Owners Clubs

First, don't confuse U.S prices with European prices. Only about 50 or so GT5-S Panteras were ever imported to the United States and most of those were imported by Amerisport with no engines & legally finished by that company. Only a very few were privately imported, smog-legalized and are licensed to drive here. In Europe, the situation was considerably simpler and the prices often reflect this, but the model remains a rare item world-wide especially right-hand-drive models, and especially if in good shape and rust-free (all Panteras were all-steel construction and suffered the usual rust-bugs unless well cared for.)
Another factor is, the car went out of production in the late '80s, the founder died earlier this year and DeTomaso Automobili is now in liquidation (meeting in Modena next week to determine the fate of the remains), so prices are likely to be "unstable" for a while. I suggest you attend if possible just for the exposure. Many Euro members will be there, as well.

I also suggest you join a local club; the DeTomaso Drivers Club of the U.K, the Swedish DeTomaso Owners club, or the German DeTomaso Owners Club come to mind. In the U.S, there are the Pantera Owners Club of America (POCA) and Pantera International (P.I.). Joining one or more of these will not only acquaint you with local activities & educate you to the good & bad points of the car through their newsletters & tech sessions, but in most cases, when a car becomes available for sale, members will know of it before the general public, and may even be familiar with the machine. Attempting to do this all alone and in a hurry can be frustrating and expensive unless you are very lucky. Don't give up... this forum is a valuable resource as you've already found. Welcome to the family.

Prices have risen recently, as noted by Jack. Please note that there is a difference between asking prices and actual sale prices, as you've noticed. I've seen that car that had its price raised by 50% in the past few months, and think the owner is optimistic. Are you willing to pay 75K pounds? Is someone else? If not, then he is optimistic and the car is overpriced. There really aren't all that many of these cars in existence, and price fluctuates as demand and supply shift.

For what it is worth, I have to have my own GT5-S appraised for my insurance company every 2 years. I have put a lot of work into it since the last appraisal, but my insurance company raised the value of the car by 15K euros in two years. So my insurance company has decided that the market value has gone up by that amount in two years, so obviously the market has increased somewhat. 50%? I don't think so. But I guess we'll see!

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Charlie McCall
1985 DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S #9375
"Raising Pantera Awareness across Europe"
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/gt5s_1985

Sall;

Here's my two-penny's worth!

In the UK there are reckoned to be 21 RHD GT5S's, of which there are three currently known by me to be for sale. One is up for �45,000, one has recently had an offer of �47,000 turned down, and then there is the car that was offered at �50k and is now being offered at �75k.

The view generally held is that a GT5S in top condition should fetch at least �50,000.

In the most recent edition of the UK Club Magazine (I'm the poor sod that typesets & prints it!), there is an article on valuations that is well worth a read.

It is also well worth contacting Roger Brotton, our Club Membership & Technical man on 01226 321686.

My personal opinion is that as the car didn't sell for �50k, the increase to �75k is unlikely to result in the 'phone ringing off the hook!

If you are looking for a GT5S, I reckon that you need to budget �45-50k if you are after a good one. If you need to pay less, then left hand drive from Europe may be the way to go.

Feel free to call me if you want some more info - 07774 987731.

All the best

Derek Williams
Oxford, UK

[This message has been edited by delboy (edited 07-07-2004).]

[This message has been edited by delboy (edited 07-07-2004).]

Thanks for all your help fellas. I must say that the detomaso crew are the most helpful bunch of enthusiasts i've ever come across. Hope to buy you all a pint someday.

quote:

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Originally posted by Sall:
Thanks for all your help fellas. I must say that the detomaso crew are the most helpful bunch of enthusiasts i've ever come across. Hope to buy you all a pint someday.

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NOW you�re talking!!!! :-)))))



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Charlie McCall
1985 DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S #9375
"Raising Pantera Awareness across Europe"
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/gt5s_1985