A 1970s Car That's Quicker Than Modern Supercars? DeTomaso Pantera

[@Number27]

If you enjoyed the video do please consider following me on Facebook, have lots of extra posts and content there!! facebook.com/number27vids/

[@gravitycat7874]

My father owned one of these. It was a beast. He rebuilt the engine right after he got it. Improved the ignition and put in an, at the time, experimental lunati cam grind allowing the cleveland to breath to well over 7500. 4000+ being where the ported cleveland heads really started to shine. Trick in the day was to go easy on the transaxle as this was a weak point in high hp builds limited to around 350 lb-ft. So, shift easy then push into it. It ran multiple times over 200mph and would run a 10sec quarter mile. Back in 70's a street car hitting those numbers was absurd. What a time machine. Wicked underappreciated in its day, all the way into the early 2000s. Brilliant vehicle.

[@ingleringlet-snipps3rd449]

A 10-second 1/4 mile in the 1970's is like a five second 1/4 mile in 2023.

[@gordocarbo]

@@ingleringlet-snipps3rd449 True...a real 13 second driver in the 80s was "Quick" and 12 sec cars were trailered to the track lol

[@ingleringlet-snipps3rd449]

Crazy how quick modern cars are!@@gordocarbo

[@gordocarbo]

@@ingleringlet-snipps3rd449 COmpared to 20 30 yrs ago sure but they dont hold up over time

[@Meowface.]

Putting down that 10 second quarter while being gentle on the drivetrain ? Or are you rolling the dice on it going boom

[@Doctorj63]

In 1972 I was working at the Ford Romeo Proving Grounds. One day while doing durability testing on a prototype Ford LTD I was out on the five-mile, five-lane, high-speed oval. I was running along at about 80 MPH in the bottom lane while a 1972 Pantera was circling in the top lane at 170 MPH. The sight, sound, and feel from the machine roaring past is still etched in memory!

[@Nellis202]

That is wild !

[@Dunkolunk]

My school teacher at St. Columba in Oxon Hill Maryland drove a blue with white stripe one. Her father worked for Ford. It was his car. He let his daughter drive once in a while. Us young boys loved the car. I missed the bus waiting to hear it start up..

[@patricklaska2409]

I remember driving really fast down a windy road with a 1990 twin turbo 300zx and I was flying.... I'm my rear view mirror I noticed a set of headlights gaining on me from a ways back I tried to push my car harder.... still the headlights are gaining.... and what eventually passed me was a Pantera.... I was impressed 👌

[@r.martin3494]

Nice anecdote, 2409. After it passed did you see something smoking in the woods at the deceptively sharp bend ahead? If so that will have been the suspension from the Pantera!

[@patricklaska2409]

@r.martin3494 na to focused on not crashing.... tunnel vision on the tail lights as he's was extending the gap 🫡... my adrenaline was peaked ... I had just raced a mustang and corvette beating them 5 mins befor then Pantera swinging slong came alone and me = 😫

[@mattcan69]

@@r.martin3494 😅😄😄😄😄😄

[@campervanbug7658]

Christine 😂

[@parrsnipps4495]

I had a 280ZX which I drove over 300,000 miles until finally selling it. It was a great car! I had to drive over a mountain in my commute and only 1 car was faster, a Pontiac Fiero. It was faster on corners. That Pantera seems like it has a stiff suspension but tons of horse power.

[@AB-jz9ns]

The Pantera brought the best of both worlds together. Incredible Italian body design and underpinnings with Detroit muscle all in one application. Iconic.

[@carlosdcardona5676]

Yet the mastermind was Argentinian!!!

[@AB-jz9ns]

@@carlosdcardona5676 Awesome!

[@randynewman6615]

From a comment here, kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIuueqKihc5_nJY: " Hi Nicole, Great job! Tom Tjaarda (charda) was a good friend of mine. He was born in Birmingham, Michigan of Dutch ancestry. Tom’s Dad John, designed the Lincoln Zephyr in 1937. Tom graduated from U of M in architecture and ironically an American, that designed an Italian car. His professor at U of M impressed by Tom introduced him to Pininfarina later he became head of Ghia design studio when he designed the Pantera. He married an Italian wife created Tjaarda Design Studio and lived in Italy until he died. The design in the DeTomaso logo is an Egyptian “I” for Alexandro’s wife named Isabella." So, the designer strictly is American!

[@johneddy908]

Actually, the "Detroit muscle" came from across the Pacific - Australia, to be exact. All of the Panteras' 351 Cleveland V8s were built to power race-prepared Falcons as Ford Australia was getting ready to switch to Sierra RS500 Cosworth turbos for the Australian Touring Car Championship and production of the Mazda-derived Ford Laser, that would soon come to North America as the Mercury Tracer, and Ford Telstar were about to begin local production at Broadmeadows.

[@johneddy908]

@@carlosdcardona5676, the blue and white vertical stripes in the De Tomaso logo salute the founder's Argentinian roots.

[@mikegoff7506]

I had a brief exposure to the Pantera during the summer of 76. I was driving S/B on US 395 in CA just soith of Madeline at around 10pm. The national speed limit back then was 55mph and I was rolling my old 66 pickup at around 65mph. I saw some headlights back a couple miles. US 395 has long straight stretches thru the high desert there. I checked my mirror again and the headlights were closing on me fast. I figured I was had by CHP, so I lifted and slowed to 55. Mere seconds later, a Pantera passed me at way over 100mph. I'll never forget the sound and feeling of that car blowing by. Man, I sure miss those times

[@ninji5226]

Still one of the best designs in any era. I would take one of these over a modern supercar anyday.

[@gordocarbo]

Truly analog car Id give anything to have one

[@TheMassdistortion]

You could wrench on it yourself. I would take one as well. Just the maintenance cost of the Bugatti Veyron, makes it impossible for me to own

[@stephensegal5187]

My Uncle Bill was contracted by Ford to design the exhaust systems for both the 351 and the 427. He said they were extremely restrictive, trying to shoehorn those Domestic V-8's into those tiny Italian Sports Car platforms....

