Tom Tjaarda's Parts Needs

Is this another one of "his panteras" like the one sold at BarrettJackson that he really only owned for about 6 months and turned for huge profit?

quote:

Is this another one of "his panteras" like the one sold at BarrettJackson that he really only owned for about 6 months and turned for huge profit?

Those were my thoughts, too.

But I also found myself wondering if this part has now become one of our unobtainium pieces?

I mean, if Dave, with all his vendor and owner contacts, is coming to this forum, seeking out a private stash, I assume the vendors no longer have this piece on their shelves?

With all the cars now being returned to stock (Much more so than 5 years ago), this piece may be worth some big bucks if even the reproduction pieces are depleted.

Larry

The the steering wheel pads have been rare for some time, that is unless you know where to look.

The pad (like the rest of the steering column and turn switch etc.) is pre-facelift MK1 Ford Capri, so a trip to Ebay UK and you'll find them ranging from 1GBP to around 60GBP for a complete wheel. I checked and no current listings at present, but as many as 4 ended in the past 14 days so they do come up with some regularity.

You may have to obtain/change the motif in the center of the pad.

Julian

Thanks Julian. That is a good idea. The yellow Pantera owned by Tom is one he purchased from us several years ago. As far as I know, there are no intentions to sell it.
The other Pantera with all the new pieces on it sold for $100K at the BJ Auction, and I think after the auction fee, he netted around $90K. I don't know how much was spent for the car originally or on updating it, etc., but I don't consider that a huge profit. While we are on the subject of profit, Tom Tjaarda has never made a huge profit off of the Pantera and there have been so many times we have asked him for his help and valuable time on many subjects. I can't begrudge him for making one dime or a king's ransom off this marque. I think it is payback time for Tom.
As a historical note, Tom wasn't fully paid when he separated from DeTomaso Modena and had to sue to get his unemployment benefits, etc. Some design work he did went uncompensated. Even though he is over 70 years of age, he works every day including on the design of the forthcoming Pantera. If I had one of those pads, I would give it to him. Dave

Dave ,
Give Ken Brown a call in PA.
He was having them reproduced a few years ago.
Imsure he can supply one .
717-336-4913


Ron

Thanks for the good lead! DAve

I called Ken and he said his mold went bad and they aren't in production any longer. Thanks for the tip though.

Call Brian Graham @ 714-283-3926. I believe he had some made about a year ago. Chuck

quote:

Originally posted by Whiplash:
... Tom Tjaarda has never made a huge profit off of the Pantera and there have been so many times we have asked him for his help and valuable time on many subjects. I can't begrudge him for making one dime or a king's ransom off this marque. I think it is payback time for Tom ... If I had one of those pads, I would give it to him. Dave ...

My sentiments exactly. Anyone who knows Tom, anyone who has ever interacted with him, would not think twice to help him.

Better yet, if anyone has one to sell, please contact me, I'll buy it and donate it to Tom.

-G

I assume that he is looking for a perfect or near perfect center?
I will look at the ones I have tomorrow to see what shape they are in.


Ron

Thank you Ron. At this point, anything is better than seeing that hole in the center. My understanding is that this Pantera is his favorite color and very, very original. It was purchased from an original owner in fact. I think it will be a permanent part of his collection.
Thanks George for your comments too. I can appreciate that the BJ Auction car had only been in Tom's name for a short time before it was sold. However, we deal regularly with buyers that "flip" Panteras for profit at auction and sometimes own them for even a briefer time. Please don't hold it against him. He was surprised what the car sold for and basically enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame being on center stage which was one of my favorite BJ moments. If that car had sold for $35K would anybody have felt sorry for him?

Sorry if my comment came across wrong Dave. I don't begrudge Tom for making money at BJ on that car. He actually purchased it from a friend of mine. I was just curious if this new car was really for him or another car to sell. Either way if I had the part he wanted I would also help him out.

It is not a problem. Tom is such an amazing person, I feel protective to some degree. I am not sure what was disclosed as to how long the BJ auction car was owned before it was auctioned-off. It just shows how powerful Tom's good name is and/or maybe the purchaser/bidders liked those updates he created. Like I said, I think he was the most surprised person in the house! I liked how they tied Tom's presence in with the Corvette Rondine he designed and then bringing up the Pantera in prime-time was the icing on the cake.

Dave,
I have opne in pretty good shape. The emblem in the center has a few scratches on it but the pad is nice and soft with no tears.
Does he also need the plastic pert that goes on the back of the wheel?
Ron

Yes, please include the plastic part. Suggest what you feel is a fair price and he will be happy I am sure to pay for it. Thank you for being helpful. Dave

Pay the shipping from Maryland and it is yours!


Ron