Before buying a Pantera I looked at the 365 GTC/4, mostly for it's looks. I joined a Ferrari Forum, to get information and tips, before buying. I didn't get much help though, maybe because I was not an owner yet, maybe they have too many wannabees, Ferraris sometimes attract the strangest people. I remember when I told some of my colleagues that I was in the market for a Ferrari or a Pantera, many of them said "If you buy the Ferrari, I want a ride". They knew nothing about the cars, just that they would like to be able to say that they had driven in a Ferrari...
Currently I own the Pantera (and a Longchamp) and my best friend took "the other route", bought a 348. Driving our cars, they are very similar, except mine is definetely most noisy. When he drives behind me with his targa off, he says he can't hear his own engine
My friend is a capable mechanic like me, but because of resale value he lets Ferrari dealer do the service. I could buy an engine for that amount... In May he was unfortunate enough to bend a rear fender on the track. Insurance is paying, but engine needed to come out, so it was straightening+painting+service job. The car is not ready yet, he lost all summer
Had it been me, I would have fixed it myself.I tried to encourage him saying that there will be a few good days to drive even in November, but he says that the roads are too damp. I drive my Pantera in any non-rain condition.
My conclusion is that if you can fix cars yourself, don't have money to burn, like driving instead watching it in the garage and don't care about impressing other people, then the Pantera is best. Just my $0.02
As I saw in an article on this topic "The Ferrari is like marrying a prima ballerina. The Pantera is like dating a stripper. Who do you think has the most fun??"
