Reply to "Pantera #7206 - GTS"

David,
I don't really have much to add that hasn't already been said. Do I drive my car? As much as I can. At least once a year I take a "road trip" that typically is 5000km or more, taking me a reeeeeal long way from home and to countries where I don't speak a word of their language and wouldn't have the slightest idea where to turn if I had a problem.

I do it (knocking heavily on any wooden object I can find) because I have confidence in the car.

Full disclosure is that I bought the car in Austria about 10 years ago, and I didn't make it home before it broke down on me. The first two years were painful due to mechanical problems, but that was a long time ago and I've had no trouble since.

Parts are easy to find, especially if you live in the US. Ironically, it is probably EASIER to find parts in the US than it is in Europe. There is an extensive network of suppliers who can find any part you need, and the prices are pretty reasonable if you consider the volume and uniqueness of the car. No, the parts aren't as cheap as a Honda Accord, but it isn't exactly a Honda either.

More food for thought: If you like the GT5S look, then I wouldn't rule out a conversion car. They have their pros and cons. There is more availability. A well-done conversion with a monster motor will be quicker than a stock factory 5-S. Depending on who did the conversion, they may have included upgraded, top-of-the-line brakes and other goodies that may be interesting.

On the other hand, if the conversion consisted of simply welding on fender flares are putting on big tires without making the other modifications required for the added stress of the monster rubber of the late cars, then you will quickly wear out or overstress certain components and have problems.

Many late-model Panteras in the US had to jump through hoops to comply with emissions, which may have reduced the available hp, espcially compared to an emissions-free Ford-era car.

In summary - a well-done and well-documented conversion car should have all the updates done by the factory and more. There are darn few GT5-S cars in the US, so the supply is much more limited.

On the other hand, an undocumented or incomplete conversion car would not be as desirable as a factory wide-body car. Food for thought.

Having owned both an 70's car ('72 pre-L) and a widebody (85 GT5-S) there is a significant difference in feel. But a 70's car that has been completely rebuilt from the ground up may be a different story.

Drive as many as you can before buying yours. It can be an expensive mistake if you buy the wrong car, or it can be a dream come true in the literal sense of the word if you buy the right car.