1974 DE TOMASO PANTERA L (LUSSO)

This De Tomaso Pantera L is a highly original and numbers-matching example of the Italian muscle car, which has spent most of its life in the US. Under the engine cover is a 5.8-litre (351ci) Ford Cleveland V8, producing around 330bhp, coupled to a five-speed manual ZF transaxle. The Pantera also has four-wheel power disc brakes. The odometer shows 17,791 miles, which is believed to be the correct figure from new.

Launched in 1972, the revised Pantera - called the ‘L’ or ‘Lusso’ model - included improved cooling and air-conditioning, a revised instrument layout and dashboard, and an updated bumper for the US market.

This car was delivered from the factory to the US in 1974, where it was initially sold by the Stu Evans Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Michigan on a transfer title to its dealership in Florida, as the first private owner wanted to register and use it there. While it left the factory painted orange, the first orange preferred a less vibrant hue, and requested that it be repainted in white before handover. The respray was carried out in-house at Stu Evans, and it is believed to retain that ‘post-factory’ original finish today.

In another special request, the larger US specification bumpers were removed prior to the repaint, and they were not subsequently re-fitted as the owner preferred the cleaner ‘European’ style. However, the bumpers were safely boxed up, and remain with the car today. The first owner kept the car for 10 years, before it was sold to another enthusiast in Florida. This individual would prove to be the car’s longest-serving custodian to date, not selling the car to its third keeper until 2015, whereafter it was shipped to Phoenix, Arizona, to reside in a collection of other Panteras and Ford Mustangs.

The current owner became aware of the car in 2017 and undertook some negotiation with the Arizona owner to convince him to sell the car. In April 2018, the deal was concluded, and the car was shipped to the Netherlands. Since arriving in Europe, the car has received a full service and drive belt replacement, a rebuild of the steering box, and fitment of European specification headlights and city lights.

Today, its bodywork presents very well, with the vendor stating that there are no signs of any damage, and no visible rust. Its white paintwork is believed to be the original coat applied by the supplying dealer in 1974, though it has received minor spot corrections under the current ownership. As you would expect from paintwork which is believed to be mostly more than 45 years old, there are some small marks, chips, and hairline cracks in the finish, but overall this is a smart ‘driver’ quality car.

Currently fitted with European style front bumpers, and with no bumpers at the rear, the original US specification items along with the respective brackets and bolts are still in boxes with the car. The optional dealer-fit Vitaloni Californian mirrors are present, and a new period-correct Pantera decal was sourced from Hall Pantera in California and applied in 2019. The car rides on the original Campagnolo magnesium alloy wheels.

As with the exterior, the Interior upholstery is believed to be original, but it presents in remarkably good condition having been protected with seat covers by previous owners. There is some age-related creasing, and a small 5mm cut in the back of one of the headrests, but otherwise the vinyl/leather covers are in very good order. The headlining and sun visor trim is discoloured but original, so the vendor has not replaced them.

Ahead of the driver is a period-correct Momo Prototipo steering wheel, which has been fitted by the current owner; however, the original steering wheel is included in the sale and is in great shape. Likewise, the original seat belts are boxed up and part of the sale, but they are not fitted because the retractor mechanism was not working - so the vendor ordered a set of reproduction belts from Hall Pantera that look like the 1970s items. He has also had the rear boot area reupholstered in new-old-stock material. The car was ordered from the factory as a ‘radio delete’ model, with a blanking plate and no antenna. There are no known electrical faults with any of the buttons or switches.

Equipped with its original numbers-matching engine and gearbox, this De Tomaso benefits from stronger replacement exhaust headers from Hall Pantera, as the original items cracked during the second owner’s tenure. The temperamental original carburettor has been replaced with a Holley item, and the engine now has MSD electronic ignition. ANSA silencers are also fitted.

The car was most recently serviced at approximately 17,600 miles, by muscle car specialist StingRay 63 Builds BV in Zaandam. Since acquiring the car in 2018, the current owner commissioned a full service upon arrival in the Netherlands, a rebuild of the steering box and Holley carburettor, and has had all anti-roll bar bushings in the front and rear replaced with correct parts from Hall Pantera. The engine belts were also changed in June 2018 at 17,468 miles.

There are 16 original trunk and engine plate retainer clips included in the sale, and the car comes with all-new cooling and heater hoses, though these have not yet been installed. Finally, the headlights were changed for European specification items, and city lights were installed in order to pass the Dutch RDW inspection. The vendor has had the car professionally detailed twice during his ownership, including thorough cleaning of the interior and engine bay, plus degreasing and cleaning of the underside and exhaust system.

It was put through the RDW roadworthiness test in August 2018, and there were no issues to report. All four BFGoodrich Radial T/A tyres are around five or six years old, and have only covered some 600 miles, so they remain in excellent condition with ample tread.

Accompanying the car is a 1974 maintenance manual, the original Ford warranty card from the first ownership, a Stu Evans dealership folder, all previous US titles, plus a copy of last Arizona title as the original had to be given to the Dutch authorities upon the RDW process. A Marti Report is also present that confirms the factory specification, though there is no service history paperwork prior to the vendor’s ownership. Its original temporary spare wheel and jack are also present.

This De Tomaso Pantera L represents a superb opportunity to acquire a highly original Italian sports car with American V8 power. With documented ownership history, low mileage, and a remarkably well-preserved cosmetic appearance, this unrestored Pantera is sure to appeal to even the most discerning of collectors, and is ready to enjoy on the road.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.