How can I differentiate between ´72 GTS and ´72 pre-L cars both US and Euro versions?

The only clearly identified one of the four is the US GTS, which has  "GT" in the VIN number. The rest would be more down to due diligence from the registry or some wads of cash to Philippe Olczyk if he has factory paperwork. As I understand the Euro cars were simply taken off the line randomly as orders prevailed.

US verses European Pre-L. Very minimal differences. Safety equipment varied from one country to another; i.e. different side marker lights, different tail lights. Euro cars had Euro antennas and Euro mirrors, like Vitaloni. Gages are in Italian … Benzia instead of gas, olio instead of oil. Odometer & speedometer read in Kilometers. Coolant temp in degrees Celsius. Pressure in Kilo Pascals. US Panteras were NEVER equipped with adjustable seat backs, and were always equipped with the "Capri" steering wheel. US Panteras have 3/4 inch rear anti-sway bars, European anti-sway bars are 7/8 inch.

There is no such thing as a 1972 US GTS. They were ALL 1974 models, i.e. chassis numbers greater than 5900. Registered as 1973 models in California. Equipped with the big black bumpers. VIN starts with THGT. De Tomaso badges were replaced with Ghia badges. They were the only Panteras to do that. US GTS models only came in three colors, solid silver (not metallic), a maroon colored red, and a golden/orange color … I forget at the moment what it was called. The blacked out portions of the body were painted in gloss metallic black. All the differences mentioned in the first paragraph apply to the US GTS as well, except for the steering wheel.

The first Euro GTS was assembled on chassis 2014. BUT when the Pantera L came along, the Euro GTS was still equipped with Pre-L bumpers. So a GTS can have Pre-L bumpers, look like a Pre-L, but in actuality the chassis number is greater than 4270. Euro GTS built after #4270 still had front turn signals built into the bumpers, whereas the Euro Pantera L had front turn signals built into the front valence panel with "mini bumpers" without turn signals mounted above. The GTS offered performance improvements in order to homologate parts for Group 3 racing. Ventilated brakes, 650 Holley carbs (R4777), hi capacity oil pans, the "GTS" exhaust, Koni shocks with higher rate springs. There was always the distinctive paint job that blacked-out the sides of the car below the beltline and the trunk and engine compartment hoods (bonnets). The interior featured the use of higher quality upholstery materials instead of the man made materials employed in the Ford spec Pre-L Pantera. The rear 15x10 Campy wheels didn't come along until the Goodyear Arrivas became standard equipment, circa chassis 4270.

This is an early GTS, approximately chassis number 3500 (the 2500th Pantera). The bumpers are painted black from the factory. Notice the skinny 185/70VR15 front tires … the left hand bumper is crooked. 

I believe the GTS in the picture below is chassis 4509; i.e. the Peter Revson car featured in one of the US magazines (either Motor Trend or Road and Track). Notice it still has a Pre-L front end, Euro antenna, Vitaloni mirrors.

George, thank you for your exhaustive explanation. What was the original steering wheel for the Euro GTS.?

Couple other notes: 1973 Euro GTS had mouse hair dash,center section of seats were cloth type, radios were Becker Europa II , different seat belts,natural aluminum finish emblems on rear panel, gear leather shifter knob had a GTS emblem(not all),many had Carello front fog lights. However all should note that it is highly unlikely no two GTS's were built identical and same goes for options

eugenioinnocenti posted:

George, thank you for your exhaustive explanation. What was the original steering wheel for the Euro GTS.?

A 3 spoke Momo wheel as far as I know.

I don't think Mr. De Tomaso appreciated the "Ford" steering wheel.