BEFORE & AFTER: De Tomaso Pantera restored after 35 years in storage | Barn Find Hunter - Ep. 97

On "Barn Find Hunter," you always get to experience the joys that come with hunting for old cars. The leads we follow up on, opening that garage door for the first time in 30 years, hearing the stories, and sometimes even finding new homes. Rarely do we get to see the final product or happy ending to any of these stories. Behold, the first restored vehicle that has been featured on the show. This 1972 De Tomaso Pantera was sitting in a trailer for over 35 years and was rescued by a gentleman by the name of Peter Weeks. Peter has spent the better part of two years restoring this beauty and has allowed us the opportunity to share his work with you.
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Like what you see? Watch our other series including:
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Barn Find Hunter | Tom Cotter searches the country for abandoned cars bit.ly/BarnFIndHunter
Chip Foose Draws a Car | Reimagining popular cars with new designs bit.ly/HagertyChipFoose
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[@SabbaticusRex]

That car couldn't have gone to a better guy.. Wow. What a great story. Good for him ! Gorgeous car.

[@davidmulligan42]

Looks great! He was certainly the right guy for this car, especially with all the memories that come with it.

[@jamesthompson8008]

I agree, is a rare opportunity that few can enjoy.

[@desktopdiddies5530]

Those Pantera's still look cool today, very nice!

[@bobbailey4524]

Bob was a classmate of mine and a good friend. After he made the Cannonball run he stopped bye my house with this car. It was always a topic of conversation whenever Bob called or came back to his Montana home town. I am glad the car has right owner for it. A beautiful restoration and great memories.

[@pacerodi]

A big cheers from Brazil, for ressucitating this Pantera.

[@thor8640]

What a cool conclusion to this find, sounds like the car found the right caretaker that brought it back to life better than it was. I hope the Weeks family has a lot of fun with the car.

[@bravofoxable]

This is truly heartwarming.... Always a soft spot for Pantera's. Excellent job 👍🏻

[@philtucker1224]

Me too! They seemed like the starship Enterprise when I was a young teenager and Just the name alone seemed so damn cool... I even had a (Revel?) one eighteenth scale model as a Christmas present that I built and it stood pride of place on my bedroom shelf for several years..happy days..👍🇬🇧

[@mongosmetals8154]

Talk about bringing back memories, wow... I miss my '74. It was kind of unique too, with GTS steel flares and the Countach wing. I still remember meeting Gary Hall back in '94, on the day of the Northridge earthquake.

[@sultros]

The first car I ever saw as a kid that I fell in love with was a Pantera. A guy in my neighborhood in Florida had two of them, one orange, one black. Glad to see this one put back together and back on the road.

[@paulmoore4651]

Was that near Cooper City around 1976?

[@sultros]

@@paulmoore4651 St Petersburg, around 85-86

[@kharnthebetrayer1575]

I had someone near me as a kid who had a super bird. But man these car are .....🥰

[@jean-jacqueslavigne3109]

The first time I saw a Pantera was during my first job in Japan. It was parked 50 meters off my office building. I walked by Everyday. Black. Parked at the infamous local Yakuza gang HQ building. I looked only. Never stopped to gaze...

[@sultros]

@@kharnthebetrayer1575 That's an epic car.

[@adamweston4152]

I live in Wales UK and back in the late 80s there was a small car sales place locally and they had a metallic red pantera there and I used to ride my motorcycle to the shop and look at it for ages dreaming of owning it but I was only 17 then and it was totally out of my budget but ever since I have loved de Tomaso's . well done to this man for saving this car and thanks to barn find Hunter.

[@larryparish5984]

Been missing your series Tom. Hope you'll be able to get back out there again soon.

[@Ben-Rogue]

Wow, what a job he's done, it looks mint! And the interior is gorgeous!

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Turned out Great ! Wow !

[@dan3092]

What a great story Vin Wiki style with a happy ending brilliant

[@joshuagibson2520]

Thank you Mr. Weeks. I didn't think this car would ever get done when I first saw the video here on BFH. I agree with Tom, you were the perfect person for the car.

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Beautiful ! 👍

[@raymundjusay4632]

Great Barn Find Fosho 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@joshschneider9766]

This guy did so much good work on this car. Tastefully modernized and modified. What a gem. Almost have to call it an evo he did so good.

[@mry82]

It's great to see David Letterman back in action! ;)

[@indigosynn1550]

The reveal pics gave me a major case of envy.

[@rswhalen1]

Great interview and fascinsting story.

[@gsmith207]

That guy and that car are badass! Thanks Tom! Love this platform as much as riding around with you looking!

[@RestorationObsession]

The Pantera remains one of my all-time favorite sports cars. And Pantera remains one of my all-time favorite metal bands.

[@porthose2002]

Any time a Pantera is saved, it's a great day! :-) Man, I'd love to have one of those someday.

[@stevevice9863]

Great story! Looking forward to you getting back out there, Tom, and finding more hidden gems!

