The Pantera was the brainchild of Argentinian and former race driver Alejandro DeTomaso and then-Ford President, Lee Iacocca. Designed by American Tom Tjaarda of Ghia, it was a marriage of Italy and America: Built by DeTomaso Automobili of Modena with a body designed by Ghia and featuring coachwork by Vignale (both of Turin), it was powered by a specially tuned Ford 351 cubic-inch “Cleveland” V-8. The first units arrived at Lincoln-Mercury dealerships on May 21, 1971.

Priced at just under $10,000, its 310-horsepower V-8 with DeTomaso-designed exhaust manifolds enabled Car and Driver to record a 0-60 mph sprint in just 5.5 seconds. Road & Track named the Pantera its “Sports Car of the Year” in 1973. The car boasted technical delights such as a pressed-steel underpan, all-independent suspension, five-speed ZF manual gearbox, and four-wheel disc brakes. Power windows were also standard equipment. Changes in U.S. safety and emission regulations necessitated a redesign which Ford could not justify. 5,629 were sold in the United States, including 1,007 the first year, before economics dictated an exit from the U.S. market in 1975.

According to the Marti Report supplied with the car, this is an early production example with a July 1971 build date. It was originally delivered to Hollywood Lincoln-Mercury in Hollywood, Florida and first sold on 17 February 1972 (hence, it is titled as a 1972). It is equipped with factory air conditioning. Though not documented, it is believed that the odometer reading of fewer than 27,000 miles is correct. The original owner’s manual and repair manuals are included. The car is presently fitted with later Pantera L-style front and rear bumpers.

“Underhood, the factory undercoat appears undisturbed as does the interior, consistent with an original car,” says the consigner. He adds, “It has been well cared-for throughout its life.” During 2020, the car was treated to a high-quality, professional, body-on respray in its original color of Red. Says the consigner, “This car was not hot-rodded and is quiet and smooth, like an original car, with no signs of overheating while driving.”