Any good stories/advice for a rookie?

First of all I know your an honest person because not many people would admit to owning a Chevette!! Your story is not too different from the First timers that appear on this Forum. From time to time Sometimes Guys that have been around this stuff a long time need a Boost A Reality Check of why the hell are we doing this and why are we doing it with DE TOMASO cars so i appreciate your energy level One question you asked that i can answer...when stoped by law enforcement it's yes sir no sir and don't get them angry....Heck i remember the last time i got stoped the officer was not in a good mood....he yelled so hard i spilled my beer all over the car What a mess. Family/Friends first These are just Toys..Rob...

Learn as much about the Pantera as you can, Because you are going to be asked a lot of questions about it. That is, when they catch up with you. I remember once, being stopped, and filling with fuel, and having no less than three different parties asking me "What Kinda Car is That?", in the timespan of five minutes.(I have NO I.D. badges on the car at all,except for the 'DeTomaso' plate under the rear). Drivers were even coming in off the street just to get a closer look and ask questions. Second, try not to be "Smug" as an owner, commanding attention is what these machines are all about, and they do it so well. It "Goes with the territory",and is the highest compliment we can receive. We are all lucky to have these beauties, and are previlaged to be allowed on any highway, in a 30 year old car with 3,4,5,Hundred or more horsepower. Drivers will "Mess" with you on the freeways, DO NOT allow yourself to get dragged into their Insanity. When YOU have the "Baddest" Machine on the Freeway, and "All the Power Every Hour", You DON"T have to Prove a thing!! Just remember you were Fortunate to even find a Company willing to take a chance on Insuring YOU, and we don't need our Premiums going higher or policies being cancalled. Especially in a car with NO bumpers. This could be used, by your Insurance Company as a reason to VOID your coverage if you are ever in an accident; because bumpers are covered by Federal laws. Lastly, it will take about a Year before that Ear to Ear Smile leaves your face. I believe, "Always show power, at the right time!!". That means out on the Interstates where there is plenty of room for mistakes, and NO pedestrians; and NOT in town, in residential areas. And NEVER in your own neighborhood on the street where you live. Your neighbors may someday be called as wittnesses, and you want them to remember that "He always drove it "Cool". I do welcome you as one of our newest Pilots, and when Sringtime comes go drive it as she was designed to be driven. And think about looking up and joining your local club. Pantera International is a great start. All the best, Marlin.

[This message has been edited by MARLIN JACK (edited 02-05-2004).]

Oh Yes!, #5723

Brian........For starters, back in the mid-70's I worked at an AMOCO station where a Dr pulled in with a white Pantera. All I can remember was the sound, the cool shifter gate, and that one day he was "going after" the local guy with a hemicuda'.... I had to get me one some day........AND I DID (late 2003).

As for the other comments. I 100% agree. Heck, just last week when I went up to get my son from college, had numerous "thumbs up", compliments at the gas stations, and one guy on local rt985 slowed down to get right next to me in his Toyota Tacoma and give the car an AOK sign. (along with the folks that are amazed its a 1974).

As for road racing. I never would go for that. As I see it the Pantera has the sound and stance to command its own respect. I've not had a "ricer" yet look for a run. Let someone else abuse their machine.

Personally I dont' act smug, and should I every use the words "elite or high-end" on a regular basis (like I see in one of the Ferrari websites).........please shoot me.

Enjoy and treat the car like family, you will enjoy for a lifetime. GOOD LUCK.

Bob

Congratulations Brian!
Herels an old post to the DeTomaso Mail List of the Best Fixes for Under $20.
http://www.banzairunnerpantera.com/best_fixes.htm

Cheers!
Garth
#4033