[@Eiraart]

One of my bucket list cars

[@briannewman532]

The guy who lived in the condo under my grandparents in Florida back in the 80's had one of these, and every time he would take it out I would run to the balcony to watch. No other car left as much of an impression on me as a kid. It's easily my favorite, just a beautifully brutal car.

[@MrCarrera28]

Pantera is the only 70's/80's supercar to give the Countach a run for its money in terms of dramatic presence 😎

[@francistaylor1822]

They are tiny though so its not quite the same presence. They do look very very fast but not the same dramatic presence as a bigger cars

[@italianduded1161]

And the Ferraris

[@БранимирПетров]

Agreed, but let's not forget the Testarossa.

[@italianduded1161]

@@БранимирПетров 🗿🇮🇹

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Agreed - they’re tremendous!

[@tedgeldberg6498]

I have previously commented on your other two Pantera videos, but what the Pantera does so well (I own a 500hp '72 Pre L Pantera) is give you a thrilling ride by conveying a lot of feeling and rawness to the ride no matter what speed you're traveling at. Two weekends ago, I had the chance to drive a friend's Ferrari F8, what a snoozefest! It was completely devoid of any feeling, you might as well have been driving a Cadillac hearse. Sure it is capable of extremely high speeds and performance, but there's no fun, no thrill, no stimulation, it's just a bore to drive. I couldn't believe that I was saying to myself that I couldn't wait to get back into my Pantera where you are never without sensory stimulation. I will say regarding this particular car that you were driving, that it was considerably quiter than most Panteras, especially one with 600 hp roaring a midship. Obviously, this is your third Pantera video in the last few months, I think you're going to have to feed your obsession with one soon. As previous, if you ever venture over to Los Angeles, you're welcome to use mine for whatever time you're here. I usually only have time to drive it on Sunday mornings, so anytime. Interestingly, the seats in this Pantera look nearly identical to mine. Mine were C4 Corvette seats that we built up the bolsters a bit, and then diamond stitched them the same way in a contrast thread to match the leather dash's thread. Glad you're enjoying yourself so much!

[@Number27]

Agree on the F8.. it does give feedback but you have to be going ridiculously fast to get to that stage.. older cars like this are rewarding at much slower speeds! Thanks for watching and for your comment!

[@crazyoilfieldmechanic3195]

What carburetor, intake, cam and compression did your 500 horsepower 351 Cleveland have ? And where did the headers come from ?

[@gordocarbo]

Grew up in various parts of LA sfv. Feel the same about late models...for instance a TT C5 i looked at for a cousin Lamest feeling car ever. Dead..numb no feedback at all. It was a turd like most LS til the boost hit then it just spun Big deal..kinda useless other than bragging up the guys dyno sheet. To hear forum guys brag their C5/newer is so raw is hilarious. Stuck to 90-older vettes, lots more going on. Not allabout power

[@jonathanpeterson1984]

This car, the Muira, the countache, gt40 and F40 are my ALL time favorite OG super cars.

[@Redfour5]

GT 40, starts slavering...

[@rockyjohnson9243]

Used to have one, this was one of the only cars I've owned where the dots on the highway become a solid line. Also the sound the car makes is priceless. Mine was the GTS version.

[@anthonysalonek9462]

now why did you sell it

[@jamesofallthings3684]

Are you retarded or something? The only reason that's the case is because you were willing to speed in the Pantera and not your other cars. Top speed is only slightly more than most modern sedans and 0-60 is slower than most.

[@Redfour5]

"Been drivin all night my hands wet on the wheel..." kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ6UomSOpLOSh9E

[@TonyRule]

I've always liked the Pantera - even had one as a Matchbox as a child in the '80s. The simplicity over a modern supercar is a huge drawcard too.

[@nunofernandes4501]

I had one too! Was yours white on top and blue underneath?

[@TonyRule]

@@nunofernandes4501 I honestly can't be sure that but having had a look through some images I'm pretty sure it was was one with the orange engine compartment louvres and number 8 on the bonnet, which had light blue bumpers and 'PANTERA' on the sills - so that sounds like the same one you had. I had a habit of repainting my Matchbox cars with Humbrol enamel paint.

[@panosvrionis8548]

😊😊 you're that Old I had it too 😊😊 Was born1980 and had a full collection from my 13year older brothers

[@TonyRule]

@@panosvrionis8548 I'm a '73 vintage.

[@nunofernandes4501]

@@TonyRule mine had the orange louvres and the number 8. I loved that toy. And I was born in 73 too! All the best!

[@jamesstaggs4160]

One of the best looking cars of all time. The 3/4 rear view of the car makes me lust after them.

[@tumslucks9781]

It looks like a Tonka toy.

[@Number27]

yes thats one of the best angles.. those massive tires...

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Best looking car ever from the rear view

[@simonroberts5882]

As a Ford man my all time favourite car was the GT40!The Pantera 351(cu in)was a great engine!❤V8s🏁

[@petergraham9267]

Can't believe it!! I was lucky enough to get a ride in this very car at Goodwood recently (the owner is best friends with my brother in law). What a BEAST it truly is! This is a great video, but nothing on camera can convey that sense of grunt when she's accelerating hard......not shouty like a Ferrari, but more like a Saturn V rocket, utterly relentless until you're going just too fast! 😂😎 This car was my Top Trumps Ace card when I was a kid, so it was unreal to get a ride in one all these years (decades!) later - thanks Johnny! A fabulous car, beautifully restored / modified!

[@anthonybertrand6529]

Jack’s facial expressions during the first pull were hilarious. It’s so clearly a monster of a car.

[@johnross775]

No doubt you can see he's in true love with this one. Funny and happy video.

[@leolopezvalido1892]

What a fab video Number 27! I think all of us viewers skipped a heartbeat when the rear started to slide.. well caught Sir! What a beast of a "restomod" with that torquey engine and especially those Willwood brakes. Absolutely awesome! Amazing that Mr. Tjaarda's design, although 50+ years old, has aged so well and is as spectacular as ever.. A big thank you to Tom for lending you his car and to you for puting us all in that driver's seat..

[@Number27]

Glad you enjoyed it Leo and thanks for watching!

