1983 De Tomaso Pantera GTS

The Pantera GTS is a two-seater sports car manufactured by Italian manufacturing company De Tomaso. It was designed by American-born designer Tom Tjaarde from the Italian design firm Carrozzeria Ghia. The Pantera was first seen at the 1970 New York Auto Show.

Production started in 1971 and the car was fitted with a 351 Ford V8 engine. De Tomaso secured distribution rights in the USA through the Ford Lincoln-Mercury dealers. More than 6000 Panteras were produced at the factory in Modena between 1971 and 1973, most of them for the American market. The oil crisis in 1973 and a few other reasons led to Ford cancelling the distribution agreement of the Pantera, a few months after they bought all De Tomaso’s shares and took control of production facilities in northern Italy! However, De Tomaso retained the right to build the car for the “rest of the world”. Pantera production continued in the 1970s and the 1980s. The cars were now largely hand built and less than 100 cars were produced per year!

This specific car is a 1983 Pantera GTS. It is a one owner car with only 69900kms on from new! The car has been well maintained and is in a very nice condition. Apart from being re-painted in its original colour some 30 years ago the car is largely original. The original wheels are sold with the car.

The sportier GTS was introduced late in 1972 and was aimed at the European market. It had a more powerful engine, now producing 257 kW. Other improvements included bigger Holley carburettors, a forged aluminium intake manifold and freer flowing exhaust headers. The GTS also had much wider wheels with a more aggressive steering rack set up, as well as ventilated disc brakes. Adjusted spring rates and gear ratios also contributed to the much sportier drive!

With only about 5 or 6 Panteras in South Africa, this is a unique opportunity to own a very rare and exclusive Italian sportscar from the eighties!