Hi, Could anyone enlighten me on why there are so many different tail light lenses, and with various prices! All I know is that the euro lenses have an amber part on it. I am looking at buying solid red ones, except for the reverse light being clear. Thanks for your input!
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Euro Panteras were mandated to use amber back-up lights in the taillight lenses by international law. Maserati and a few other Euro cars used identical lenses. Similarly, U.S Panteras were required to have clear (or opaque white) back-up lenses. No rhyme nor reason for either rule.
Carello and Altissima made lenses for DeTomaso and Ford, with minor variations (Altissima used two-piece lenses). And then there were the so-called GR-4 lights used on the racers & adapted from a big Alfa sedan that was never sold in the U.S. Outside of personal aesthetics, more important is how reflective the interior housings are after 45 years. This affects the brightness of the tail, stop and back-up lights and maybe catch the attention of normally half-asleep drivers behind you.
...You want Tailights, You talk to the Guru of Detomaso Tailights...Mr. Larry Finch!
NOTE: Statistically, YELLOW Rear Turn Signals, are 'Noticed' (from RED Brake Lights) 28% More of the Time, than RED Turn Signals.
Good Luck in Your Quest
MJ
Note that of the various tail light lenses shown, the above 'Gr-4-type' will NOT work in std buckets because the reflective dividers inside are specific to the kind of lens used. For these, you need the whole assembly. Hall Pantera used to sell a 'conversion' kit so GR-4 lenses would work in std buckets. Haven't seen one in a decade. Also, all the tail lights are left and right handed so you can't take two left side units and bolt them on properly. Sorry, bargain hunters.