[@harrywalker968]

@@Number27 a windsor revs easier, but less torque.. the clevo was designed for trucks, torque. it has better valve design, bigger ports. valves. & doesnt need alloy heads. this is why they made the clevor, windsor with clevo heads.. i think the windsor has bigger internals.. possibly was going to be upgraded to a big block.. dont know.. it still used 298 heads,, restricted to hell.. hence clevo heads.. FE heads are even bigger flow..

[@harrywalker968]

@@Number27 the owner,,should of kept the clevo.. i had one that pulled,,till it blew..or you stoped accelorating.. best engine ever built, 385 series cleveland.. he should of droped a 460 in it, just all alloy everything to reduce weight.. now theres a torque monster.. flat tops, mild cam, job done. wheel spin in 15th...forever..

[@harrywalker968]

@@Number27 stroker kits,,not a good thing, there usually from chev specs, crank, which are tiny.. plus, the pistons are very close to the bottom of bore.. a 302 cleveland is over square. which is what you need in an engine..only made in aus.. not u.s.

[@danmyers9372]

@@harrywalker968- I’m sorry but you have it backwards. The Windsor was built as a torquey, lower revving 351 and was used extensively in Ford trucks and mid sized passenger sedans. The Cleveland was the more performance 351 with far superior head flow that allowed it to breath better at higher rpm’s but sacrificed a bit of low end torque compared with the Windsor. I owned a 1970 Mach 1 with the 351 Windsor back in the mid 70’s. That engine, even with headers, better ignition, a dual plane and a 4 bbl Holley was totally done by 5000 RPM’s. I lusted after the Boss 351 Cleveland engine back then. Those engines easily would rev to 6000 RPM’s.

[@thatcheapguy525]

Jack, you've got the best job in the world. the Pantera is proof that brute-force and ignorance can be matched to beauty and grace.

[@johngalt2054]

I grew up in Rockville, MD. In the center of town in the late 80's was Thoroughbred Motorcars. They had two GT5-S'es-- One red and one white. Beautiful cars. Loved the Countach, too so this was too easy to love. Also, there was a Lotus dealership and Loved the Esprit Turbos. Great video!!

[@stratocrewzr]

My Dad used to have two Panteras. I remember the clutch being super heavy for a 17 year old. Beautiful cars.

[@stratocrewzr]

@@What11235 Black and Red and a black and yellow.

[@gixerloon]

What an absolute treat and what a well turned out example, growing up in the 70's, the Pantera was always one of those halo cars I lusted after and my 2nd favourite Italian supercar after the Miura, perhaps if the lotto is kind to me one day, I might be in the position to own one, and that sound track with a big snarling V8 just lovely.

[@neilreid2298]

What a glorious machine! Legendary V8 in this fantastic chassis, and what a looker this car is. They don't make them like this anymore... Thanks for the fun vid!

[@szpg]

The sound of the engine and the exhaust are the type of music I would listen when go on Holiday. The Music of adventure and pure joy.

[@videowilliams]

Oh the soundtrack on this video was glorious for a start! No music and no pauses, nothing but a learned voice-over on top from a driver who clearly knows his stuff. That is a teeny-tiny road you had to drive on to my V8-manual-driving Australian eyes, but you still made it feel thrilling, and my feet even started to hit clutch, brakes and accelerator in sympathy with your moves.

[@ubatooba8467]

Phenomenal review or this car! I can't afford one.....but I sure wish other youtubers did their reviews (on whatever item it happens to be) this well. Lots of useful info, the kind you need, and explained so well that you can almost imagine what it'd be like to bedriving one of these machines! One of the best reviews I've ever seen on anything! THX

[@ryanmccormick2150]

The pantera is one of my all time favourite car's..... It just looks exactly the way a child would draw a super car..... it's awesome 😎.... excellent stuff as always Jack 😉

[@paula200]

A beautiful car and it doesn't look old in 2023.

[@ANDREWSAMY562]

I'm not an easy guy to impress when it comes to cars but this I'm absolutely taken by.

[@wombatsauce]

I'm deep green with envy! Pantera has always been one of my all-time favourites and one of the few cars I thought I would someday have to have some day. Ever since I was a kid and had a Matchbox version the car has stopped me in my tracks. The white with the aggressive muscular changes looks fantastic and the sound is so great I had to play it again. Sort of reminds me of the high-speed chase scene in Bullitt but without their apparent 15-spd gearboxes. Thanks for this video, it's lots of fun. Can't imagine what it must be like to jam down a road in this!

[@bramesque]

I can feel your Pantera love!

[@romper4444]

15spd gearbox hahaha so true

[@blaster-zy7xx]

Always loved this car. Exotic looks with big raw American power that could be serviced by any mechanic with normal ford engine parts. Great!

[@ArbitraryOutcome]

I know the Pantera was also an icon in Japanese car culture, too, being the earliest car to break the 300 km/h barrier there if I recall (especially given the 70s and early 80s).

[@roberth7894]

Beautiful car. I saw one in the wild back in the early 70's. A successful local chiropractor was a car nut and parked one of these behind his office, us kids would ride our bikes up and peer into its windows with amazement!

[@stevie-ray2020]

Vividly remember sitting behind a Pantera (standard width) in traffic in the early 1980's, as it was the only car I've ever been able to see over the top of while driving my modded Mini Clubman!

[@peterhoare3219]

Little known fact: DeTomaso did a cosmetic and mechanical upgrade on the humble little Daihatsu Charade It was literally a giant killer on rally tracks I had one for axwhile, imported to Australia from Japan. Recaros, Nardi stuff, bigger motor (1.6 instead of 1.3 🤣), LSD, 4 wheel discs BRILLIANT little hot hatch 5,000 were made Won so many rally championships Down Under it was embassing for Subie WRXs, and Mitsui EVOs

[@user-pn3im5sm7k]

Ok I'm a corvette guy and googled that thing. Looks so damn awesome. Bet it drives great too...what a score. Love 80s cars. A Japan-Italy alliance is always welcome ;)

[@peterhoare3219]

@@user-pn3im5sm7k It was SUCH a blast..... I got a full Bilstein coil over and poly everything. You put me on a set of twisties against a 911 (true), and the Charade would go around it everytime. Of course straights a bit different, but I'd catch him....... I should NEVER have sold it.....but I wanted to get it supercharged at huge expense After spending $5k on a full-on Alpine sound system It was the money hungry GF who HAD to go.....😭

[@bebobism]

You don't have to have super powerfull cars to have fun. I own 3 modified cars , a 1970 GTO 462 ci, a 1977 Mini Clubman 1380 and a 2005 Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 turbo. The mini is by far the most fun , not only for the driving experience but also the reactions from people who see me driving it. The Daihatsu looks like tons of fun.

