1971 De Tomaso Pantera * Rare Early Production Car * Original California Car

1971 De Tomaso Pantera

1971 DE TOMASO PANTERA

EARLY PRODUCTION FORD SPEC PRE-L CAR - #1408

ORIGINAL CALIFORNIA CAR

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JONAS 310 600 1182

This 1971 De Tomaso Pantera is an early production car made shortly after the first “Push Button” models, recognized as a Ford Spec Pre-L vehicle. Its production number is #1408. Being an early production car, it showcases many unique features, such as the first-generation ZF 5-DS25/1 transaxle used in the Ford GT40, chrome bumperettes, a flat rear decklid, as well as a unique first year windshield and trim elements.The car was recently discovered in a garage in California and has since been preserved to maintain its original condition, while addressing known shortcomings like the cooling system and other items, along with the installation of fuel injection to make it almost a daily driver. This Pantera looks fantastic and can now serve as a daily driver if you choose to use it.

HISTORY:

The car was delivered and sold through O’Connor Lincoln Mercury in Los Angeles, California. It was purchased by the original owners, Harold and Margaret Imus. They retained ownership until 1995 when Joseph Wood of Burbank, California bought the vehicle. Joseph owned the car until March 2024 when it was found in his garage while he was showing a motorcycle for sale. He had not driven the car for many years, stating he was "too old to get in and out of the car." When asked about selling the vehicle, he agreed and was enthusiastic to learn it would be cleaned, serviced, and enjoyed again.

We have the original parts that will go with the car, like the carburetor and the air cleaner. We also have some documents that will go with the car. There are many registration documents, owner's manual, and even a letter to the customer from Ford Motor Company. We also have a copy of the original factory service manual that will be included.

VIN: THPNLE01408

ENGINE: FORD 351 5.8 CLEVLAND

TRANSMISSION:ZF 5-DS25/1

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Early Production, First Model Year Car #1408

- Original California Car

- 50,000 Original Miles

- Over $45,000 in Service & Upgrades

SERVICE:

The car has been cleaned, and servicing has begun. Over $45,000 was spent to restore the car to its current condition. This included servicing the heads, resealing the top end, replacing the water pump, alternator, and starter, upgrading the cooling system, and replacing all hoses and belts. The headlight assembly was rebuilt with a new motor and upgraded gear. The window felts were also replaced. New stainless "Big Throat" headers with custom stainless mufflers were added, giving this car an amazing sound. A Holley Sniper 2 fuel injection system was installed along with an electronic ignition system. You can literally just turn the key and go now!

EXTERIOR:

The car is in outstanding preserved condition. The paint appears original and is in excellent shape. There are no signs of accidents or previous damage. The chrome shines brightly and is in very good condition. The magnesium Campagnolo wheels were recently refurbished, and new BF Goodrich Radial TA tires were installed.

INTERIOR:

The interior is in remarkable shape. The dash, seats, door cards, and carpets all look nearly perfect. The gauges are in excellent condition, and all gauges and switches function as they should. The glass is also in wonderful condition. The factory stereo even works. Upgraded speakers and a Bluetooth amplifier were added so you can enjoy a decent sound system and connect to your phone while still retaining the factory stereo. A custom bracket was created to fit the stereo controls into the factory ashtray port, along with the fuel injection screen.

MECHANICAL:

Over $45,000 has been invested in service, repairs, and upgrades. All weak points in these cars have been addressed; the cooling system was upgraded with an aluminum radiator, two large fans, and new stainless tubes along with a high-volume water pump. The alternator was upgraded to 100 amps, and the starter was improved with a high torque option. A new AGM battery was installed, along with all new belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires, and fluids. A new Holley Sniper fuel injection system and electronic ignition system were installed. New stainless steel "Big Throat" headers and stainless mufflers were also added. With all the service work, repairs, and upgraded fuel injection, driving this car feels like operating a modern vehicle—just turn the key and go. It's very daily drivable now.

This is a very nice car to add to anyone's collection. Not only is it a very rare car that stands out at any event, it also runs and drives great with all of the improvements and upgrades. You can just hit the key and go now!

• Make: De Tomaso
• Model: Pantera
• Type: Coupe
• Doors: 2
• Year: 1971
• Mileage: 54091
• Color: Yellow
• Interior color: Black
• Vehicle Title: Clean
Want to buy? Contact seller!