Can anyone tell me what problem areas to watch out for when looking to buy a pantera. I have been told that these cars are known to rusty if not kept in a heated garage.
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Check Mikes' web page for this, it's very good. http://www.panteraplace.com/page57.htm
First, buy yourself a "Bondo-meter" also known as a paint-thickness gauge (looks like a fat balllpoint pen) available at paint & body shops. This will tell you how much non-steel is between the meter and the body at any place on the car, since its all steel. Paint is only about 002" thick so if your meter says theres 030", you can bet there's steel missing. The critical areas are: the quarter panel behind the drivers seat (because if that area is rusted, the engine, transaxle and gas tank need to be out for access!), the rocker panels (water drains tend to plug) and the bottom of both doors (same problem). Rust can realistically be anywhere, but those areas are truely miserable & expensive to repair due to access problems etc. Incidently, ALL European cars of the '50s-'80s had rust problems until they discovered coated steels, anti-corrosion coatings etc. Joining a local chapter of a Pantera club gets you instant access to knowlegable Pantera owners that live close to you, access to the Registry of known-good cars, tech tips and many other benefits. Lots of guys & gals join a year or more before they find THEIR Pantera and are better able to judge whats out there for sale.