[@waynefontaine5533]

Asian designed and manufactured cars suck mansack, I don't give a damn what anyone says to the contrary, and besides that, how could you send your money overseas where it helped further enrich some already wealthy a*sholes at Daihatsu?!! I have only owned, and will only own, American made vehicles...I'm just sayin...

[@gordocarbo]

@@bebobism Love those old minis even the older 600? Hondas. Friend had a driveway full of both, wasnt even old enough to drive but would be over there all the time watching him wrench THe late minis dont appeal to me one bit

[@__belial__]

This is the perfect 80s super car in my opinion. Driving gloves, ray bans, pink button up with big collars, sound system playing some synth wave, and this. That’s an amazing night

[@bryanst.martin7134]

Thanks for the ride. I rebuilt the 302 in my '70 Mustang in a unheated garage in Maine, and drove it to LA. Visiting mom and all. Left there to go to the rental in La Mesa, and made it in 1 hour. Wife asked about when did they paint solid white lines on I5? "they're still dots, Honey, please don't distract me..." 6 lanes, 5 were going backwards at 70 mph, and they were doing 90. There was 3 in this little gambit. I was zooming in to every head ahead of me. Are they set, are they looking to change lanes...? I did not want to look like a Daytona 500 pile up. Man who taught me to drive was Black Flagged at Daytona in '68. Won his case and raced.

[@lyedavide]

You are so lucky to get to drive a car like this! It is a beautiful car and its styling, like a good wine, has aged so well. It doesn't look dated at all. In fact it looks so much better than the majority of modern supercars. It has that certain presence and character that new cars simply cannot compete with. Great video!

[@harrypalmer291]

The reason it doesn't look outdated is because it has been completely modernized and optimized with today's technology. The original car did NOT look or run anywhere near this modern restomod.

[@bultronlagore4932]

@@harrypalmer291that’s not true at all.

[@canucklehead0]

Now how much fun was that beast!!! For me, there is no other car that has the looks and the power that those Pantera's do. They're quick, even in stock form, they look as good as anything that came out of the Ferrari and Lamborghini stables from the same time period, they are infinitely more usable ( some folks still daily drive their big cats) combined with that glorious noise and well,.....I may be a little fond of the cars!!! Glad this one had the lower seats, you looked much more comfortable, even when your eyes got REAL BIG after that pull where I know you easily pulled 60mph in about 4 seconds and hit the shy side of 115mph on that pull?? Thank heavens it was like the old Top Gear Boys used to do and never break 55mph (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)! As always, a Fantastic review of a classic car!! Please keep the episodes and the segments coming,...Cheers - Dave

[@DarrenLamb-on3py]

We can do more than 55mph here in UK. The max is 70mph.

[@canucklehead0]

@@DarrenLamb-on3py Hi Darren, we can legally do 70mph/120Km/H so actually about 74mph but only on certain roads. However, in my comment I was eluding to the old Top Gear videos when Clarkson, May, and Hammond used to test certain cars in the USA. They would show the cars from the outside going very fast and then cut to the interior and you could hear the engine whining close to it's limit but the speedometer always showed 55Mph. It made for a funny video and that's what my comment referred to. Have a Fantastic day!!

[@DarrenLamb-on3py]

@canucklehead0 ah right. Yeah you too.

[@stephendickinson8454]

Enjoy your test drives and comments. I am no Ford expert but I vaguely remember the last Panteras had 351 Cleveland's exported from Australia when they stopped putting them into Falcons over here. Also a good blue printed Cleveland could rev to 7000+ as demonstrated by the Falcon GTHO Phase 3.

[@galactica1980]

Yep, they had to source Cleveland's from Oz when they couldn't get anymore from the US. I think Oz also exported blocks etc to Nascar teams in the 80s too??

[@aussiebloke609]

They did indeed get their 351C blocks from the Geelong foundry in Oz. Sadly, De Tomaso had to revert to Windsor blocks in later GT5-S models after Oz ran out of Clevos in '88, before changing again to the 5.0 V8 in the early '90s.

[@chrisbraid2907]

The Pantera carried the Ford engine well. The killed Phase four Falcon was incredibly powerful but was sending the most politically incorrect message at the time and I believe that killed it. I have an AU Six that’s just the right big car for Australia. Thirsty around town but great on a trip and towing … De Tomaso found the right engine for their supercar …

[@paulpaintshop103]

I had a Cleveland in my Cobra replica, boy did it go

[@rossgirdeen3247]

Cleveland's rule

[@user-fz2ul7wl2d]

I grew up in the 1970s. I loved these cars as a kid and now as an adult. The low end tourqe in these cars is unbelievable. I commend your right foot desgressiong

[@Redfour5]

I saw that rear end start to go that you mention at 10:30 into the video. It was at 8:59 into the video... I was with you drivin and I got that feeling in my stomach watchin you and remembering that feeling you get just before you catch it. Love it. I drove on a few times back in 74/75. It was a beast with that big Cleveland...

[@glen7228]

I was never a Ford guy but the Pantera was an exception. This white one looks amazing.

[@timcheek5134]

I was never a chevy guy and still not!

[@dudenamedclem]

The Pantera is an absolutely stunning example of blending engineering and design that was years ahead of it's time, can still keep up performance and aesthetically with the cars of today and this modified version completely sets it apart from the rest. Thank you for bringing it to us to enjoy!

[@r.martin3494]

Just one problem, unlike “cars of today”, it also liked to wrap young men permanently around oak trees along with Lancia who's chassis would snap in two with a good impact.

[@alexcawthorne811]

The engineering in fact was rubbish and basic. Build quality was poor...but it looked great and was very fast.

