Denis C and the "new" DeTomaso

Can't resist. Yes, it was an experience I will remember for a long while!

Mark

that's it...?

Ok what's the deal?

Denis don't make me come down there!

its half scottish half irish humor from Mark, can't you see he's lolling away???

Hey, I'm half British and half American. Not a pint of Scotch or Irish in me. Of course, I am a lot more fun to be around after a pint of Scotch...

Mark,again I must commend you on the quality of your work. I have been left with mouth wide open a number of times looking at your photos. The detail in these are amazing. Keep it up. Rob6145

BTW congratulations Denis, looks like you hit the jackpot. Rob6145

OK here we go. As some of you know I was drawn( or thrust ) back into the world of DeTomaso last summer quite by accident. As a teenager the Pantera was my 'EXOTIC' as other cars were simply fantasies. Then in 1983 I was working in Markham and was offered a Countach at a good price but the owner flatly discouraged me from buying it as being too temperemanta(?) and couldn't be parked anywhere but your own garage. So I evolved in the new car market and the HotRod world. Fast forward to 92 and the Mustang passion kicked-in, then by accident in '95 i was introduced to 1035 an early red pushbutton cat. I called Hall's and again I was told to walk away because it being a pre-export car it would have many issues. Then in 98 another cat was available in Sherbrooke, it was in pieces and it needed to go fast the price was right but I wasn't fast enough. Then last summer Here I am working quietly in my garage and a gentleman comes up to the door and asks what are those motors. There 429SCJ and a 429CJ. WOW he says my boss has a Pantera. Good for him I said and he left, end of conversation.

Please allow me to apologize for my friend. He is easily distracted and often just drifts off mid-story...

And then what happened?????

Mark

An hour later a guys showed up and asked: How I knew he had a Pantera. I replied: I didn't know. He asked if I knew of anyone who would complete his restoration, so I offered to do it in my spare time. Heck I had restored a few cars in my time how hard could this be, I had the parts manual and the service buletins
When I got to the shop there were 20 boxes of parts and parts srewn all over the shop. What a puzzle !!
Over the course of my research I came across this board and realised there were a few Canadian guys posting a lot (guess who?), sent them PM's and started frindships. First Bohdan came over and offered his wisdom (and put a gentle fire under the pot). Then Mark and Andy came over, showed genuine interest, invited me to Kingston and literally set the room on fire. I challenged myself to be there with the Pantera. 6868 made it to Kingston (amidst a few setbacks and on a trailer). Had blast, met David and many of you. What a fun bunch of guys, friendship, a real club spirit.

Over the course of the fall and winter I was looking for a good Pantera and got to learn about Vallelungas and Mangustas. Then I found out about the Dr's Mangusta and decided that that was exactly what I wanted.

quote:

Originally posted by Denis C:
...Then Mark and Andy came over... and literally set the room on fire...

OK, just for the record, we didn't set the WHOLE room on fire...

...and then?

quote:

Originally posted by David B:
...and then?

Well, it burned for a while and then it just went out after we stopped pouring gas on it.

(Denis types really slow and I'm just trying to keep the audience interested...)

The price is very atractive, labour intensive but then I think a very special and rewarding car. I also came across 3 other cars needing restoration (here are 2). Indeed more expensive still interesting.

OK Mark, you calling me slow

Parallel research identified a long lost Mangusta in Toronto. I tracked the owner down and asked to see the car. He said it wasn't really for sale, but for the right price.... I set a date to see the car; same weekend Mark happened to be in TO and we went to see the car.

Then the owner politely delayed our meeting. We got the chance to go see Will and his baby.

Finaly we got to this warehouse filled with Italian toys and in the corner this blushing goose. Many Hums and Ahhs, (later mostly mine / Mark was holding back not to kill me to get the car) we got to an agreed price. And I drove home with a big grin on my face and in excellent company.

I went to pick-up the car on Thursday (April 30th). I tried to replicate the fire in engine bay but wasn't succesful, heck couldn't start it but I knew I'd figure it out. With my luck I drove back in the rain (again with an extra wide smile).

Ok so now 8MA1244 is sitting at home but she doesn't run. Sunday (like everyday) I go to the garage and oogle my new mistress, but today I have more time so I get the thinking cap on and a few tools. and determine I need a new fuel pump and battery. Monday I take a long lunch, amke a few calls and find the items. Get home early install the new items, wash the car and off I am to Mark's with the Mangusta (we want to surprise Bohdan)
Note: this car has not been on the road since 2002, I check the engine oil (it's clean) Brake oil and clutch oils is dark as coal. I have not had the safety inspection and the car is not plated. I was to borrow dealer plates but events made imposible to get them on time, so I just take a plate off my SUV, do a test run around the block, engine, brakes and trans sound OK. I have no idea what the switches are all about. Off I am to Mark's 35 Km's away)

The drive and show was a thrill. I expected to find the Mangusta very difficult to drive but it fits me like a glove, my only qualm is the resistance of the clutch (mental note- flush liquid and see if all is OK)

WOW
that looks like a beautiful, straight, original, unmolested car.... unbelievable...

Good find Denis!!!!