In the heady days of the early 70s exotic European brands were bringing out supercars in a battle of speed and horsepower that has never really been repeated. Lamborghini got things rolling with the Miura in 1966, Ferrari had the beautiful Daytona and Maserati had the Bora. Highly tuned engines wrapped in beautiful bodywork was the recipe, and they remain some of the most desirable cars ever made, but that also left them to be temperamental cars to own and use, but there was an Italian alternative that offered something different.

Alejandro De Tomaso was a former racing driver from Argentina, who in 1959 founded the company that still carried his name today, De Tomaso. Always bold, he based his new sports car manufacturer in Maranello, the home of Ferrari itself. He hit on a formula that was perfected with the launch of the Pantera in 1970. Styled by Italian design house Ghia, it was every inch the exotic supercar that its rivals were, although it has a more aggressive look than any of them.

Built around a monocoque structure, a first for the brand, this mid-engined powerhouse didn’t rely on a highly tuned, temperamental V12, but a Ford V8, which gave the Pantera all the power it needed, a great soundtrack, but simple servicing and the reliability those other Italian supercars could only dream of. While the drivetrain was more familiar to US customers, and the vehicle was sold in the US through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships, it still had everything you want from a European supercar. Power assisted disk brakes on all 4 wheels, tight handling and a luxurious interior.

It broke the mold for US customers, and 5,500 were sold in America between 1971 and 1975. After that Ford stopped bringing them into the country after it discontinued the Cleveland V8 engine it used, but the model lived on for another 20 years, finally bowing out in 1993.

This example is of an early car that is presented in black paintwork with black leather interior. A great example of a well-loved machine, it has all the charm of the era backed up with some tasteful additions that give it incredible road presence.

Delivered new in 1972, the current owner purchased it in 1984 and has been meticulous in its care ever since. This vehicle was originally lime green, but has been resprayed in black, along with the addition of fender flares and an eye-catching rear wing for a unique look. Coupled with the 5-spoke chromed wheels, it is ready to be the star attraction wherever it goes.

Powered by the 5.8L, 351 cu in, Ford Cleveland V8 with Holley Carburetors, it left the factory with 330hp, delivering 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, and a 160 mph to speed. This was more than enough performance for the time, and this blend of European style and American muscle could go toe to toe with its more exotic competition, and the high torque engine is still in great condition today, with a recent compression test showing 180 psi on each cylinder.

Having had $35,000 work carried out over the last 4 years, including a full rebuild of the original engine, everything is done for the next owner. It comes complete with a full Marti report that confirms its build date and original specification, including power windows, tinted glass and air conditioning.

Ready to drive away, this 1972 De Tomaso Pantera is a superb example of this wonderful model, a useable classic that will turn heads like nothing else.