In 1971, Ford Motor Company, in a joint effort with DeTomaso Automobili, introduced the Pantera
to the USA. The car was produced in limited numbers and imported until the end of 1974.
Car #1000 to #1285 were hand-built and sold in the European market as
"Pre-Production" Panteras. Car #1286 through approximately car #1382 were also
slated for European delivery but were sidetracked for exportation to the US after the
agreement with Ford was finalized. These first Panteras were hand-built at Vignale
Carrozzeria, Italy. These vehicles can be identified from all other Panteras by their
round door buttons and a hand grip molded into the body just behind the door similar to
the Mangusta, instead of the usual pull-type door handles. It is estimated that less
than 100 of these rare "pushbutton door" Panteras still exist world-wide, and less than 50 in the USA.
Some differences in the "push-buttons" from later production
cars.
Small "DeTomaso Pantera" script on the rear.
Smooth deck lid/no ridge.
Driver door jam deck release.
Type-1 ZF transaxle.
4-Bolt block with 10.5:1 compression ratio.
Single-slot Campys.
Carello Headlamps.
Front-mounted space-saver spare.
Engine tray without spare recess.
No bulge in engine cover.
2-spoke Ferrero steering wheel.
Solid brass chrome-plated windshield and door window molding.
In 1971, Ford Motor Company, in a joint effort with DeTomaso Automobili, introduced the Pantera
to the USA. The car was produced in limited numbers and imported until the end of 1974.
Car #1000 to #1285 were hand-built and sold in the European market as
"Pre-Production" Panteras. Car #1286 through approximately car #1382 were also
slated for European delivery but were sidetracked for exportation to the US after the
agreement with Ford was finalized. These first Panteras were hand-built at Vignale
Carrozzeria, Italy. These vehicles can be identified from all other Panteras by their
round door buttons and a hand grip molded into the body just behind the door similar to
the Mangusta, instead of the usual pull-type door handles. It is estimated that less
than 100 of these rare "pushbutton door" Panteras still exist world-wide, and less than 50 in the USA.