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13 replies

Australian buyer would like assistance inspecting a Pantera in Valencia California

W woodlesMember
Gentlemen,
I’m new to this forum and as with many new guys; I am in need of help.
Currently I do not own a Pantera but have wanted too for many years. Recent events have meant that I can now afford one (something that I never dreamed of), I’m on the hunt and I think that I have found one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-...antera-/131140904530
This vehicle is in Valencia, California. I am in Western Australia, and having never imported a car before, I am understandably nervous.
I have chatted to Joe Nardo of the Pantera Owners Club of Australia and he suggested that I ask members of the club for assistance.
I would like to canvas opinion as to whether anyone knows of this car and if so, what you’re honest opinion is of the condition of the vehicle?
I apologise sincerely for coming on the forum and immediately burdening you all with my requests for assistance, but I assure you I intend to be an active and productive member of the forum should I ever get my hands of a suitable vehicle.

Is there a mechanism within the US (or the forum) by which knowledgeable persons would inspect a vehicle and provide a fee? (In Australia we use RAC or AA, is this available in the US?)

Once again, thank you for any assistance you guys might offer and I look forward to my Pantera experience.
Last edited {1}
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demopuardemopuarMember
woodles,

Well, welcome to the obsession as they say.....

I cannot speak to this particular car as I am still frozen north of Chicago, but I will say that it seems that you have chosen a contender. I'm sure someone will pipe up on the west coast that hopefully can have a look for you. The 74's have the best electrical wiring in them, and it looks like Pantera's by Wilkinson has done some work on this car as it looks like his power window switches, but this may have just been purchased and installed by someone else too.

Whatever you do, I would highly suggest someone take a look at the body -- so you are definitely on the right path. Anything can be repaired, but bodywork gets expensive fast, so I would want the best body you can find, and it looks like this may be a good one to at least have a go.

West coast, anyone.........?

Best of luck on your search.

Mark
kingkingMember
from what i see in the pictures the car at one time most likely came from back east because its been Ziebarted. you can tell by the black plugs on door seals. the dash is cracked and thats expensive to replace along with the modified console. The best part of that car is that its a very late built Pantera. one of the last 4 imported by Lincoln Mercury.In my opinion if the car sells for over 40k the seller is doing quite well...
rockyrockyMember
Wootles -

I agree with you, and think you should keep trying to see if you can get someone knowledgeable to go over and look at the car for you.

I can not dispute what King posted, but just because a car was in the east for a while does not mean it was mistreated.....

Even if you paid time and gas money for an inspection you would be money ahead... If the car is bad, then you saved 40K+, and if it's a good deal, then good for you.

Hmmmmm... Valencia, California.... Are there any famous, knowledgeable, smart, honest and reputable Pantera owners that live, or have an office in that area? Perhaps someone who is well known on this board, and has a long-standing relationship with the DeTomaso Marque?

Hmmmmm....

I will mention that if such an individual exists, and is willing to look at the car, you should try to have him post his results privately. If his assessment is good, and he posts his response here, the price of the car could go higher.


Good Luck, although honestly, I hate to see us in the USA losing cars overseas.....

Rocky
Last edited by rocky
W woodlesMember
Sonny,
Not stuck on this one at all. I've bought classic cars (cars that I consider classic anyway. Mk 1 Escort, Tolbert Sunbeam etc) I've never been successful, I've certainly never turned a profit or even sold it on cash neutral, and whilst I am not buying this car to make money, I would prefer to limit my losses.
I would therefore prefer to buy the best car that I can and would love any advice and assistance that I can get.
Please guys, keep it coming.
W woodlesMember
Hi Tony,
Yes its me.
Feeling a little flat as I have just been beaten on the e bay bid for the red Pantera. Beaten in the last 2 seconds.
I had organised the shipping and downloaded the compliance documents and everything.
No comments from anyone about chickens, counting, and hatching please as I'm feeling a little volatile at the moment.
I would like to thank everyone on the forum who have helped me (particularly George and Joe). I am on a couple of forums for machining, CNC and 3D printing etc. but this genuinely the most helpful forum that I have come across.
Sorry to you all that it came to nothing on this occasion but I will find one eventually.

If the new owner of this car is on the forum (and I say this through gritted teeth) congratulations. enjoy your new toy.

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