De Tomaso Pantera Group 3

Origins of the Pantera
Alejandro De Tomaso, originally from Argentina and deeply passionate about motorsport, established his automobile company in 1959 near Modena, Italy. Driven by his enthusiasm for high-performance vehicles, De Tomaso set out to create innovative sports cars that would stand out in the automotive world.

His most significant accomplishment was the development of the Pantera, a car designed by the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro. The Pantera made its public debut at the 1970 New York Auto Show, where it immediately attracted attention. Among its main competitors at the time was the Chevrolet Corvette, positioning the Pantera as a serious contender in the sports car market.

The shooting star!
“We needed a car that concentrates the advantages of Ferrari, that is to say a nice car to drive, sparkling, sonorous, but also drivable and reliable”. This is how De Tomaso, accompanied by Ford's firepower, will make the perfect supercar.

The Pantera is built on a robust steel monocoque chassis, providing the strength and rigidity required for high-speed driving and agile handling. At its heart was a 5.8-liter Ford Cleveland V8 engine, delivering an impressive 310 horsepower. This powerful engine enabled the Pantera to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, marking it as a true high-performance sports car of its era.

Behind the wheel, three words immediately come to mind: raw, captivating, and loud. It's a wild beast to drive—but what a thrill to try and tame it.

Several personalities have owned or driven a De Tomaso Pantera, including Johnny Hallyday, Elvis Presley, Giacomo Agostini and many more…

Our car: the De Tomaso Pantera Group 3
This particular Pantera was delivered new with a rare and highly sought-after factory Group 3 conversion, a distinction that is well documented by the original De Tomaso invoices. Today, it remains equipped precisely as a genuine period Group 3 Pantera should be, embodying all the technical and aesthetic features that define the marque’s most celebrated competition specification.

Factory Group 3 Specification and Authenticity
While De Tomaso officially produced only 26 Factory Group 3 Panteras, this particular example stands out due to its unique origin. It was delivered new as standard road car but with a specific request for a factory Group 3 retrofit.

The specification includes a strengthened chassis, uprated suspension, improved braking system, and purposeful aerodynamic enhancements. Distinctive Campagnolo magnesium wheels further accentuate its racing pedigree and unmistakable presence.

Every essential detail of this Group 3 Pantera has been executed with accuracy, capturing the purity and intent behind De Tomaso’s most celebrated and successful customer-racing specification.

Accompanied by its FIVA Identity Card, our Pantera is formally recognized for its eligibility for leading international historic rallies and competitions.

Competition History
Further underscoring its significance, this very chassis boasts an active and impressive period racing career during the mid-1970s. Notably, it participated in the legendary Targa Florio, a race renowned as one of the crown jewels of endurance competition. This rich racing history elevates this Pantera’s stature, marking it as an exceptional example of De Tomaso’s commitment to motorsport excellence.

Mechanical condition
A well-maintained and mechanically healthy example, this Pantera has benefited from thoughtful stewardship and important recent work:
• Total mileage: 80,539 km
• Engine: approx. 3,000 km since overhaul (2013 – bearings & piston rings)
• Original ZF Gearbox: approx. 3,000 km since overhaul (synchronizer rings replaced)
• Engine specification: non-matching but fully Group 3 compliant, featuring original-type carburation, steel block and heads
• Equipped with performance Holley carburettors; original units are also included
• Correct Group 3 roll-bar (not full cage, as per period practice)

Conclusion
Mechanically strong, historically significant, this Pantera embodies the essence of the De Tomaso’s competition spirit. It offers a combination rarely encountered even in the most curated race teams or collections.

Press the button, start the engine and enjoy!