[@FakingANerve]

@@alexcawthorne811 Concise and factually based. Thank you! They're fun, but they were little more than a drunken kit build... which in a sort of sadistic way make them even more to drive. It's like trying to ride a horse that's trying to kill you.

[@alexcawthorne811]

@@FakingANerve Totally agreed...a bit like the British TVR brand...completely crazy cars, hard to drive, too powerful and you needed to be a good driver to handle the power.

[@XX-121]

@@alexcawthorne811 basic compared to what in 1972?

[@SharpblueCreative]

Gorgeous looking thing. Used to dream about this in the 70’s when playing with my Matchbox version.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I had a couple of those - I was very fond of them!

[@jimhays2772]

I worked the Rick Cole car auction in Newport Beach back in 88 and drove everything over the course of several days and will never forget what this car felt like. The motor right behind you vibrated throughout your body and it felt like you were a lightweight extension of the engine and the car just FeLT amazing!

[@gilerd77]

I was lucky enough to have two neighbors as a kid with these, one across the street was stock, the one down the street was blown! Black paint with a backwards facing intake. The thing would take these corners in the neighborhood like it was on rails, with that blower whine and loud exhaust. Us kids couldnt breathe we were in such awe. I remember it like yesterday, almost 40 years ago.

[@plunder1956]

What an amazing sound that car has. A man I knew from work in the 90s had one. He got it high centered on a mini roundabout & it slowly rotated perfectly balanced like a child's top. What a wild car.

[@fartzr.schmelli3351]

I love the fact that owners did/do whatever they want to them. Every Pantera is a one of a kind!!❤

[@JF-lt5zc]

This. And because of it, they have the value they have. If you did it to a 308 it would be less 'pure' and therefore less valuable. Love the 308 but the Pantera is my number 2 dream super car next to a Miura.

[@jsalemi9711]

@@JF-lt5zc Pantera is not a super car! It is a low HP kit car, nothing compared to European cars. It's a Ford!!! The body looks like a race track car and that's it. The chassis were stack up on outside racks in Italy for month's adding rust issues to them Ford through a Cleveland V8 in it and now people think it's a super car? What ever makes one feel FUZZY and WARM on the inside.

[@JF-lt5zc]

@@jsalemi9711 The Pantera had 380HP, mid engine build, Ghia designed body and chassis (monocoque design, not widely used even today except in exotics), and looked unlike anything of the time. The Lamborghini Countach wouldn't come out for 3 more years after the first Pantera release in Europe and it could arguably be directly inspired by the Pantera. As for dishing on Ford, whatever. Ford had already handed Ferrari their asses in Le Mans and other races in the 60s - just because they could. The convenience of being able to easily source parts and have any shop work on it certainly led to the Pantera's appeal. Plus, with the aftermarket for Ford parts even back then, the HP could easly go higher. Looks are subjective (I think the Countach is rather ugly and prefer the Miura) but you can't deny the incredible design and looks of the Pantera, especially when lined up next to cars of the early 70s. It's competitors were Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Lotus, etc. Not sure how else to classify it other than super car, or in your parlance, a 'race track car.'

[@ClassicTrialsChannel]

The Pantera has always been one of my fav cars since the 70s. as a kid I had a model of one. still have it.

[@wagonmaster1974]

Back in the mid/late 70s, had a lot that dealt in exotic and supercars. I took a yellow 1972 Pantera in as a partial trade. Drove it for about a year. Finally, someone bought it for asking price. No haggling. I'd set the price a bit high, but the time came. Tons of fun car. A bit tricky as I m 6'3" with big feet, but doable. Worth the effort.

[@dallisb1047]

Jack. I admire the fact that you know your driving ability. Unfortunately, most of us do not. I used to be one of those. Every time I see a Pantera on the road (which is not often) I get excited. Nice job as always.

[@ericprentice1269]

Got into kart racing, thought I was pretty good until these guys in the same class (TaG) at Autobahn in Chicago came flying through the corners past me. I knew then that I didn't have the right stuff. I'd recommend karting to all kids to learn driving skills.

[@gmanblue2026]

My father worked for Ford in the early 1970's and brought one of these home for a couple days when I was a kid. I remember going down an onramp to the freeway at 80mph (ramp rated at 40) and going so fast on the freeway that the white striped lane lines looked like a solid stripe.

[@SK-xv3hn]

I actually just stumbled on this. I have a lot of unique cars and some I bought in the early 70's. I bought a silver DeTomaso Pantera about 50 years ago for $7,500 and it had a small dent on the door. I debated the money but bought it. I actually pulled the dent out with a toilet plunger. I sold it for 10 grand a few months later. I bought a '67 427 Vette I still have to this day. but, I did own a lot of cool cars between '65 and '75. The interior on the Pantera was a little cheap looking but OK. It had headers installed, suspension stiffened, and inexpensive upgrades available for a ford engine. I kept a XKE for many years and they were both tight for a big guy like me. I recently sold a '57 MB Cabriolet I bought in Miami for $1,250. I probably owned 6 Porsche 356 cars. All for under 2 grand. Muscle cars could be bought that cheap into the 80's. Like a '69 GTO I bought for 2 grand. I still have buddies and my wife from then and constantly hear (not from my wife), don't you wish you still had them. They're thinking of the money and I just love my wonderful memories. I still have my 4 keepers and that's OK. The Pantera was interesting but not in my top 10 or 15 I wish I still had. It was very uncomfortable for me. Then again, I'm 6'3" and 185lbs. I just watched a little and it was enough. I don't like American engines put down by saying they go everywhere, or words to that effect. Where could a kid get a muscle car that can outrun any British or Italian car in the 1/4 for chump change and repair it cheap. I once had a Sunbeam with a Ford V-8 and that ran pretty good. But don't forget they were selling Pantera's for more then a Shelby 450. They just didn't sell well but it was still a lot of fun to drive. My '67 427 Vette and my '87 Porsche turbo give me more thrills then it did! OK, got too wordy about the old days. Back to finding Scotty on a problem.

[@MrBluoct]

Those winding, bumpy roads are 🆘☠️. What a next level performance beast. It’s great the owner allowed this to be featured Thanks!

