The early 1970s saw the world awash with exotic supercars from thoroughbred Italian manufacturers such as Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini. These brands from Modena, Italy, have defined what European sports cars are, but there is another pioneer from Modena who took a different track. Starting out in 1959 building race cars, DeTomaso quickly made a name for themselves on the track, so much so they were involved in the Frank Williams Racing Cars Formula One vehicles in 1970.

Seeing the potential, this Italian brand was acquired by Ford in 1971, with founder Alejandro de Tomaso retaining 14% of the business. The first volume production car DeTomaso produced was the Mangusta from 1966, which features Italian design for the bodywork, and a Ford V8 for its power. In 1970 this formula was refined with the Pantera, featuring a Ghia designed body that could rival any of its peers, hiding an advanced steel monocoque that gave it the strength and stability to match them as well.

But while the supercars of the day usually featured high revving, and often temperamental V8s or big capacity V12s, DeTomaso used the proven and reliable 5.8 L (351 cu in) Ford Cleveland V8 engine. With 330 bhp on tap, it matched the competition for power and pace, but with high torque output made it a much less demanding car to drive than other Italian supercars of the era, especially around town. Coupled with the ability to buy a new Pantera from local Lincoln-Mercury dealerships, and it is easy to see why they because so popular in the United States.

While the big engine may lack the technical sophistication of contemporary Ferrari V12s, the Pantera featured the latest in design thinking. It shared the ZF transaxle with the Maserati Bora and featured newly designed power assisted disc brakes on all 4 wheels and a range of features that made it easy to live with. All Panteras came with electric windows and air conditioning as standard and made for a comfortable, thrilling drive. With a 0-60mph time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 159mph, the 5-speed manual Pantera is still quick even by modern standards.

The vehicle we have for sale here is one of the early vehicles manufactured in October 1971, and a remarkable one at that. Just one owner from new, as the Marti report shows, this vehicle was delivered in white, with the original sales receipt also included confirming delivery from Manhatton Ford Lincoln-Mercury Dealership, New York for the grand total of $10,128, delivery included.

The owner had it repainted to the beautiful red you see it in today, and enjoyed this wonderful car until a prevented them from using it. With just 17,700 miles on the clock, the vehicle then stayed in storage for 20 years. In 2022 it was lovingly recommissioned for the road at a cost of $24,000. An early car in time-warp condition, this is an opportunity to own and enjoy one of the very best 1970s supercars just as it was when Ford and Ghia Design combined to create it.

Sitting on its original magnesium sports wheels, this Pantera also came with tinted glass all round, power windows and air conditioning. The black leather interior is fresh and unworn, a testament to the low milage and careful storage that this special Pantera has enjoyed. This is as close as you can get to buying a new 1971 Pantera today, and it is ready to go for its next owner.

With its classic looks and trusty Ford power, the Pantera is one of the most usable vehicles of the era, and with its unique history and originality, this example is as good as it gets.