Reply to "2017 Spa Classic in Pantera"

The day was mostly about visiting Simon Vels. Simon has a few DeTomasos, I knew that. So I had asked if I could come by, no problem, but it was a 200 km detour, so with my now not so robust Pantera I wasn’t sure. Well, Mike said you have to go, Simon is a great guy and has many interesting cars. So I went. And Mike was right on both counts.

Simon is retired, and spends his time very well, maintaining a few cars, most of them DeTomaso’s, but he also likes Iso’s, who doesn’t? He has a few Panteras, Longchamps, and other DeTomasos. All in great shape I’d say. Pictures below, Simon are OK with these being posted here, but don’t share outside this forum please.

Simon told me storys and specs on most of the cars, and answered all my questions, both the semi-qualified questions on DeTomaso’s, and also the “I know nothing”-questions on Iso’s. Iso Grifo was my favorite car as a child, had a toy version. Don’t think I’ve ever seen one in real life, well I have now. 427 Chevy engine placed well rear of the front wheels, what a car.

I imagined Simon would say to me, pick one, but never sell it, what would you choose? Probably the Pantera SI. Always liked them, the spoiler in front of the windshield says it all… I don’t think it’s more beautiful than the original shape, but it’s so raw and over the top in an almost modern way.

I’ll let you enjoy the pictures, and if you’re near Amsterdam, I suggest you give Simon a call, again, very nice guy and his cars are worth visiting.