quote:Originally posted by andriyko:
>>SNIPPED>>
Well, I don't post much. Read alot of posts. So, I guess I may have earned the right to go a little longer here.
Pantera prices and value ....
4) Reputation: I am with you 4NHOTROD. ALL DeTomaso's to my eye, are among the most beautiful Italian cars (Vallelunga, Mangusta, Pantera models etc.). Sight unseen, among the average guy, they have NO reputation or a mixed to poor one. As said, people are afraid of the unknown.
5) I am not sure if a Ford engined car is a major hinderance to value or marque recognition. Lotus used Ford engines in their Elan, Elise, Europa, Esprit ... Shelby used Ford engines in his Cobras. The average guy knows a Lotus, Cobra etc. The issue, in my view is marque/make recognition.
6) There is confusion between make and model. To the average guy is the Pantera a DeTomaso or a Ford? What is a Pantera? We may not be clear on the type of car we talk about. Ferrari, Mercedes, BMW, Lamborghini etc are makes.
DeTomaso is not a well known marque. period.
I am with Rob146 here. We need to drive our cars as often as we can. This will help in marque recognition - setting aside model recognition.
7) Finally, I have owned my DeTomaso since 1990. I have to get it appraised often for insurance purposes. I have seen the appraised value rise and fall over the years. AND, I still own the car. I know what I have. I enjoy driving it and all of the pleasure it gives me to own it. It has afforded me the honour of meeting many of you - and that, as the VISA Ad says "Is priceless".
I agree and well said. As an addition - and likely an unpopular one - the Pantera was given an early green-light for modification (some required, much not) which made them perhaps the original 'resto rod' but most assuredly NOT an 'original' de Tomaso.
The marque got masked. Markets need a standard value baseline; the Pantera kinda ventured off without one. Nowdays, I think this is why 'original' cars are starting to emerge as value leaders.
I say hold your head up high on the hybrid status, since it has serious value precedents. A Cobra and Tiger are 'hybrids' as would be any Iso (a late restored Grifo brought $225k at auction; more than a few over $100k) or a Monteverdi ("A WHAT???" says the public) as owned by car-guy extraordinairre Robert Lutz, who can buy what he wants. He says it's one of his favorite cars, 'becuase it's so driveable' referring to the servicing aspect.
The Pantera has the spec sheet to make it an investment, but as mentioned, it has gestated well beyond normal expectation.
I don't mind telling the world I paid $31grand for my car, and have put another $20+ in it while in pursuit of the 'hobby' aspect. I've enjoyed it a great deal. Sure, I could've gotten a 'turn key' or even 'better' car on day 1 with a check for same. Even though this mission was not for the money thats' for sure, I DEFINITELY DO CARE what it's worth.
Back on topic: Panteras will rise with the tide of the other 'known' makes or even obscure and highly prized hybrids. And fall right back wtih them, but at a lesser rate all around.
In 1990, I got $52,000 for a high #2 Pantera, just before the 'correction' of the market. In today's dollars, that'd be... well, I'm not that smart, but a lot more than $52grand.
A few Ferraris are touching their 1990 prices again. (MANY ARE NOT TOO) Some have well surpassed (Dinos).
My Pantera gets more looks than my Boxer, gets more questions, more acknowledgments (and I live in a small town) so I optimistically feel the value is "coming". I've been thinking that a while!
Get out there and show your car off. At least that'll raise the value to you. Isn't that what a hobby is?