Reply to "Beating the horse"

Everyone on both sides of the original verses modified coin is generally easy-going and accepts other owners. I love De Tomaso cars, but in my opinion the owners are far more valuable than the cars. I hope each owner, no matter where they stand on this issue, realizes each De Tomaso owner deserves their kindness, and deserves respect. Nobody comes to the forums for disrespect.

In fact ... if a guy is having a bad day, a bad week, a bad month, perhaps a bad year ... one kind word from a forum member can brighten his life tremendously. We should all keep that in mind; I'm speaking to myself as well.

Generally guys who like original cars respond to posts about original cars, and guys who like modified cars respond to posts about modified cars. In other words if a member has nothing good to write they write nothing at all. There are exceptions of course, but don't take it personally, their opinion is no more valid than your own. Rather than focusing on the one guy who was negative, think of the hundreds of other members who weren't.

As classic car owners we all have no realistic option other than to roll with the market and accept the ramifications of our choices, even as those ramifications evolve. Most folks who can afford a Pantera are mature enough to realize there are ramifications to their decisions, they probably don't need to be reminded of that. The one thing that doesn't change is the level of respect we owe each other.

Panteras have gone up in value the last couple of years, but it is true the Mangusta prices really jumped in comparison. I've never had the Mangusta bug, but others love them as much as I love the Pantera. Buyers dictate the market. Was the Mangustas jump in price due to lower production numbers? I can't say. I am happy for Mangusta owners however.

Also realize the rising prices have attracted a whole new group of owners from other disciplines and marques, where value based upon showroom condition is taken for granted.

I am glad you are here Marc. Please don't leave us.