DeTomaso Mailing List: September 97, Message #182
     



From: pantera@shiseis.com (Shane F. Ingate)

Subject: Re: Kruse Auction results

Date: Fri, 5 Sep 97 11:57:37 PDT



	> While the condition of the referenced Panteras was not described, it just

	> strikes me that overall these cars are still bargain priced.  Does anyone in

	> Pantera Land understand why these limited production, essentially hand built

	> exotics are not bringing more on the "block"?  Thanks



Maybe I did not see it, but I think I was the only one who received

this message, as you addressed it to pantera@shiseis.com rather than detomaso@wgate.com.



I'm not sure what the reason is, but lots of suggestions are debateable:



	1) Ferraris are fashion statements like Gucci watches, but dont keep time

	   any better than a Timex.

	2) Maserati have a substantial factory history, like Alfa, which goes back

	   to the dawn of automobiles.  The more recent an entrant to the car arena

	   (like DeTomaso) the less importance.  Lambo must fint in somewhere else.

	3) Hybrids (American heart, Italian clothes) dont command as much attention

	   as 100% Chianti.

	4) After the Ford years, DeTomaso advertising has been very poor, very

	   low budget.  Compare with Ferrari advertizing budget (F1 racing budget!)

	5) Significant race results.  No matter that a Ferrari at a club event

	   will get blown into the weeds by any rice-rocket, its television

	   coverage of major events and personalities that counts.

	6) Prices of parts and $$/hour by "qaulified factory" mechanics,

	   whereas anyone who can differentiate a box spanner from a 

	   drill-press can work on a Pantera.

	7) The hybrids sound like most American V8s (everywhere).  The big-$$ exotics

	   whine with V/flat 12s, flat-crank V8s, o/head cams, multiple carbs.  Different sound.

	8) Association with "society personalities"; hero and folk-lore worship.

	   As sick as it may sound, MB sales will probably increase after Princess Di's

	   accident last Saturday.

	9) Big-$$ exotics exude a "dont touch" aroma.  Panteras smell of

	   pre-sex sweat that says "mount me and drive me, hard".

	10) Look at any Fearri Club meeting; most people roll up dressed

	   in suits, have copies of Wall St Week and GQ in their briefcases,

           and have personal mechanics.  Pantera CLub meetings

	   are much less formal, mots members dressed casuallly with grease under their

	   fingernails and the latest issue of "Ford Performance" rolled up in their

	   rear pocket.

	11) Its a marketing thing; some people are making a lot of money out of big-$$

	   exotics from some very stupid people.



I really dont know the answer. But then again I dont really care.

I'm just glad that the best car on the road was affordable at a bargain-basement price!



	Shane Ingate in San Diego



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