De Tomaso 1988-DeTomaso-Pantera3

Published on September 27th, 2012 | by BajaBusta

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1988 DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S Test Drive

An uncomplicated supercar, the Pantera was a charming amalgam of Detroit grunt and Italian glam. Launched in 1971 and sold in North America by Ford’s LincolnMercury Dealers, it was powered by a mid mounted Ford 5.7 liter V8 that could muster159mph and belt to 60 mph in under six seconds. The formidable 300hp GT5 was built after Ford pulled out in 1974 and De Tomaso merged with Maserati. With a propensity for the front lifting at speed, hopeless rear visibility, no headroom, awkward seats, and impossibly placed pedals, the Pantera was massively flawed; yet it was remarkably easy to drive. Handling was poised and accurate, plus there is the wall of power that catapults the car to 30mph in less time that it takes to pronounce its name.



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3 Responses to 1988 DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S Test Drive

  1. Van Beltsander says:

    That was awesome. No leather gloved man playing with the shifter or opening the glove box like most 80’s Motorweeks.

  2. Jeremy says:

    Love it!!!!
    Want it!
    Definitely not so good for the morning commute though.

  3. Pingback: » 1984: Pantera Revival

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