[@TrustyZ900]

Used to cruise around in a yellow '72 Pantera.Wonderful engine and sound. These cars were really cool looking. The only thing that slowed it down were the slots the gearshift lever had to follow. I was in love. Seen one with a 426 hemi in it, Real tight fit.

[@mikewysko2268]

Beware that 600hp doesn't sneak up on you and send you off sliding into the feild. Magnificent machine.

[@bmstylee]

Well. It is a Ford powered car so it might identify as a Mustang.

[@mikewysko2268]

@@bmstylee lol 😂

[@yannyburger]

​​​@@bmstyleewell you know, some people have what it takes to drive a Mustang, what with all that power while others would be better off sticking to something more their speed. Like the bus🤷

[@ONTHEEDGEFRED]

​@@yannyburgeran LS powered bus at that, all the while, drinking a bud light staring at a picture of Caitlin Jenner. LMAO

[@simon704]

600 lol the 1970s had 331hp and the 1980s 345hp

[@samuelb6960]

The Detomaso Pantera and Mangusta are two of best looking sports cars of all time.

[@leviathan351cleveland3]

I was a Ford tech at Fairway Ford in Greenville SC in the 80's. I was the electronic engine controll and drivability tech there. A customer brought in a red Pantera with a 351 cleveland 4v heads. It had ignition system problems, found a loose ground and fixed it. Got to test drive it.......I hit 150 in that car and have wanted one ever since. Found a straight away with little traffic on I-85. Had mustangs with Cleveland's but some day mabey I can get a Pantera.

[@HobbitHomes263]

One of my dad's pals was the VP of sales at a big Ford dealer in Illinoisin 1973. At unrip age of 17 I got to drive a Pantera and an AC Cobra on the same day. When I got out of the Air Force I bought a 69 SHelby GT500 with a bad tranny for $1800. I rebuilt the transmission and drove that car for 30 years and sold it in 2005 for $62,000

[@sams8591]

The stance of this is just perfect. Absolutely outstanding. I feel nervous just watching you drive it. Sub zero cool.

[@brianiswrong]

What a nice example, useable and reliable mechanics, a carb to fiddle with on a saturday afternoon for a sunday blast.

[@mtnbound2764]

what a wonderful car! i love the looks on the pantera, and this one is done up just enough to bering up to modern expectations, while looking mostly original! love the huge carb filter sticking up right behind you!

[@klaunwelt4404]

The delight on this man’s face is a joy to behold. What a glorious video.

[@squarewave808]

I love the number plate on this car, because it’s telling you exactly what you’ll get if you’re driving around in one of these.

[@daniellee9015]

Absaloutly brilliant video jack ❤👍 what a beautiful car she is and that engine noise amazing

[@terryhand]

Maybe it was the colour, but this was the definitely the best looking of the three Panteras.

[@resnonverba137]

Agreed.

[@chrisdown2591]

What an AWESOME beast of a car. Pantera's were always the unappreciated second cousin to the Countach, but that one is better! And I mean that wholeheartedly, the sound, the looks and that stance, just amazing!

[@stephenscholes4758]

You prefer the sound of pig-iron v8's to wailing v12's...??

[@mmg6282]

@@stephenscholes4758 Sure do.

[@bringbackdislikebutton6452]

That engine has the perfect note. Was a treat to listen to you row gears. Lovely. Just lovely.

[@Nellis202]

I’m not a car-a-holic. Yet I can’t see why this channel doesn’t have at least a half a million subscribers. Confounded !

[@Number27]

That’s really kind.. thank you!!

[@rogernorman2621]

I owned a Pantera GT 5 followed by a Countach and I can tell you the Pantera was a much better car to drive. They shared the same tyre sizes(345’s on the rear) but the Pantera had better handling. It was less expensive to maintain as well with its American V8 and German gear box mounted on the rear. It also sounded better in a very raw way. If you wanted a more refined drive then you may have favoured the Countach but I always felt that a proper sports car should feel a bit of a hand full and having had the rear out on mine on quite a few occasions I can certainly vouch for that!

[@BoBo-pl3ww]

Most Lamborghini countach's are over 300k. You rich asf or what?

[@rogernorman2621]

@@BoBo-pl3ww i owned these cars back in the 70’s 80’s and 90’s. They were still expensive and I guess money being worth a lot less now, they were relatively expensive to the value of money then but todays prices have gone silly much like property. To a certain extent , the internet has mucked things up because every one knows the value of everything by doing a google search. Back then pre internet, it was possible to find bargains even at auctions.

[@Iffy50]

What do you own now? How old are you? I'm 51 and the Countach and the Pantera were both on posters I owned. That said, I feel like comparing them to modern supercars is a little silly. 0-60 in 5 seconds and top speed of 180mph was a huge deal in the 1980s, but now that doesn't even tip the bottom of the supercar category in my opinion. The latest Corvette is doing 0-60 in about 3 seconds and top speed is 194. I feel like that is the new bottom level entry to the supercar category.

[@michel7971]

😅😅😅

[@leechilvers4782]

Can you remember the Registration of your GT5? I also owned a GT5 many years ago.

[@danmyers9372]

I actually got to drive a 1971 Pantera back around 1975-76. It definitely was a beast and the sound of that Boss 351 right behind you was intoxicating. They were a bit tricky to drive with the offset foot box, the low roof (I’m 6’2”) and that horrible gated shifter. The ‘71 was the highest HP year in stock form (I believe the only year with the actual solid lifter Boss engine). It also had much more solid suspension bushings which gave it very quick steering but also made it a little more jittery on rough roads.

[@johndeeregreen4592]

I got to drive a 1973 Pantera back in the early 2000s. I was only moving it across town to our shop, so I didn't get to open it up. I'm 6'5" and 260lbs, and cramped is the understatement of the year! That offset control setup was tough for me... on top of my height, I also wear a size 16 boot.

[@erickmobyii5099]

@@121staslthelco ZF transaxle, 351 Cleveland with massive Holley carb, gated shifter, was FAR from a luxury car. It was a brute. Had a 74 until ex wife sold it while I was on a business trip. Still haven’t forgiven her.

[@guybuckman8228]

Didn't come with a Boss 351. Came with 351C 4bbl.

