Pantera #3299, what do you guys think of this car?

VIN # 3299 is in line as a 1972 Pre L. Appears someone was going for the "all red" look. The pictures appear in the registry, having been posted recently with the car for sale through First Mate Classics, Tavares, FL. for $84,000, and, according to the website, indicates SOLD. Why it is advertised as a 1973, I don't know. From the pictures, it's a nice looking vehicle.

^^^Thank you for the information. I did speak to First Mate and they said it is a mistake in advertising and it is actually 1972.

It does have the chrome bumpers but somebody had a better idea and painted them red. An early 72 car had the 330 HP engine. "Numbers matching" doesn't mean anything on a Pantera especially the way this one is so unoriginal.

As far as what it's worth, that's subjective, but just know that these price increases have come to a screeching halt.

If this is your first Pantera I highly recommend you take someone knowledgeable with you to look at the car. There are several very experienced Pantera owners in Fla.

Is it my imagination or does the area around the engine compartment look like it has been seriously repaired. That area (among others) that is rust-prone.

Something has been done to rear section. Rear flares are slightly wider than the ones on narrow body cars. Also, looking at the photo, the decklid appears to be misaligned.

It is far from original and looks like rust repair in the rear by the shock strut brace.

If it fits your taste and the price in your spend zone, just ensure it is sound.

I bought my car unknowingly needing a ZF rebuild. You want someone who knows panteras to look at it.

quote:

Originally posted by Robbie:
Is it my imagination or does the area around the engine compartment look like it has been seriously repaired. That area (among others) that is rust-prone.

I don't think so. I removed the tar undercoating from my engine compartment, and it revealed the same pattern of spot welds.

A few other thoughts:
Aftermarket steering wheel is a plus.

Top rocker switch has a "courtesy" symbol, not headlamp. Make sure all electrics operate properly. This is suspicious.

Shift gate fingers have been milled out. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it might be covering up a worn or mal-adjusted shift linkage.
Turn signal lever is not original. Again, someone has been fiddling with the electricals.

New brake booster and masters. Look like Byers offerings. Big plus, but improved calipers on the front may be too much front brake. You may need to improve the rear calipers or install a balance valve to reduce the front brake pressure.

Wing - love it or not. Painted bumpers and door lock bezels can be corrected.

Euro tail lights. Nice!

Decklid release is changed. There is a box with a remote cable. Not bad, just different.

Aluminum intake manifold and black engine paint. It has been rebuilt, or at least,out of the car. Not a bad thing. Look for documents. Make sure the heads have a 4V casting stamp.

Mis-alingned muffler tips - not so nice. Can be corrected.

Aftermarket wheels and tires - big plus.

This car is red crazy, it looks like a lot of half done paint over, cover over, bad or incomplete body work, that rear flare looks in the picture to be riveted on and painted over? the restoration looks to be from the 90's,the interior looks good, but the engine bay?
this car needs a full inspection.

Looks like maybe GTS flares have been blended to the body?

Mike