Test Drive!!

Sounds like a fair deal. The motor can last a long time if the previous owners changed the oil properly. You have a shift linkage adjustment to make. I'd jump on for the price. Keep in mind that the front end is not the original for that car. Well, a 72 is not supposed to have the full bumper. It should have 2 small ones. Check under the front for any suspicius welds or rust.

Here's a quick take on your driving impressions.

1. ZF not shifting correctly would be my second highest concern on a Pantera. If it's a linkage problem, ask him to fix it before you buy.

2. 75K miles are relatively high but not on an engine/ZF that hasn't been abused and has been taken care of with regular fluid changes.

3. A small leak here or there isn't a big deal for me. For some folks it would drive them nuts. Leaks can increase though.. Resealing a ZF is several hundred bucks..but considering your other issues, you may be looking at a minor rebuild. (a few thousand $'s)

4. Electrical may seem minor, but could be the most annoying and time consuming issues to resolve. How little?

5. $27K will buy you a Pantera with issues as you describe. So it could be a good deal. Remember, a large part of my Pantera enjoyment comes from working on the cars. Other folks don't want to deal with mechanical issues. That's fine too.

I mentioned my 2nd major issue is the condition of the ZF. My first major concern would be the presence of any rust in/on the rear support structure. If there's rust here..RUN AWAY fast... Major bucks to repair...unless you're a good welder... Rust elsewhere can be dealt with more easily.

Josh

JK I will go further than that, if you don't like working on cars, don't buy a car that is over three years old. Doesn't matter if it is a Pantera or a model T. Even if it has just been restored. If it is old, you will have to work on it. A new car under warrenty, someone else works on while you drive a rental car.

The L came in towards the end of the '72 model year. I don't know if there is a specific record of the switch over serial number. It is the L model that has the extended bumpers. If you have a very early '72 it is less likely they are original.

quote:

Originally posted by DeTom:
JK I will go further than that, if you don't like working on cars, don't buy a car that is over three years old.

Good point for normal folk like you and me.

But that Saleen S7 owner going on his 3rd engine... I doubt he even fills his gas tank!

Josh

JK, maybe you hit on the problem?

quote:

Originally posted by JK:

quote:

Originally posted by DeTom:
JK I will go further than that, if you don't like working on cars, don't buy a car that is over three years old.

Good point for normal folk like you and me.

But that Saleen S7 owner going on his 3rd engine... I doubt he even fills his gas tank!

Josh

I know Josh. I feel sorry for him. That is why I offered him to trade straight across. I am such a nice guy, sometimes I get too generous.