Reply to "Pantera #9250 - and GT5 history"

Phillippe they were simply called "GT4". You may want to refer to my comments on the previous page.

The wide body street Panteras were "born" in 1978, and 1978 through 1980 was an evolutionary period.

The factory used the term GT4 only a short time, perhaps a year and a half, no more. 1978 - 1979. They were GTS with Group 4 fender flares, Group 4 wheels, and just released Pirelli P7 street tires in 285/40VR15 front and 345/35VR15 rear. I believe the flares, wheels, and tires were offered as an option package for GTS Panteras. So GTS/4 is meant to indicate this.

Then in 1979 new body work was developed with "one piece" fender flares for each side, connected by running boards, and a deep front air dam that ties the two sides together. This of course was the GT5 bodywork. It was in response to the bodywork Lamborghini had developed for the Countach.

One or more GT4s were built with this bodywork then De Tomaso changed the name to GT5, circa 1980. So there are one or more GT4s that look like GT5s. I would suspect your list of GTS/4 cars includes both type of cars, those with Group 4 flares, and those with the new GT5 bodywork. But that is only my guess.

It would be worth Peter's consideration that the first Pantera (or first few Panteras) with GT5 bodywork was/were designated GT4 or GTS/4 by the factory.

At some point in this period De Tomaso decided that instead of building the wide body GT4 with GTS equipment, it should be offered as an "upscale" premium model ... with the best Group 3 brakes, the best Group 3 shocks & springs, and the best pleated leather interior with plush seating, etc.