Post-War Classic of the week: Carroll Shelby's 1983 DeTomaso Pantera GTS

The history of a car can make such a difference. For example, although we do like the looks of a ’83 DeTomaso, it was the sentence that this car was given to Carroll Shelby by De Tomaso and that he is the one and only owner of this vehicle that got our attention. It is therefore that this 1983 DeTomaso Pantera GTS is our PostWar Classic of the week!

 

For those who have never heard of Carroll Shelby, please plan the rest of the day in to google him. His business in performing (see here). Yes indeed, racing, improving cars, building cars etc etc.  His name is mostly connected to the Cobra.

 

But back to the car. The De Tomaso Pantera was introduced in 1971. Designed by Tom Tjaarda during his time as Carrozzeria Ghia, the Pantera initially utilized the same mid-engine drivetrain set up as the Mangusta. However, the Pantera featured a steel monocoque design that was incredibly rigid. Ford’s legendary 351 Cleveland V8 was refined for more power which was transferred through a ZF 5-speed manual transaxle. While the Pantera was originally available through select Lincoln-Mercury dealerships, increasing emissions standards resulted in Ford dropping the model from the U.S. market in 1974. Despite this, De Tomaso would continue to produce the Pantera until 1992 with further refinements as production continued. The Pantera GTS was introduced in 1974 with a more powerful engine courtesy of an increased compression ratio. Interest in mid-engine cars was strong throughout the United States in the early 1980s, and the idea of reintroducing the Pantera to the U.S. market was considered. At this time, De Tomaso gifted two different Panteras to Carroll Shelby in hopes that he would spearhead the reintroduction of the model to the U.S. market. Unfortunately, this idea never came to fruition though a number of later model Panteras were imported to the U.S. during the 1980’s by AmeriSport Inc.

 

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