DeTomaso Mailing List: February 1997, Message #21
     



From: Asa Jay Laughton <asajay.laughton@itron.com>

Subject: Introduction

Date: Mon, 03 Feb 1997 09:48:35 -0800



Hi all,



Wonderful to have a list like this.  I'm happy to see good information

available, even though so far it has been sparse, I'm sure more helpful

info will come as this list grows and the questions get deeper.



I live in Spokane, WA, and have been, shall we say, infatuated with the

DeTomaso Pantera since 1984 when I first discovered them.  Someone in this

area drove a Copper-colored Pantera with gold WEDS (simulated wire) wheels,

big beefy things as I remember.  This car sounded like rolling thunder.  I

remember going to the Sheraton in Spokane one night and this car just

rumbled mere feet from me as I was walking down the parking lot into the

building.  If anything other than my girlfriend could make me cream my

shorts.... that was it.



Since then, I've completed the restoration on a 1971 Mach I Mustange which

I have had since before my discovery of the Pantera.  Through the past

several years, I've been working on obtaining stable work and living

conditions.  I'm now at the point in my life where I'm ready to start

seriously looking into purchasing this next dream car.  So here I am,

planning to purchase in the next two years.  I need to find out all I can

about them.  So I'll start off with a few quick questions.



I've heard the term "pushbutton" Pantera.  What is this?  I would think

pushbutton transmission, but I don't think that would right for a manual

now would it... so the next probable thing I can think of is pushbutton

door handles.  If that is the case, what is that in versus to?  Or am I way

off track?



If I decide on the purchase of an earlier model, (71 -74), what are the

availability of parts for modification to modern styling?  I'm thinking the

massive Italian rear wing for one (similar to that found on the Countach),

and of course front spoiler, maybe flares and skirts.



Having a Cleveland in my Mach I, I am familiar with the Pantera powerplant.

I'm curious though on the wide variety of induction systems that may be

available for this car.  I'm especially interested in multi-port fuel

injection.  Does anybody have any good leads, or periodicals I can reference?



Join a club.... a very nice idea indeed.  I'm a member of the Inland Empire

Mustang Club in Spokane, WA.  We have at times had Pantera owners in this

club.  I know of no local Pantera club.  I've heard there may be one in the

Seattle area.  As for POCA or PI, I'm forwarding them member dues.  I do

believe they can be a valuable resourse.



Well, if you made it this far, thank you very much for reading my email,

and I look forward to any and all reply's.



Thank you.

Asa Jay



Asa Jay Laughton

General Engineering Specialist



Itron, Inc.

2818 N. Sullivan Rd.

Spokane, WA  99216



(509)891-3306			asajay.laughton@itron.com



Visit our web site at http://www.itron.com