Some newcomer questions...

Not a simple yes or no answer. A low $20,000s car will need some work (alright if your planning modifications anyway). A car in the mid $30,000s shouldn't need much at all. Above this, should be mint. As to your question about modifications reducing value, that's not necessarily the case. Certainly purists would be less interested in your car, but then another group that appreciates performance, cooling, and electrical upgrades would value it more. Furthermore, you mention you want to drive it hard. Does this include limited racing action? Some all out racing Panteras have been offered for sale at much higher prices than stock. But again, racers are a third group of potential buyers. Just remember, anytime you modify your car (whether for racing or just your own custom expression), you'll never get the same money out as you put in. Frequently there are ads for cars with "$75,000 in upgrades" that the owners want $50,000 for. But don't worry too much about re-sale value. Once you own one, you'd sooner part with an arm than your pantera...
Happy Hunting. When you find your car, post it in the Blue Book bulletin board.
Steve Brownlee

Another thought: What year and type (gts, group 4, 5, 5s) will be a matter of availability, personal taste, and intended use for the car. If you do go with the '71-74 range, remember that the '71s and pre L '72s weren't subject to the same safety and emissions regulations. It may not be environmentally responsible, but it's nice to know that I can build my pre L engine any way I like.
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[This message has been edited by Steve3075 (edited 05-02-2001).]

Thanks, that's exactly the type of info I was looking for. That's a little more money than I had anticipated, but at least now I have a better idea of what I'm getting myself into.

When I say driving it hard, I mean primarily street use (daily driver, actually), but there could potentially be some drag racing for fun.

Here in GA, '73 and older cars aren't subject to emissions testing, so I wouldn't have to worry about that. If I understand correctly though, didn't the earlier models make more power because of higher compression ratios? Was this resultant of smaller combustion chamers, or dome pistons? How do the high compression engines run on 93 octane (or do they)?

Thanks

quote:

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Originally posted by Mustang:
Thanks, that's exactly the type of info I was looking for. That's a little more money than I had anticipated, but at least now I have a better idea of what I'm getting myself into.

When I say driving it hard, I mean primarily street use (daily driver, actually), but there could potentially be some drag racing for fun.

Here in GA, '73 and older cars aren't subject to emissions testing, so I wouldn't have to worry about that. If I understand correctly though, didn't the earlier models make more power because of higher compression ratios? Was this resultant of smaller combustion chamers, or dome pistons? How do the high compression engines run on 93 octane (or do they)?

Thanks

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If you�re in Georgia and near Atlanta stop by http://www.PanteraPlace.com to see the Atlanta Pantera group. There is also a bunch of info on buying a Pantera.

Mike

If you are near Atlanta be sure to check out Donut Derelicts on Mike's site - http://www.PanteraPlace.com/
Also, I believe that Georgia changed the emissions exemption to cars more than 25 years old. Models up through 77 should be exempt now.
JIm Hendrickson

Don't despare. Good cars are out there for good prices. I just saw a decent 72 sell on ebay in the high teens. I just bought a pre L 72 that I found on the internet also in the high teens. Mine is an unmolested low milage car with no rust. It just needed a couple of items to go through state inspection. Don't give up, they're out there. Happy hunting.

David