DeTomaso Mailing List: September 97, Message #24
     



From: MikeLDrew@aol.com

Subject: Clarification:  Euro Panteras

Date: Mon, 1 Sep 1997 15:44:24 -0400 (EDT)



Capt Mike Drew

150 Westgate Dr.

San Francisco, CA  94127



Home:   (415) 334-7860



E-mail:  MikeLDrew@aol.com



Jack wrote:



>It gets more confusing, Shane. ALL Panteras sold in Europe were called,

"GTS"

but they were different from the 150-or-so "GTS"s sold in the US- no GTS in

the serial number, etc, etc. 



>>>Jack, Jack, Jack,



When speaking from up on the mount, you've got to RESEARCH before you issue

such proclamations! :>)



NOT all Euro Panteras were GTS models.  In fact, most of them were NOT GTS

cars.  The Pantera was released in Europe early in 1971, just as "the

Pantera.", long before it was introduced into the USA (the first U.S. car was

#1286, the 286th Pantera off the line, including prototypes and crash-test

dummies.)



  The GTS variant was introduced early in 1972 to add a little pizazz to the

line.  It was a higher-priced Pantera, fitted with a more powerful engine

(350 vs 330 hp), riveted-on fender flares, a different 4th gear ratio, clock

in the dashboard (most, although PERHAPS not all European GTS Panteras used

the L-model interior as early as May, 1972, even though that interior wasn't

available in the U.S. until 1973), and of course the GTS paint scheme.  I

think there was a change to the steering rack ratio as well (I'm currently

doing my research in the same institution Jack uses, namely, the anal

orifice, although I'm using both hands AND a flashlight.)



However, even after the Pantera mass-production days ended, DeTomaso produced

three or four versions of the car at the same time, marketed as:



1) the Pantera L (the 'standard' version, fitted with chrome front

bumperettes in front (with the turn signal NOT attached, but rather fitted

into a pod on the body as in U.S. L-models) and a chrome one-piece U.S.

bumper in the rear), 



2) Pantera GTS (as previously briefed), 



3) Pantera Group 3 (stock-bodied, no flares, fitted with a roll cage, massive

brakes, i.e. set up for production-class roadracing)



4) Group 4 (factory Group 4 race cars.)  



This is all before the GT5 was created, and later the GT/4 (street version of

Group 4 race cars.)



Check your factory sales brochure (I know you've got one lying around

somewhere) for all the specs on these various models.



>From my Euro buddies, and after taking a peek in the parking lot at the

Factory Love-in last year (you WERE there too, weren't you Jack? :>) ) As a

SWAG, I'd say that no more than 10-15% of European Panteras were GTS models.



So there you go...



Mike









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