Reply to "4.6 advantages or disadvantages?"

Certain modifications are welcomed by buyers, there's somewhat of an approved "list" in buyer's minds. Such as improved cooling systems, 17" Campy clone wheels, improved seats, brake modifications, gas shocks, electronic igntions, leather interiors. Even modifications to the body that upgrade it to GT4, GT5 or GT5-S status are OK, so long as they are done well.

Other modifications hurt the price of the car, such as body modifications outside GT4, GT5 & GT5-S conversions, or odd ball colors (like a pink Pantera).I recently appraised a Pantera $10K below its possible market value because the owner had installed louvers over the engine compartment in the rear deck and was runnng hot rod wheels (Coddington) instead of Campy clones. these are "hot rod" modifications, buyers want their Pantera to look like an Italian sports car, not a hot rod. That car would never sell at its possible market value with the louvers & wheels.

The majority of shoppers want to be able to drive the car on the street, so modifications that hinder the ability to do that will make the car hard to sell, and the price will plummit. This includes rough idling highly modified motors, heavy clutches, roll cages, bundle of snakes exhausts (can't use the trunk tub), deletion of air conditioning, etc...

The prices of GT5 & GT5-S Panteras remain about $20K above the Ford era Panteras. Hall Super Panteras run about the same price as a GT5 or GT5-S in similar condition. Normally the Super Panteras & GT5/GT5-S prices represent a high water mark. Seldom does any Pantera sell above those prices. That means $70K is about it right now, regardless of how much money has been put into the vehicle. That is the brick wall you ran into with your last Pantera Wes.

Later model Panteras are less desireable in states with smog inspection laws. In those states, like California, many buyers would prefer a GT5 or GT5-S conversion over the real thing because the older '71 to '74 cars are smog exempt. Of course, we have our share of GT5 & GT5-S Panteras here in California. The owners have either left the motor stock, or have found a way around the laws. I know of a Longchamp the owner would like to sell that I would love to own, hassling with the smog laws is what keeps me from persuing it.


George