Reply to "Pantera #9008"

The coaches for chassis 9001 through 9100 were assembled by Carrozzeria Maggiora, Panteras built upon these coaches were assembled over approximately a two year period beginning mid-1976. There was insufficient strength in the torque box area, and these cars were the subjects of a recall, at the owners' expense. Carrozzeria Maggiora and De Tomaso had a falling-out, and the coaches of all subsequent Panteras were assembled by Carrozzeria Embo.

The Pirelli P7 tires for the wide-body Panteras did not come on the scene until about 1979, i.e. after Panteras built with Embo coaches had gone into production. I believe ALL Panteras assembled using Maggiora coaches where originally assembled as GTS or Group 3 Panteras. The GT5 coachwork of your Pantera was most likely a factory retrofit ... perhaps performed at the same time the car was taken to Modena for the recall. Therefore you are most likely correct, your Pantera was originally built as a GTS.

The front spoiler of your Pantera appears to be a transitional spoiler between the "flat blade" spoiler of the 1970s era GTS models and the spoiler that became standard for the GT5 models. If it is a factory spoiler then your Pantera's historical interest is heightened for me and other history buffs as it captures a design in transition.

Keep in mind the historic truth is what Peter, Chuck, and everyone else are interested in.