quote:Originally posted by Speedzone:
I am looking at a group 4 Pantera #5900. The research I have done says this is the first production model for 1974, but it is titled as a 1973, which I hear isn't uncommon due to Ford having not certified the early versions for 1974 emissions. How do I find out if this is a real group 4?
Simplest, most verifiable way is to look at the toe-box registration plate in the front trunk. 100% of the factory racing GR/GT-4s were "Type 874-A" while all street cars were 'Type 874'. The 'A' denotes a lightened, modified chassis that has never been successfully reproduced in clone-form.
Second way is to look up the serial number in Phillip Olszyk's "DeTomaso Macchine da Corsa"- the official racing history book which lists all GR-4, GT-4 and GR-3 racing machines (including those subsequently reworked by DeTomaso to GR-4 and GR-5 specs) ever built by the factory. #5900 is a converted street car built in Sept/Oct 1973; there are more of these clones around than the factory ever built. Some are well done but none have all the factory mods.