I am looking into buying another pantera and need to the the difference if any between the two models. Thanks
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The differences between a GT5 and a GT5-S are purely cosmetic.
A GT5 is essentially a stock bodied Pantera with fiberglass fender flares glued on. Between the flares and over the rocker panel is a 'running board' ground effect. In front is an 'air dam' type of spoiler.
A GT5-S is basically a re-bodied Pantera, meaning the fender flares are part of the fender/quarter panel stamping, done in steel (it is said that the 'S' stands for steel). There is nothing linking the flares together over the rocker panel. In front is a 'chin spoiler'.
Other than these exterior differences, the two cars are identical. GT5 bodied cars were available from the factory from 1980 to 1989 or 90. GT5-S bodied cars were available from the factory from 1985 to 1990. Both could be had either with or without the delta wing.
Here is a link to the P.I. 'Cars For Sale' page with both of these examples listed for sale. The GT5 is the white one on top, and the GT5-S is the yellow one right below it.
P.I. Cars For Sale
These both look like very nice examples. There are fans of the GT5 look, and there are fans of the 5-S look. It all comes down to personal preference. Good luck with your search, I'm sure you'll be happy either way!
Michael
A GT5 is essentially a stock bodied Pantera with fiberglass fender flares glued on. Between the flares and over the rocker panel is a 'running board' ground effect. In front is an 'air dam' type of spoiler.
A GT5-S is basically a re-bodied Pantera, meaning the fender flares are part of the fender/quarter panel stamping, done in steel (it is said that the 'S' stands for steel). There is nothing linking the flares together over the rocker panel. In front is a 'chin spoiler'.
Other than these exterior differences, the two cars are identical. GT5 bodied cars were available from the factory from 1980 to 1989 or 90. GT5-S bodied cars were available from the factory from 1985 to 1990. Both could be had either with or without the delta wing.
Here is a link to the P.I. 'Cars For Sale' page with both of these examples listed for sale. The GT5 is the white one on top, and the GT5-S is the yellow one right below it.
P.I. Cars For Sale
These both look like very nice examples. There are fans of the GT5 look, and there are fans of the 5-S look. It all comes down to personal preference. Good luck with your search, I'm sure you'll be happy either way!
Michael
Cyboman has it mostly right. However, both the GT5 and 5S have different inner rear wheel housings and frame rails. The wheel wells are straight and squared off compared to earlier Panteras. Cyboman is correct that the GT5 has both rocker, front chin spoiler and fender flares added on (molded or riveted)to a straight stamped Pantera body. But, the GT5S has hand formed, seamed and flared steel fenders on all four corners. Pat Mical suggested the GT5S body was one of the most costly ever to be fabricated on a production car. Differences are rather large regarding brakes. The GT5S had three piston, vented (all around) Group three racing brakes which were not standrd on earlier 71-74 Panteras. The GT5S came standard with a five row radiator. There is more but I have not the time.
Percy
Percy
Percy,
I was under the impression that a factory GT5 and a factory GT5-S had identical underpinnings. I came to that conclusion through some research, inquiries, and conversatons with more knowledgable owners, members and vendors. I've never heard otherwise until now.
It just seems unlikely to me that deTomaso would go through all the trouble of engineering and producing different inner rear wheel housings and frame rails for these two cars when they didn't even update the round frog eye headlights on the Si! If I'm not mistaken (and I can be), there are no mechanical differences (motor,trans,suspension,wheels) between the 2 models. Do you have any idea why they would've done this? It's baffling.
Michael
I was under the impression that a factory GT5 and a factory GT5-S had identical underpinnings. I came to that conclusion through some research, inquiries, and conversatons with more knowledgable owners, members and vendors. I've never heard otherwise until now.
It just seems unlikely to me that deTomaso would go through all the trouble of engineering and producing different inner rear wheel housings and frame rails for these two cars when they didn't even update the round frog eye headlights on the Si! If I'm not mistaken (and I can be), there are no mechanical differences (motor,trans,suspension,wheels) between the 2 models. Do you have any idea why they would've done this? It's baffling.
Michael