color fire storm bronze

Alex - You should have your car painted with modern paint technology. The automotive paint shops can match your paint up exactly. The Pantera parts book lists a 1971 Bronze Metallic as Du Pont 38801L. I would bet that you will be hard pressed to find a body shop willing to use the old paint technology of 1971. The new paint is much more durable. My opinion is that if the Bronze Metallic is the original color you should paint it that color no matter what it looks like. To me, there is just something about an original appearing car in excellant condition that really stands out as a true classic. I debated about repainting my 71 the original red (one of the most common colors in 1971) or painting it a Ferrari red. I went with the original color and I am damn glad I did. I will admit there are better shades of red out there but to me the original color looks right. It was a beautiful car in 1971, why screw it up with an unoriginal paint job?

quote:

---

Originally posted by alexander:
Hi: I have had my pantera in the garage now for the last ten years, its a long story, but now I have the means to start the restoration.I was told the color is very rare. Could anyone tell me how many metallic bronze (fire storm bronze) panteras were made? If not who could? The car is black right now and I would like to see what the original color would look like over the whole car. Have you ever seen this color on a pantera? Also I was wondeing if the car should be painted in ways of old or is it ok to go with base coat clear coat. Thanks for your time alex

---

Alex, the bronze metallic is indeed a rare color. My 72 is that color and it looks quite nice on the pantera. Having said that I would have the original color matched and painted with the latest paint and techniques as BD also said, you won't regret it....good luck on your project....Pappy

quote:

---

Originally posted by BD:
My opinion is that if the Bronze Metallic is the original color you should paint it that color no matter what it looks like. To me, there is just something about an original appearing car in excellant condition that really stands out as a true classic. I debated about repainting my 71 the original red (one of the most common colors in 1971) or painting it a Ferrari red. I went with the original color and I am damn glad I did. I will admit there are better shades of red out there but to me the original color looks right. It was a beautiful car in 1971, why screw it up with an unoriginal paint job?[/B]

---

The important thing to remember is that everyone has an opinion, especially, it seems, owners of these beautiful automobiles. Just because a color was the original color doesn't mean it is a good color 30 years later. We are talking early 70's, a time of some of the most god-awful paint colors ever. Unless you are doing a full concourse restoration I would pick a color you are going to be happy with. The gentleman in the post above says he has that color already and loves it. Ask him to send you pictures or better yet, if he is not too far, invest some $$$$ and actually go see it. The thousands of dollars that a really good quality paint job is going to cost requires something that you will be happy with.
I have a friend who did a first class full concourse restoration on a 66 (I think) Mustang fastback who painted it the original factory Emberglow (which is a metallic bronze color) that is one of the finest technical restorations I have ever seen (I used to own a Mustang parts business so I have seen a few) never wins at any shows because the color was so unpopular. He has entered the car against his other 65 fastback that is an older restoration and the red 65 wins every time.

Hopefully, you intend to keep the car, but you may also consider how your choice might effect potential resale. Bottom line you should choose what makes you happy and definitely go base/clearcoat, whatever color you choose.

Good luck
Gary #06984

To answer your question, no one in the U.S can tell you how many got this color except the Factory in Italy, and they will charge you for the necessary research. Ford destroyed all their records by the semi-truckload when Henry the Deuce decided to bail on the Pantera project. But in my 24 years of ownership and hunderds of Panteras viewed, inspected & driven, I've never seen one this color. I suspect the number will be VERY low.

If you go into the Detomaso Scrapbook and do a search, you will find photos of two cars painted this color. Mike Trusty's, and one other that has changed hands since it was added to the 'book. I think these are both '72's, and as I understand one story, there was a dealer that specificaly requested this color, even though it was not available at the time from the factory. The numbers were in sequence, one of them being #4220. I also seem to recall part of the story saying that this car was originally painted red, was pulled out of the line and repainted bronze before it was finished. My facts are probably a bit off, but personally, I think it's a gorgeous color, and my opinion and $2.35 will get you a Starbucks, so there you go. Good luck and enjoy the ride.