Reply to "Buying a Pantera- more advice please"

Buying a Pantera that's already been restored, rust-proofed and professionally painted is the best route every time. I realize that everyone's taste is a little different, and the modifications done by a previous owner may not be your cup of tea, but it is easier to replace parts you don't like, for instance wheels & tires, mirrors, seats, steering wheel, intake manifolds, camshafts, mufflers etc than to repair a car with major issues. It will be less expensive in the long run too.

If you're going to go looking for an un-restored car in hopes of finding a bargain, then look at 1974 models. Car for car, they have the fewest issues and the fewest rust problems. If you don't like the big bumpers of the L models, they can be removed very easily. That's the path I followed.

There is quite an overlap in price between restored Panteras and un-restored Panteras in good condition. So don't limit yourself, look at both types of cars until you find the one that fits you. I also suggest working with Mike Mayberry, the former owner of Mayberry Lincoln Mercury.

-G