[@DavePilotCH47]

This is an awesome series!! I hope you continue to follow up on some of the cars you have found over the years. 👍🏻

[@joshuagibson2520]

I remember this car. I doubted they would put it together when I saw the heads in the trailer and parts scattered everywhere. Glad to see they did. I was wrong.

[@brianvalley5223]

Gorgeous car.

[@samsongihoul3298]

One of my dream cars

[@philtucker1224]

Great to see you again Tom, hope you’re keeping well 👍🇬🇧

[@moparedtn]

Missing you out in the wild, Tom - and there's plenty of states out here where you can once again roam about freely, so come on out! -Ed on the Ridge

[@carsmartsmedia2324]

Looks like the right person became the steward of this car! Great results!

[@raygunn1083]

This was my dream car. The first time I saw this car was in a showroom at the local Mercury dealer. I think the sticker price was about 10 grand at the time. I was 15 and had 33 dollars in life savings.

[@joedirt8625]

Great restoration and great taste , Considering Da "Cat" came Customized already. Dream Car.

[@TheWattanneh]

Great story and great resto. Personally like black color better but it looks awesome.

[@jasonstanford]

Wow! Great car, great story. Like Tom said, went to the perfect guy.

[@drewpierce2273]

Definitely a full circle story.

[@henryelceser]

Great ending to the story!

[@jamescameron9420]

i love that car! it looks amazing!

[@keithsclassicgarage1133]

Great job on your build!

[@CherylCold]

What a fabulous stunning car. Well done that man!

[@jean-jacqueslavigne3109]

Such a cool story. Very happy for him.

[@pigeonsil240sx]

0:24 i just love that video of that possum rolling out from under the hood as he was clearly still asleep =]

[@JamesDavis-to1hn]

I love the new series. Maybe you can follow up on some of the cars you have visited in the past.

[@MrKurns]

Best show ever.

[@tdknut]

So cool.....

[@jeremiahc4838]

Seeing this in person is crazy At the sonic car shows now watching the history on it is even better

[@John1911]

Man. That’s gorgeous.

[@stevenmarchand8146]

What a beautiful build!!

[@dougjustdoug6391]

The Panteras were gifted with timeless styling and american muscle power, I've always loved them. Glad the way this car found it's new home.

[@crxdelsolsir]

I certainly love these cars. Glad this guy was able to buy it and do justice to the car. I am just glad I have my dream cars. They are nothing special and not to everyone's liking but I am satisfied with them. Happy I was able to get them at a time when they are/were still affordable and parts are relatively plentiful to restore them. I have future proofed with spares well into the future. I guess I am a hobby car collector and my list currently are below: 91 Prelude 4ws - Blue 91 Prelude 4ws Cita - Blue 91 Prelude 4ws Luxury Edition Cita - Gun metal Grey 91 Prelude 4ws Luxury Edition Cita - Burgundy 91 Prelude 4ws JDM Si States - Phoenix Red 92 CR-X Del Sol Transtop - Silver 95 CR-X Del Sol Transtop - Silver 92 CR-X Del Sol Transtop - Black 92 CR-X Del Sol Transtop - Red 93 CRX Del Sol - Black 96 CRX Del Sol - Black 88 CR-X Si - Black 88 Concerto - Blue 88 Concerto - White 92 Accord JDM 4ws - Blue 92 Accord 4ws - Silver 92 Accord - Grey 96 Accord Luxury edition - Gold mist

[@geirgulland2217]

Great story :-)

[@ianfosbrook8406]

DESTINY.... thats what that is.... fantastic video and story.

[@ShogunMura]

That’s awesome, the cars looks awesome

[@EchoSigma6]

That man was meant to have this car. This restoration would have been above my head and abilities, I appreciate these stories.

[@robert23497]

I remember these from the Dupont Registry magazines from my youth. There were at least 2 different models. One was the regular Pantera and the other was either called the GTS or GT5. The gt car was racier and had the rear wing and fender flares.....possibly a bump in power as well. This car looks like one of those GT5 cars. I LOVE IT!!!!! The 400 cube stroker motor? Nice touch buddy. Your build looks flawless from my couch. EDIT. Those GT5 models were selling in the registry back then for 35,000 to 45,000 in very clean condition. They were frequently offered for sale as I saw countless examples over the years.

[@cornishrider]

Fabulous story and car!

[@spendingtimetogether8428]

Great to see it resurrected!

[@guyh.4121]

Awesome vid Tom. Great story.

[@davidbeattie4294]

Fantastic episode. Its great to find out what happens to these old gems. Each story is going to be unique and interesting. Keep'em coming.

[@fearlessshadow5856]

Awesome to see the resto

[@swiper1818]

Great story and history - the car went to the right new owner and custodian!

[@DuneRunnerEnterprises]

Hi ,Tom!!! Great idea for the series!!!!

[@schonfan]

Outstanding!

[@frasermcburney270]

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL

[@edwardmohr5798]

Good job Tom!

[@mg_streetkandi]

Full Circle story...🏁👍

[@brumbyguy1629]

Hi Tom.. love the show.. currently restoring an Australian Subaru brumby ( brat) in the states. With a turbo vortex engine... Absolutely love your vids..

