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

The lowest priced Pantera that is already optioned the way you want your Pantera to be optioned, that has no serious issues in regards to the mechanicals or the coach, is the best car for you or anybody.

You must also consider the vehicle inspection laws in your state, is there a cut-off date that exempts older cars? If so, then the older car is the proper choice.

The factory GT5 does not have a motor that is any more powerful than the earlier cars, and in fact it has more smog equipment on it including catalytic converters, if it is to be legal in certain states. The GT5 floor pans are dropped, but it has luxury car seating, not sports car seating. If you want sports car seating you'll still need to replace the seats. It has brakes better than the brakes that came stock on the '71 - '74 cars, but not better than the Wilwoods that are such a popular upgrade. The wide 15" wheels are not much of an advantage since tires for those wheels are near impossible to acquire. You'll want to upgrade to 17" - 19" wheels anyway. It has a leather interior, but so do many of the early Panteras in the $60K price range. The factory GT5 shocks are not modern gas filled shocks, they'll need upgrading just like the earlier Pantera shocks.

Whether you choose a factory GT5 or a modified early car, you are most likely going to want a car equipped with options and upgrades, the only difference being the early car will have non-original fiberglass flares riveted or glued onto it.

Now be realistic, a factory GT5 for $60K or a GT5 conversion for $40K are not mechanically sound cars. They are like my ex-wife, they have issues. Why do you keep quoting low-ball prices?

cowboy from hell