quote:Did you do all the work yourself?
Mark,
No, I did as I now preach. I read ALL the old forum threads, I attended the Vegas Fun Rally twice, Concorso in Monterey twice, talked with about 40 sellers, looked at about 20 cars, and drove about 15 before finding 2511 on eBay.
I then went 510 miles to view the car - with another local owner who had just finished his Euro GTS restoration, by himself - and then bantered price for another three months with the seller.
About an 18 month process for me, but I got a bare-metal restored car, from Dennis Quella, with less than 5000 miles on it for less than the previous owner had in just the restoration receipts.
I got the car in November of '02 for $42K. I doubt you can do the same in today's market unless you happen on the right deal before anyone else.
And being in the Family will often let you know of a car prior to the owner actually listing it anywhere. This is where you can get a deal once and awhile.
A lot of folks thought I was WAY too picky, just a tire kicker and took too long.
They all fell in line when they saw what I wound up with.
Read, ask questions and attend any event you can make it to. And look at ANY Pantera you can find, for sale or not, whether it is in your price range or worthy of your consideration. Your level of knowledge will be increased with each car. Take another owner with you for the first few if you can - after about six cars,several PCNC tech sessions and all my questions, I was pretty confident in my evaluation skills - but understanding a Pantera does take serious study.
The Fever, as I call it, has hooked and hurt many before you. Take your time and do it right the first time.
Larry