[@stevenpike7530]

Raw, wild & fun…(very fixable/maintainable)…love it.

[@tedgeldberg6498]

2 weeks ago I got to drive a friend's Ferrari F8, and I was highly disappointed. As you said it was absolutely not "raw, wild, and fun," you might as well have been driving a Cadillac hearse. It was devoid of feel, devoid of fun. Ferrari sucked the life out of the car. All I could think of is how quickly I could get into my'72 Pantera, and experience exhilaration again. Not that my Pantera is as quick as the F8, but the feeling on the buildup to speed is much more exciting. I even prefer my 200,000 mile Jag XKR to the F8, more fun!

[@stevenpike7530]

Hey Ted….bang on mate…I drive an 89 G body 911 because I prefer the analogue driving experience….hope you have many happy miles in the Pantera…regards Steven.’ @@tedgeldberg6498

[@ralphaelalfaro6023]

In '75, my shop teacher, Mr Walsh(BGHS) a 'Vette affecciando bought a Pantera. Listening to him talk about it etched an impression in my mind that still lives on. He also once brought in a Delorean for us to see, along with a dozen of his personal Corvette builds. He was visited by hollywood for technical advice before the filming of "Corvette Summer", and "Gone in 60 Seconds". He Inspired dozens of students to persue automotive carreers and businesses. I did not succeed there, but have managed to hoard a small stable of cars which include keeping my dads '68 goat, and his '63 GMC pick up. I've added to that a '60 Galaxie, '65 beatle, '66,70, and '71 Ghias, and a '69 3/4 ton chev pu, '73 318 Duster, '73 and'74 914's, a '79 Vette, and some other "junk". Operative word here was hoard but it keeps me happy. Shout out to Mr Walsh. The glean in his eyes as he talked about cars.

[@baldbastardo]

I've never had one, never drove one and only seen a handful in real life. But these cars left an impression on me from the first time I've seen one and are near the top of my coveted cars list. Even after all these years. Pretty special if you ask me.

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

For something crudely made in a shed it's rather spectacular.

[@MrJdubbya36]

I was looking at either a Pantera or building a Cobra kit car or a 308. I ended up with the 308, probably the worst choice financially, but I don't regret a minute of it. It was a blast to own for over a decade and got lucky almost breaking even after putting tons of cash into it over the years. But man the rear end on those Panteras is so sexy.

[@davebarron5939]

Beautiful car, always loved the Pantera's and THIS ONE is extra special. Cheers!

[@denniskeena5936]

I`ve loved these cars since 1971 when one used to park near my high school at the Log Cabin Restaurant! they sound terrific.

[@JustinSmithPYRO]

This and the countach have always been my favorites. Along with the F40. That has got to be the sickest Pantera I've ever seen 🤘🤘 600 horse 😳 can't imagine what the torque numbers are.

[@justdev8965]

The F40 looks like a sentient being. A look I value the most!

[@JustinSmithPYRO]

@@justdev8965 F40 and the countach for me all day. 2 iconic car's. But hey just my opinion. I'll never forget back when they came out, my dad was pin striping at a dealer and they had one in the showroom, sticker on it was 399,150 and I got to sit in it. I was 13 I think. Looked at the salesman there and said, can we start it? He looked at me with a straight face and said, if we start this right now it'll blow the window's out of the dealership, so, NO. 😂😂 just glad I got to sit in one. Just wish I had the money for one now. Not a Ferrari fan really. But the F40, bet your ass I would own one

[@montanaplease]

600hp in 50 year old cars translates to less than 300hp today just to let you know

[@KoreyConstable]

I like how the body line is integrated into the wheel arches. This is a really good example of a modified Pantera. Except maybe for the bulging side scoops.

[@kimvibk9242]

Oh, you mean the Dumbo ears...? 🤣

[@paulbeck6410]

Probably there to try to keep the interior cool.

[@Pantdino]

@@paulbeck6410 They feed air into the engine bay, not the interior of the car. But they really don't work very well.

[@truantray]

I grew up a passenger in my Dad's Pantera. They are easy to modify because of their simplicity and a bulletproof ZF transaxle out of the GT40 program. They made potent group4 cars back in the 70s, but the stock Pantera was heavy with mediocre brakes. They were modified heavily because they suffered from overheating issues. Elvis Presley famously shot the dashboard of his 71 Pantera because of vapor lock. That dash is a 71 or 72, and they added group 4 flares, scoops and wheels.

[@Cobrajet1971]

I recently picked up a 77 Vette in beautiful condition, however, at 52yrs old I've now for the very first time in my life experienced Vapor lock and having to pull over frustrated. But your comment about Elvis made me lol and actually gave me hope. If Vapor lock hassled the King... then I'm almost damn proud it's happening to Me too😅 Thanks for that!

[@charlespenington2290]

,' la, 🎉🎉😅

[@benbuchanan672]

Brilliant Jack! Your infectious, unscripted delivery is so much more engaging than the other KZbinr who drives guest cars - and in this video you conveyed the character of this car so well it was like sitting next to you. Keep it up 👍🏻

[@borderprepper]

In the early 70's I worked for a guy who lived in Montreal but owned a summer home here in Vermont. He owned an orange 71 Pantera that he kept in VT. He asked me to drive it to his place in Montreal a couple times, about 100 miles. In those days the Autoroute in Quebec was open road and I wound it up to 140 a couple times. Amazing car.

[@derekstocker6661]

Thanks for this Jack, great looking car and also a fabulous soundtrack, love the retro Ford Mustang sound it makes and such a beast to see and drive obviously, well done on this!

[@Morongobill]

Sound on par with Steve McQueen's car in Bullitt.

[@derekstocker6661]

@@Morongobill Well said, great comment.

[@GTAjedi]

I'm so jealous! You've driven 3 Pantera's! At least I've seen one in real life

[@sicstar]

Man i love those. Sadly they are so rare nowadays. Those things are just pure madness, they still look like freaking spaceships nowadays, back in the days they just looked like pure insanity. And they sound like that too and they move indeed. You are a very lucky man! :D Appreciate that you share that experience. Thanks!

[@truantray]

Not rare. They made over 7,000 of them.

