Reply to "Which Pantera model from "investment" point of view?"

You are asking for certainties in a hard to pin down hobby. Here's why:

The factory GT5 & GT5-S Panteras set the pace for pricing in the US. These cars average $20K more than a Ford era narrow body in similar condition.

However, a 1985 factory GT5 is undersirable in California due to the smog inspection laws, the GT5 conversion would be more desirable if the new owner plans to drive the car on the street.

A Hall Ultra-Pantera is a Ford era Pantera restored by Hall, equipped with every "goody" Hall manufactured for the Pantera, and modified with wide body GT4 wheel well flares. Because these cars have the Hall name they can hold there own in value with any Pantera made.

Tony Pangaio is selling his GT5-S conversion, done by Dennis Quella, for $84K. That is a fair ball park price for that car, because it was a bare metal restoration/GT5-S conversion with Quella's name on it, and it is still in show winning condition. This car has won best of show many times.

Take a look at the club web site, cars for sale page. You'll see Roger Gossett's pristine AmeriSport and Tom Bechtel's wild custom with GT5 bodywork selling for the same price, and neither owner is asking too much, they are in the ball park. Tom Bechtel's car is another multi-best-of-show trophy winning car. Although it does not have a big name like Hall Pantera associated with it, it is acknowledged by all who have seen it to be a top notch representative of our marque.

Its not just "which model" holds the best price. Its where does the buyer live, what does the buyer intend to do with the car, what condition is the car in, which shop did the restoration (if it has been restored), etc.

The two modified cars selling in the $80K range both have close to $200K invested in them. You don't get your money back, so the car better be a passion, a hobby, and not an investment.

At the $60K you've quoted as your maximum price range, you will not get into a Pantera that will hold its value best, $70K to $80K does. $60K does buy you a bare metal restored narrow body, Ford era car. A rust-free restored Pantera is not a bad thing. Rust is the Pantera's enemy, and no Pantera with rust "issues" should sell for $60K, not even a GT5-S.

If you are basing your perception of Pantera value on eBay pricing, you will not have a good idea of the market.

By the way, I'm moving this topic to the ownership issues forum.

cowboy from hell