DeTomaso Pantera poster.
Launched in 1971 with a price tag of around $10,000, the Pantera was produced by the de Tomaso company of Italy. Designed by famed stylist Tom Tjaarda, it could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. With its similar mid engine, it was seen as a serious rival to Ferrari; certainly its body styling was a superb piece of motoring sculpture.
In late 1971, Ford began importing hand-built Carrozzeria Vignale bodied Panteras for the American market. A total of 1,007 Panteras reached the USA that year. In all, about 7,260 Panteras were built and even Elvis Presley owned one. Production ceased in the early Nineties although the Pantera's heyday was between. Today, Panteras are extremely sought after exotic Italian cars; they are far cheaper to own and run than Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis.
(available at Art Of Motoring).