[@sicstar]

@@truantray 7260 if you can believe wikipedia. Compared to the Countach thats more then 3 times as many but still not many overall. Even a VW Golf mk1 GTI on the road is quite rare nowadays and they build almost half a million of those back then.

[@richies6898]

The look on your face, during that first pull said it all 😅. What a machine! Loved these cars as a kid and still kick myself I didn't take the plunge with one of these in the early 90's

[@Number27]

You and me both! som many cars that fall in that category!!

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

I got a ride in one of these in the late 80’s. I was visiting a friend in California. His boss owned one. It still is one of the fastest cars I have ever been in and now at 58 I have two corvettes, they are fun but not like this! It one if the best car memories I ever had. Needless to say I was scared silly as a passenger on those mountain roads at high speed!! Something I will never forget!!! What a car!! Thrill of a lifetime experience!!

[@gordocarbo]

SAme...had 5 vettes but the want for the Pantera never left. 55 disabled and broke so...lol

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

@@gordocarboI’m and took early retirement never getting one! I am glad I got the vette when i did, I wouldn’t be getting one of those either!

[@GravityV2R]

My dad bought a new one in 1972, that the dealership in SoCal had swapped the engine out to a 429. Some kind of a performance special. Anyway, he said the thing was ridiculous to handle, it just wanted to spin every chance it got. He said it was downright scary in the rain. He was sitting in a parking lot at the Tyler Mall in Riverside, and an old woman in her Buick threw it in reverse, gunned it, and backed right over the front of the car.

[@gordocarbo]

Ouch Galpin ford in Van nuys used to sell these Id ride my Schwinn Stingray down there and gawk til the salesmen ran me off.

[@gerardcrabb4556]

429 would be extra weight in the rear...

[@ralphe5842]

A doctor bought a Mangusta (for me even more exotic than the pantara)near where we went to school it was lime green and just the most exotic car I had ever seen even now it was just amazing

[@simonhodgetts6530]

The Mangusta is a sublimely beautiful thing! I think a Giugiaro design? Anyways, one of the most beautiful cars ever made in my opinion!

[@timgosling6189]

I love these earlier cars, so much cleaner in design, and I find the wood-trimmed interiors a bit cheesy. So apart from the Marty Feldman main dials this must be close to my ideal Pantera! And at least the dashboard isn't as bad as a Urraco!

[@DrRock2009]

Marty Feldman dials 😂👍

[@thatdudeinorange5269]

Woodtrim is so wrong in a sportscar! As is those blooming cupholders in modern sporty ones. A proper car is for driving, not some kind of restaurant.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

The interior/dash trim on this car looks properly purposeful. It wouldn't benefit from wood veneer to tart it up.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

@@DrRock2009I liked that reference!

[@truantray]

1973 L model got rid of that dash design.

[@richardsellers8671]

Lovely. For my money, I'd much rather this than any of it's Italian peers, with the possible exception of the Bora.

[@Charcha8761]

In 1980s as a kid up in northern ct ...... I was playing outside my parent home that was adjacent to a great cruising route known by a few bikers and car enthusiasts alike. My parents house was in the pocket of a small valley. I Heard one first on decel as it came down the long hill ...... yellow .... ill never forget the distinctive bark and amazing body lines as it went by. A few moments later ..... another blue ...... again .....l another red ....... then another yellow .... then another red ....... I can only imagine it was a car club members enjoying the rural run with thier passion for ride. Really cool I later saw one and then learned about Panteras.

[@DontPanicDear]

I have seen and snapped this one in person in 2018 at Shere Hill Climb in Surrey 🤓 I followed it into the carpark and was immediately 🥰 I’ve been in love with the Pantera since I attended their owners club track days at Castle Combe in the late 80’s. The last Sunday of the summer holidays for a good few years. Thanks for posting this and to John for lending. I wonder if it lives near me in Surrey?

[@g04tn4d0]

600whp is pretty good, but combined with the light weight and mid-engine design of the vehicle it makes for a spooky fast ride!

[@montanaplease]

600 WHP 50 years ago translates to less than 300 today so there’s that

[@hotdog9262]

@@montanaplease ?

[@godsinbox]

@@hotdog9262 He would be referring to powertrain losses, shifting speed improvements and usable torque on modern cars, needing less power for the same 0-60 time. Modern diesels can beat the panteras 5.8 seconds (which only had 300hp)

[@hotdog9262]

@@godsinbox whp is still whp. its a factual number from a dyno^^

[@gordocarbo]

@@montanaplease Less than 300 who told you that? First I bet that car makes nowhere near 600. Even 500 is more than enough to make that car squirrely So many bs about a ficticious dyno # online

[@tocsa120ls]

Yeah, I believe this can go :D A 408ci stroker alone would be pretty spicy but with Airflow Research heads and a high-rise manifold? This was done right.

[@GTfour01]

One of the alltime greats. Very well executed upgrades as well. Thanks to the owner to share it like this. 👌🏻

[@OhTheNormanity]

Saw one of this at the Beaulieu Supercar weekend a couple weeks back. That was one of my favorite cars of the show. That one looked better than the Panteras you've review though look wise. It had the flared wheels but there were softer, more organic; not bolt on. I looked it up and it was the GT5-S. Beautiful car!

[@Woodstockneverhappened]

I can’t believe I finally found someone doing something on the Pantera. I’ll never forget I believe it was around 1972. I was 13 and I was playing tennis with a friend of mine and in comes this guy with an orange Pantera.

[@thesaint2700]

A Tom Tjaarda masterpiece. Only the Countach would trump the Pantera’s menacing looks

[@dancarter482]

Skinny front wheels on the Countach let it down, Pantera doesn't have _any_ bad angles ~ sheer perfection!

[@mescko]

I have long since concluded that I'm the only one on earth whose eyes find the Countach still one of the top 2 ugliest cars ever created. I like the Pantera, one of 4 mid-engine cars I like. Just not my thing.

[@dancarter482]

@@mescko It's a fascinating jumble of rhomboids that fall off a cliff! Front wheel arches and skinny wheels are the weakest aspect - from the door hinges back, it's awesome .. .. .. Pantera on the other hand ~