Reply to "Pantera Project Car Wanted"

Hi Richard, and welcome to the forum.

When I was a kid, a local guy was importing and selling Panteras. Occasionally I'd spot one growling it's way through our small town. Quite jaw dropping for a country lad back in the '70s, I can assure you. I probably lusted after one for 20+ years before owning one became a reality. But lots of other pursuits got in the way...

I agree that a car in your price range will take lots of searching. During that time, maybe your budget will grow too.

Learn everything you can about Panteras, like the cost/s of various parts and problem areas to beware of when inspecting a car. You'll want to find the best project candidate you can, and knowledge will help with that.

If it's your Grandpa helping, you might consider starting on a lesser car. Grandpas have a troubling way of passing away before us, and you should avail yourself of his presence while you can. If you fix one car, perhaps you can sell it for a profit and put the profit towards the Pantera you want. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to have him help you on a few cars.

A car dealer once observed to me: When you go to buy something, you want three things: You want it cheap, good, and soon. You can have your choice, so long as you settle for two of those. You want a good one now, it's going to cost you. A cheap one now might have some issues. To find a good one cheap you'd better be prepared to wait. But it'll likely be worth the time spent.

Good luck on finding your car and spending time with Grandpa!

Paul