I am the new owner of #2458, a 1972 pre-L Pantera, and wanted to share with you my first four weeks of ownership.
The ongoing effort to find one at a price I could afford, and would be happy with, meant finding one with decent bodywork or at a price that the cost of bodywork would be a reasonable additional expense. Understand, I love turning wrenches, but I can’t perform quality bodywork. All those mindful people can have their quiet thoughtful moments, I just need a radio and a project in my garage to keep me happy. The time flies by I am never in a rush. Part of working on a car is learning about the model's nuances and history and making connections with like minded people.
The vehicle I bought is from Indiana. I've never bought a vehicle sight unseen and still don't like the process. The selling dealer posted 190 hi-res photos and 6 videos so at least I could identify a few weak spots. Ticking exhaust manifold, droopy headliner on the driver's side, bubbling dash skin, and a poor starting engine with 39k mi. I am the 4th owner. The body is nice, fresh paint in 1983 still looks nice, Wilwood brakes, alum radiator, MSD 6AL ignition, and no jack/car lift damage underneath.
I took delivery on 10/29/19. The hauler I chose was cheaper than another vendor, but the ordeal was a little stressful and communication was poor. It arrived 2 days later than I was told it would. I don't want to elaborate but I would go with the more expensive hauler next time.
It was super exciting to see it start up and back out of the trailer. The sound, the rumble. It was a little disheartening to then watch it stall and restart 3 more times trying to get it into my garage. Very mixed emotions as I wrestled with the high of new ownership and the lows of what the hell did I just spend a boat-load of money on to watch it stumble across my driveway. When it warmed up some, it ran better.
