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Just a quick "hello" to introduce myself and announce a new member to this awesome car community. Since buying my first "special" car, a modified 1991 NSX in 2008, I have dreamed of owning a Pantera one day. Well, that day will come Saturday morning, Sept. 25, when a Pantera many of you are familiar with, Purgold, will be delivered to its new home in Fountain Valley, CA.

I was daring and purchased this car sight unseen, somewhat uncharacteristic for those who know me. Let's just say I learned enough about this car and placed a certain degree of trust with the seller to feel good about consummating the deal. I'll post more info (pics, etc.) when I take possession of the car and give it a going over. I will say the car will have a new name since the current plate needs to be changed. It will now be known as "Purr Oro." Clever, eh?

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Welcome! Purgold (Purr Oro) has shown up for auction a few times in recent history, and it's felt like it hasn't had a proper home. It sounds like you're going to give it that home, and it's great that you're joining this forum to share your experiences with the car. Ask lots of questions, this is a great group of car owners that have helped me out on countless occasions.

You'll find there are lots of folks not too far from you; meet some of them for a coffee and go for a drive!

Here's a link to a map where a number of owners have plotted their locations (far from a complete listing, but it can help you find a few to begin with) -

http://www.mapservices.org/myguestmap/map/PanteraMap
Your car was well bought. Not only does 'Gold have an amazing history, particularly as a Best of Show car on the ISCA show circuit, you should know that its owner, George Peloquin (deceased) was a wonderful human being with a deep love for the marque. This car was no trailer queen and George drove it probably more frequently than most any Pantera enthusiast. Congratulations and enjoy this special car in good health.

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  • HH11182006v
Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. My Pantera arrived via transport carrier from Pacific Eastern Express yesterday right on time and with the right care and handling. I highly recommend using this company for vehicle transport. "Purgold" pretty much looked as I expected it to given all the photos I have seen. I spent half the day removing the driver's seat and remounting it so I could reach the clutch pedal. At 5'5" I had to do this with my NSX, too. The engine bay is the most spectacular feature of this car, the candy apple high quality paint job is next. As for all the gold trim, well if I end up keeping the car, that will get changed.

Unfortunately, the car needs a few things fixed. When it comes to cars, I have a simple philosophy. That being, to do it right and make the car drivable and reliable. The air suspension on this car is malfunctioning and it won't sit level. So, I plan on having a proper shock/coil-over suspension system installed. I attended a Pantera swap meet hosted by Precision Proformance in Brea. I spoke with Don Byars who is generally regarded as an expert on building and repairing Panteras. Don showed me a nice suspension set-up he recommended.

The Ford Cobra Jet 4.6L direct injection engine idles smoothly and has an awesome roar with the big bore exhaust. However, it hesitates and runs rough at full throttle. So, the engine will need to be looked at and adjusted as needed. Many gauges don't work, the gas fill feature is an issue and there are numerous others items. I know, what do you expect from a 37 year old car, right? My wallet took a major hit buying this car leaving virtually no funds to make repairs and changes. Since I want to drive it, I'll have to find a way to get the suspension and engine tuning work done somehow.

Here are a few pics of the arrival and my Pantera's crowded but new home...







Awesome looking garage Steve! Good luck with the minor issues. The suspension should be an easy one as all the vendors make bolt-on options. Hopefully the engine won't be too hard either as long as you find the right Ford-experienced engine tuner. You'll be tearing up the pavement in no time!

Mark
Good to see it arrived and you are pleased. The suspension is an easy fix yourself (or I can come help), and Byars could tinker with the engine as maybe it is something minor. My black 5S ran like crap when I bought it, but just a simple gas filter change fixed all that...so could be something simple especially if the car has been sitting. Get that puppy running so we can go to C&C! If it is not running well and no funds to work on it, just work on all the detailing, kiss it and love it Big Grin
Thanks for the heads-up on the eBay crook, Billy. I suppose we will never see an end to petty crooks and those completely without a conscience, morals and integrity- some of the keys to living a happy and satisfying life.

"I pity the fool ignorant enough to bid on an auction of someone who just opened an account with no feedback history."
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Congratulations Steve. You have bought an amazing car. Not because of the gold or silly suspension but because the paint and body is soooo perfect. I looked at your car in Vegas a few years ago and could not find a single fault in the Tom Hovarth paint job. The depth of shine was shocking!

When you make changes we have discussed - small rear bumpers, satin black trim around the windows etc and proper suspension you will have a very desirable car indeed. Oh, and you need to put the door handles back on!

Johnny
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