USA vs Italy — 1965 vs 1971
| GT350 R-Model | Pantera L | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 306 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 329 lb-ft | 340 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,736 cc | 5,763 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.7 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 135 mph | 162 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec | 14.0 sec |
| Weight | 2,800 lbs | 3,086 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,500 mm |
| Length | 4,613 mm | 4,080 mm |
| Units Produced | 562 | 2,500 |
| Original MSRP | $4,547 | $10,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $500,000 | $140,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1965 Shelby GT350 R-Model brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1971 De Tomaso Pantera L answers with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between USA and Italy automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1965 Shelby GT350 R-Model versus 1971 De Tomaso Pantera L is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1965 Shelby GT350 R-Model producing 306 hp and the 1971 De Tomaso Pantera L delivering 310 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Shelby GT350 uses a V8 OHV (Ford 289 Hi-Po) displacing 4,736 cc, while the De Tomaso Pantera relies on a V8 OHV with 5,763 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 De Tomaso Pantera L edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 5.7 seconds. The Shelby GT350 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 286 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 562 units built, the 1965 Shelby GT350 R-Model is considerably scarcer than the De Tomaso Pantera's 2,500 examples. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1965 Shelby GT350 R-Model rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.