 20 year layup, it’s as rotten as hobo’s gnashers, the pictures revealing serious corrosion in the fenders, sills, floor, and even the roof.
The odometer shows 42,000 miles, but the seller has now idea whether this is correct, or even when the car was last in use. It’s certainly going to need a serious amount of work to put it back into use, but it at least looks mostly complete, including the 15-in Campagnolo alloys wheels, and a video shows that the pushrod Ford V8 at least spins over, even if it doesn’t fire. There’s also a rear spoiler from a later car included in the deal, if you prefer that look.
Are you brave enough to take on this classic supercar cesspit? If the answer is yes, the Bring-a-Trailer auction ends on Saturday, April 9.
