quote:Maybe I am weird, but who would want an original Pantera?
I guess I’m in the weird group with you David.
Not to ignite this old debate, but there certainly are differences between the interests and thought patterns of “collectors” vs. performance enthusiasts. I suppose the show car guys would be a whole other group to consider. There are so many variants.
I have had (for 24 years now) a mid year Vette roadster that was a basket case when I got it. Most would have relegated it to a parts car. It was never going to be a Bloomington Gold concourse car. I was straight out of college and more time than money (and probably sense). Today it’s a very nice driver, and has a very original appearance but the corvette purests would rip it apart. Special HP 327, 4:11 pos, 4-speed. –Nice driving small block car. The three years of swap meets exposed me to "originality" guys who seemed more interested in the hardware minutia, grease pen marks, etc than whether or not they could enjoy driving their cars. -Never really understood it.
I also have my doubts about how verifiable originality details really are on Panteras. It was low volume production with lots of running changes and dealer service bulletins.
I honestly mean no offense to the collectors in the group, but if your staring into the engine compartment of five speed, mid-engine sports car, with a V8, do you even notice it has a tie wrap on the wheel house brace?
My Pantera was a very original car, 15k miles or so, purchased from 2nd owner. Basically just had intake on up updated with aftermarket stuff (except air cleaner?), GTS headers/exhaust, 10” Campys, and older black re-spray. When I bought the car, I literally got a box with every part that had ever been taken off the car, right down to spark plugs, belts, old hoses etc. Based upon memory and that box of parts, I’d say the car is very original with some of the minor noted exceptions. FWIW, my car was finished with very light undercoat, very similarly to the subject car of this post and had (flat) black engine compartment. When I refinished the engine compartment, I saw no signs whatsoever of body paint. My car was a burgundy and black GTS.
You can probably surmise from this post and my gallery photos over in that section of the forum which group I lean toward. I don’t mind a little bling, but it’s gotta-go too.
Whatever your interests, there seems to be a lot of enjoyment available from Panteras.
Kelly