1971 De Tomaso Pantera Custom

Elvis Presley put two bullets in his 1971 Pantera. Looking to roar away after an argument with his girlfriend, he couldn't start the car. So he shot it. BAM, BAM!

With Italian looks, American muscle, German engineering and Argentinian origin, the De Tomaso Pantera already had a cool international story before being shot by the King.

Alejandro de Tomaso, the spoiled racecar-driving son of a prominent politician, fled Argentina for Italy in 1955 after being implicated in a plot to overthrow the Argentinian president, Juan Perón.

Italian for “Panther,” the Pantera was De Tomaso's second car, designed in Italy by Ghia and looking every bit the Italian exotic. A mid-engine car, the Pantera's muscle is supplied by an all-American Ford 351 Cleveland V8, and represents the automaker's attempt to bring sexy back after losing the Cobra. The cherry on top of the complexity sundae, power reaches the tires through a five-speed manual transaxle made by the German builder of gears for Zeppelins and other airships.

This particular 1971 De Tomaso Pantera, chassis #1726, has been restored and modified. Finished in Rosso over black leather, the interior features an upgraded Pioneer/Sony audio system. The bright red exterior benefits from full bodywork, a respray, and an eye-catching delta wing. The engine bay, itself a work of art, was repaired with steel then shaved and filled, painted and polished, and dressed up by a polished transaxle case and chrome cross members.

The engine features a Demon carburetor, MSD ignition, roller tappet lifters, big camshaft, polished Edelbrock intake manifold, finned “Pantera” air cleaner cover, and finned “De Tomaso” valve covers. The upgraded exhaust rumbles like an earthquake, warning there's some real bite to this car's bark.

Wilwood brakes slow your roll on wheels with center caps sporting the colors of the Argentinian flag and the T-shaped logo based on the cattle brand of Alejandro's ranching ancestors.

Now it's your turn to join the story. Feast your eyes on this car in person. Start it...don't shoot it! Hear it and drive it. There's nothing like it. It could be yours, but not if you dawdle. Call Art & Speed at 901-850-0507 for more information.

View video here: https://youtu.be/XeBs_D_65GY

MECHANICAL

• Ford 351ci 4V Cleveland


• Holley Demon Carburetor


• Edelbrock Intake Manifold


• Roller Tappet Lifters


• 
  MSD Ignition

CHASSIS

• 5-Speed Manual ZF Transmission


• Wilwood Brake Components


• Power Steering


• Upgraded Exhaust System


• Mid Engine Design Front/Rear Weight Distribution 40.9/59.1 %

EXTERIOR

• Beautiful Red Paint in very good condition


• Hide away lights work as they should


• Panel Gaps are how they should be


• 17" Factory style Wheels


• Michelin Pilot Sport; Front 235/40ZR17 Rear 355/55/ZR17

INTERIOR

• Black Leather Bucket Seats


• Black Carpet


• Air Conditioning


• Pioneer Head unit


• All Gauges Work as they Should


• Power Windows