DeTomaso Mailing List: February 1997, Message #27
     



From: Brian P Lerose <bpler@conncoll.edu>

Subject: Re: "Pushbutton Pantera's"

Date: Mon, 03 Feb 1997 18:12:57 +0000



Hi Everbody,



I'm glad to see this forum is up and running.  Now, to answer some

questions about push button Panteras.



75 push button Panteras were imported into the U.S., starting with

THPLD01286 and ending with 1361.  These bodies can all be considered

prototypes, which were made at Vignale Carrozzeria.  In addition to

the push button doors, these cars had a flat rear decklid.(later cars

have a raised rib running through the center)  In addition to this,

these early cars have one piece chrome plated brass window moldings

and bumpers.



Many people think that these 75 were the only push button cars built.

Not So !!



Actually, there were around 375 push button cars built, mostly sold in

Europe.  Production started with #01001 and ended somewhere between

1377 and 1420.  While ALL of the push button cars imported into the

U.S., and MOST of the others are 71's, many of the European cars are

72's.



I own a 72' European push button Pantera.  It is # 1272 and its body

was built in January of 71'.  Many of these cars were not completed

until the end of 71' or the beginning of 72', so they were sold as

72's.  Each one is unique, as the factory made improvements with each

one.  This is why they can all be considered prototypes.  An

interesting characteristic of the European push button car is the deck

lid release switch which is mounted in the driver's side door jam.



So, not all 71' Panteras are push buttons, and not all push button

Panteras are 71's.





Brian Lerose

Waterbury, CT