I've always loved the look of the DeTomaso Pantera, but never thought that they were affordable to a man of my meager means, but hey I was wrong. I've noticed that unlike the other expensive Italian exotics, Panteras increase in value if you update them and make changes for the better, and no body cares about matching numbers. The engines are good ol' American Ford 351's....And another thing, all Panteras that were imported to the US before 1974 are smog exempt in California! (I know, so are all cars).
I know that these cars are 30 to 35 years old, but I've seen really clean rebuilds going for $50,000 - $60,000. I know that sounds like a lot for a 30 year-old car, but what other Italian exotic can be had for that much? Jeez, early Camaros and Corvettes are going for that, and you can't even touch a Shelby Mustang for that.
Anyone out there in ***boatland that has a Pantera that would want to pass on some things that I should look for before getting excited about a particular car?
Thanks,
GB