I bought #5972 on 3/22/17. The vehicle was given a complete body/paint overhaul 20 years prior and was stored in a climate controlled garage until the date of my purchase.
The prior owner planned to make this a show car. He spent a ton of money on upgraded parts and when the car returned from the body/paint shop he installed the new suspension, brakes and tires. Unfortunately, shortly afterwards he went thru a divorce and was forced to sell the car to his friend who lived in New Orleans. 20 years later I purchased the car from his friend who during all that time did virtually nothing to the car due to the time/money his business required. In 2016 he bought a large mansion and was in the process of restoring it but ran into several major issues and was out of cash so he was forced to sell the Pantera. i heard about the sale on the PI classified section, called the owner, had a long discussion, scheduled a time to inspect the car and part and was thrilled with what I saw so I purchased the car and the parts trove.
My wife was socked to hear that I was spending a Lot of money to buy a car with no engine and lots of boxes of parts but I knew when I located an engine and completed the assembly project the final product would be amazing.
The 'Catch' - The deal I made with my wife included me selling my classic car collection for the funds needed to buy the car and (here's the kicker) I couldn't work on the Pantera Project until I completed the sale of my collection :-(
My collection had vehicles in various states of restoration. Some were drivers(rolling restoration) and others needed more attention. I spent a lot of time and money and It's taken me 4+ years but last Friday I sold the last remaining vehicle from my collection so now my full attention turns to the Pantera Project :-)
It's going to be a labor of Love building a 70's Exotic Supercar and with a little luck and help from my Pantera friends(i.e. Jim Demick and other Forum members) I hope to have it on the road sometime during 2021.
I'll keep you guys posted on the progress of this massive project.
Wish me luck and I hope to meet and get to know lots of Forum Members at future Pantera events around the country.
Yes, The time has (finally) come ...
