The De Tomaso Pantera was built in Italy but sold largely through Lincoln-Mercury dealers in the United States with a full factory warranty. It combined Ford’s steadfast 351 Cleveland V-8 engine and American-style comforts—including power windows and air conditioning—with such European performance features as a ZF transaxle, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering, then wrapped it all in exotic bodywork. Simply put, it promised the best of all worlds, and it cost considerably less than a comparable Ferrari or Lamborghini.

Several variations of the Pantera were produced over the years. Most recognizable to Americans is the second-generation Pantera L, which incorporated several detail changes for the US market. Most notably, the Pantera L was significantly better built than earlier examples, a fact recognized and lauded by the automotive press of the time.

This very late US-market Pantera L is surely among the best-preserved examples of this rare and sought-after model. Having traveled 213 miles since new at the time of cataloguing, this incredible preservation-grade De Tomaso retains its original finishes throughout—and it even comes with its original set of 15-inch Campagnolo magnesium wheels and Goodyear Arriva tires!

A Deluxe Marti Report documents that this Pantera L was sold new by Leith Lincon-Mercury of Greensboro, North Carolina on 27 February 1975. It remains finished in its original white paint over black leatherette upholstery and was desirably specified from new with air conditioning, power windows, power brakes, full instrumentation, and tinted glass.

By 2003, this Pantera L was owned by a collector in Georgia, at which time its prior title indicated just 98 miles on its odometer. Over the next several years, the car’s mileage barely crept into the triple digits as it passed between several notable dealers, including its sale at RM’s Monterey auction in August 2008. In July 2011, a private family collection in the Pacific Northwest acquired this noteworthy De Tomaso with just 137 miles indicated at the time of purchase. Over 15 years of much-enjoyed ownership, just 76 carefully considered miles of travel were added to the car’s odometer.

Appreciation for preservation-grade automobiles has only grown in recent years, among concours judges and the general public alike. This impressively original De Tomaso would surely be a great prize well worth exhibiting and appreciating. Accompanied today with its tool roll, original wheels and tires (even the unused spare!), as well as a Deluxe Marti Report and history file, this is a Pantera L unlike any other.