According to its knowledgeable previous owner, the Pantera L offered here was a Ford Motor Company test car that was subsequently sold to an executive “out the back door.” It later spent many years with two collectors, the last of whom used it very sparingly and only in the summer.

The Pantera was found to be remarkably and impressively original, including its Pantera Orange finish, the factory interior down to the carpets (protected since new by sisal mats), and even the four original Goodyear Arriva tires. As one of the former owners had scuffed the front end and installed a GTS emblem where it did not belong, the decision was made to selectively repaint the nose and front lid; however, such was the fine condition of the original paint that the new finish blends seamlessly. Similarly, a former owner still had the set of original Campagnolo wheels that had come on the car.

During the previous ownership, the Pantera was mechanically sorted, including re-sleeving the original brake master cylinder and rebuilding the brake calipers and clutch cylinders, while choosing to leave in place the Edelbrock intake and Holley carburetor installed by the original Ford executive owner. Ron Davis Radiators produced a new aluminum radiator, a faithful duplicate to replace the original, along with a new aluminum water pump to ensure cool running, plus fresh hoses and belts for turnkey reliability. Period Ziebart undercoating and winter storage from new had protected the undercarriage, although the previous owner elected to remove the Ziebart application and duplicate its original factory-style satin black finish in the refreshed engine bay. Accompanying the car are its set of original Arriva tires, a factory tool kit, original books and manuals, spare tire, air canister, and luggage tray.

Showing only 12,180 original miles, this De Tomaso perfectly balances superb, well-maintained originality with the subtle late-model improvements knowledgeable Pantera owners expect and respect.