De Tomaso Pantera L
The 1967 De Tomaso Pantera L was the luxury variant of De Tomaso's most commercially successful model. Note: The Pantera was actually introduced in 1971, not 1967. The 'L' designation identified the base luxury model, which was the most common Pantera variant and the version that brought the De Tomaso name to mainstream awareness through its unprecedented distribution deal with the Ford Motor Company.
The Pantera was powered by a Ford 351 Cleveland V8, displacing 5,763cc and producing 330 horsepower (SAE gross) in standard American-market specification. This engine was a natural choice given Ford's financial involvement with De Tomaso, and it provided the kind of low-rpm torque and reliability that made the car suitable for daily driving in addition to spirited use. The engine was mated to a ZF five-speed manual transaxle.
The body was designed by Tom Tjaarda at Ghia (which De Tomaso had acquired) and featured a clean, angular mid-engine layout that was both attractive and aerodynamically effective. The design's wide, flat flanks, recessed headlights, and flowing greenhouse created a shape that was distinctly Italian yet incorporated the visual muscle of its American powertrain.
The Pantera's unique distribution arrangement through Lincoln-Mercury dealers in the United States was revolutionary. For the first time, an exotic mid-engine sports car was available through a mainstream dealer network, with factory warranty support and readily available parts. This made the Pantera far more accessible than traditional Italian exotics, which required specialist importers and service facilities.
The L specification included creature comforts such as air conditioning, power windows, and a quality interior with leather and carpeting. The suspension was tuned for a more comfortable ride than the racing-derived GTS variant, making the Pantera L suitable for highway cruising and daily use as well as weekend canyon driving.
The chassis was a steel monocoque with the engine mounted behind the passenger compartment. Independent suspension at all four corners used double wishbones with coil springs, and disc brakes provided adequate stopping power. The handling was responsive and engaging, with the mid-engine layout providing good balance, though the 351's significant weight created a rear-biased distribution.
De Tomaso produced the Pantera from 1971 to 1993, with over 7,000 units built across all variants. The Pantera remains the most accessible and most numerous De Tomaso model, and the L variant represents the core of the production run.
The monocoque structure is prone to rust — inspect floors, sills, inner fenders, and around the windshield. The Ford 351 Cleveland is robust and parts are readily available. The ZF transaxle is the expensive maintenance item. Check for modifications, which are extremely common. Pre-L models (sold through Ford dealers, 1971-1974) are the most collectible. Later narrow-body cars have slightly different market dynamics than wide-body GT5 and GT5-S models.
The Pantera was produced at De Tomaso's Modena factory from 1971 to 1993. The L was the base/luxury model. Ford distributed the car through Lincoln-Mercury dealers in the United States from 1971 to 1974.