[@geneva760]

Not many of those even left here now. Still a few parts floating around and the ones for sale are generally in nice condition. CHEERS from AUSTRALIA.

[@veranaughton1848]

Great car, great story.

[@garywilloughby6893]

A really great to see this video.

[@essietangle9931]

Great story!

[@TC-eo5eb]

I was 15 years old in 1973 when I saw a Pantera for the first time and immediately fell in love with them. My life long dream was to own a Pantera. Two kids and a mortgage never allowed that to happen. After the housing collapse of 2008, Pantera's actually became somewhat affordable. I found a fairly nice one on line at a California collector car dealership for $46,500. At the time my wife and I were getting ready to build a new house. The new house won out. I never bought the Pantera. Coulda, woulda, shoulda. That ship has sailed as the value of Pantera's is now way out of by budget.

[@Popsaircraftdetail]

Oh my god she’s beautiful

[@there_is_nothing_here]

What a transformation. .

[@jasonhoose5215]

That's awesome. I love in Greeley Co myself and I really hope to see her cruising around

[@xaoskuntablast3354]

This was a great idea Tom

[@Mynextproject_74]

This will be a great video series!

[@crxdelsolsir]

Great ending to a story and glad it had a full and proper restoration! I hope it can now last longer and with luck of not being involved or raced into anything it can be passed on and keep on running into the future!

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

What an awesome story...can't think of a more deserving guy to have that car

[@kyleforeman4543]

What a super story

[@keithpomeraning9784]

I love the polish on that transaxle...

[@marcryvon]

Me too ! Looks too nice to hide it under the trunk liners ! I followed one years ago on a highway. It's sound was awesome, so brutal, mean machine ! 😧

[@thejackofalltravels8267]

When I lived in Las Vegas I was in heaven when the Pantera Club came to town. The first time I pulled in Jerry’s Nugget parking lot and it was filled with them I it took me 4hrs to leave.

[@GFrenchy1955]

What a great idea for continuing this show in this fashion. Like Paul Harvey would say “ Now for the rest of the story”

[@kerrykrishna]

Tom, I speak only for myself, BUT, I could watch another 50 of this style vid and not get bored. Thanks Bucko. Project Binky dropped the episode 34 yesterday too if you are following the Boys...

[@sharedknowledge6640]

Great story. It can make a big difference when it’s a labor of love versus someone who just restores and flips cars for the profit.

[@waynemuehlenbein2281]

This is as good as anything I’ve seen on Tom’s fine show! Gives the impression that with some teenaged experience in a body shop forty years ago, you too could do this restoration. Ha!

[@plymouthduster2252]

I always loved learning about these cars. They are just not seen around where I go to car shows. He lives in a nice town. My sister lives in Windsor Colorado and its a beautiful place to visit especially if love the mountains.

[@rickwheeler6811]

Excellent video. I love the Barn Find shows, always wished there was a follow up if any bought them and restored them. Closest was the Barrett Jackson auction with the couple cars years ago. It wasn't a restoration but sold. I found a 1980 TR7 that my dad and I restored years ago, put a lot of miles on it and sold it to a guy who raced it in some Targa races... Then I found a 1960 original owner Ford Frontenac and the owner told me he would give it to my dad. He restored it many years ago and has since put many miles on it... my son loves it. Keep up the great work and bring on more stories. Rick from Newfoundland

[@benvin10365]

Great video and restoration of a dream car.

[@margeharrison7638]

great video!

[@RDEnduro]

Well done! Enjoy it. I had a random encounter with a Pantera near NYC and did a quick roll race, so cool love the 408 stroker sounds gre

[@KB6YAF]

The Pantera was also a favorite of mine. The first time I saw one was when my uncle showed up at our place after purchasing one in San Diego. I remember him driving that car to Eureka and him telling me that a lady in a big old station wagon didn't see it while she was backing up, and backed up right over the front end. Another time, the car just died near Reno, NV, and the car company in San Diego flew up a mechanic that had been specially trained to work on Panteras fixed it there. Wow, what service. Of course I never asked how much that might have cost.

[@DerredmaxTRIAX]

nice!

[@davidbarnsley8486]

He certainly has done a cracking job of the restoration Absolutely fantastic 😍😍👍👍 I still think you need to get out there Tom your a fit old guy don’t be scared of the covid We all will die of something and that is not our choice to make it is made by someone else We all need to get out and live whilst we can

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Such a cool sound for a classic. Nothing like a pushrod Ford 351.

[@gabedaxe477]

Remember this car well

[@ronlynch7744]

Did that ever turnout awesome. 😎👍🇨🇦

[@campionoverbagh561]

Super !!

[@WrenchS13]

I've wanted a Pantera since I was a little kid. I'm about to hit 44 years on my clock and still wish I could find one.

[@Mercmad]

Down here in Australia the Cleveland never went out of favour and you can buy after market heads, Manifolds and even little tongues which reduce the oversized ports to raise the low end torque levels. Needless to say know a guy who has an ISO with a 351 Cleveland which is a real road burner thanks to the local knowledge around these engines.