Hi everybody!
I was always in love with the De Tomaso Pantera. I think it's one of the best looking cars ever made. A couple of years back I finally decided it was time to buy one. I looked around and was very disappointed with all the problems you can find in these cars. I guess the idea of Italian design with American mechanics to keep it simpler and cheaper back fired. The cars have many other technical issues and a big rust problem. To make the story short, after looking around for very long and even getting into a deal of sorts, I just decided it wasn't worth it.
Fast forward to today and I'm still itching for one. But specially now, the prices seem to have skyrocketed too. They were MUCH more affordable when I looked. And the problems are still the same. Just now they are more expensive problems.
So I decided to look around to see if I could get something else instead which could scratch my itch if you will. But I have thought of many cars but none bring the full package the Pantera brings. Powerful engine, striking looks and a motor and gear box anybody can work on and you won't have to pay 3 grand for just an oil change. But specially the style. The Pantera is a very nice style. I can't think of another to match it.
So I had the idea to post here and ask for ideas. There are many very knowledgeable people here and maybe I'm overlooking some model out there.
But I couldn't think of anything like a Pantera. It has a muscular look instead of just a sporty look like most Ferraris for example. It's not too round like a 911 or 928 but also not wedgy like a Countach, Esprit or TVR. It has just the right amount of both. You know, the streamlined profile, with that short and high tail end like a race car, but without looking like a posh sports car. I think muscular really defines it well.
Can any of you think about something I may have overlooked that would be similar? Mid engined is not a must. I would be fine with front engine, although I would prefer not have the long bonnet/hood short end look. The Pantera profile is very well balanced with it's swooping lines. It doesn't have the long front like a Viper but the cabin is also not pushed forward like a Lamborghini. It's just right.
I also would not want anything modern, reason why I came to retro rides. Let's say late 80's or early 90's.
Any thoughts? Anything muscular and with the swooping lines of the Pantera?
Oh, the swooping lines. Wingless, of course.
Thank you.
I was always in love with the De Tomaso Pantera. I think it's one of the best looking cars ever made. A couple of years back I finally decided it was time to buy one. I looked around and was very disappointed with all the problems you can find in these cars. I guess the idea of Italian design with American mechanics to keep it simpler and cheaper back fired. The cars have many other technical issues and a big rust problem. To make the story short, after looking around for very long and even getting into a deal of sorts, I just decided it wasn't worth it.
Fast forward to today and I'm still itching for one. But specially now, the prices seem to have skyrocketed too. They were MUCH more affordable when I looked. And the problems are still the same. Just now they are more expensive problems.
So I decided to look around to see if I could get something else instead which could scratch my itch if you will. But I have thought of many cars but none bring the full package the Pantera brings. Powerful engine, striking looks and a motor and gear box anybody can work on and you won't have to pay 3 grand for just an oil change. But specially the style. The Pantera is a very nice style. I can't think of another to match it.
So I had the idea to post here and ask for ideas. There are many very knowledgeable people here and maybe I'm overlooking some model out there.
But I couldn't think of anything like a Pantera. It has a muscular look instead of just a sporty look like most Ferraris for example. It's not too round like a 911 or 928 but also not wedgy like a Countach, Esprit or TVR. It has just the right amount of both. You know, the streamlined profile, with that short and high tail end like a race car, but without looking like a posh sports car. I think muscular really defines it well.
Can any of you think about something I may have overlooked that would be similar? Mid engined is not a must. I would be fine with front engine, although I would prefer not have the long bonnet/hood short end look. The Pantera profile is very well balanced with it's swooping lines. It doesn't have the long front like a Viper but the cabin is also not pushed forward like a Lamborghini. It's just right.
I also would not want anything modern, reason why I came to retro rides. Let's say late 80's or early 90's.
Any thoughts? Anything muscular and with the swooping lines of the Pantera?
Oh, the swooping lines. Wingless, of course.
Thank you.
