Question Regarding the Original Pantera Outside Rear View Mirrors

stevedubaMember

I own a 1974 U.S. spec GTS. When I got the car, the plastic Dodge Omni/Colt outside rear view mirrors that mount to the window glass with adhesive were installed on it. The driver's side mirror came apart last week when I shut the door. I plan to restore the car over the next several years maintaining the original exterior appearance. It appears that for cars originally sold through Lincoln-Mercury in the early 70's, outside rear view mirrors were installed by the dealer once they reached the United States, using stock Ford mirrors that were standard equipment on '67-'68 Mustangs and other Ford vehicles through 1973. I believe the Ford part number for these mirrors was C7AZ-17696-A. Good reproductions are commonly available from most vintage Mustang parts suppliers for about $55 each. These mirrors can also be ordered with convex glass on the passenger side to improve rearward vision. This design/shape of the mirror is symetric so they can be used on either driver or passenger side, although it appears they were commonly only installed on the driver's side on new Panteras. Can someone verify?
Thanks,

Steve Duba

5/30/1910:41 AM

❤️ 0

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

cenglesMember

Dear Steve,

I agree with your review and research. It is what I understand about the original stock Pantera mirrors. To my knowledge, it is correct.

Warmest regards, Chuck Engles

5/30/196:46 PM

❤️ 0

rockyMember

I don't know that is the 100% Rule. My car had "Cougar Sport Mirrors" on it from the dealership (as best as I can tell)….

It's probably whatever the dealer had on hand - look at those nutty mirrors on the Elvis Pantera!

Attachments

Show

5/30/198:43 PM

❤️ 1

George PAdmin.

There was no one single mirror that was universally installed. The dealers installed:

(1) Ford/Mercury "base" chrome mirrors. See the pic below.
(2) Ford/Mercury "sport mirrors". Usually the Cougar sport mirrors.
(3) US or European aftermarket mirrors, racing mirrors, etc.

The installation of single or dual outside mirrors was not standardized either. By 1971 it was quite common for manufacturers to install outside mirrors on both sides of the car. I don't remember if that was the law however. Many Panteras were equipped with dual mirrors. 6018 was equipped with mirrors on both sides for example. I've seen a few with just driver side mirrors however.

The chrome mirror and the Cougar sport mirror both mount with two sheet metal screws, they don't mount very sturdily, they wobble pretty easily. They hug the windows very closely and don't offer much rearward vision.

Another "period correct" option would have been the '72 - '76 Torino/Montego sport mirror. It used the same "head" as the Cougar sport mirror, but a different mounting base. It mounts to the side of the door with 1/4 inch studs, and is thus much more sturdy than the mirrors mounted with sheet metal screws. It hangs away from the side of the car, and offers a little better rearward vision. Check out the Torino mirror on the Mangusta in the pic below.