DeTomaso Mailing List: January 99, Message #6

I have read your fine magazine for two years now and find it to be
informative and well produced.

One car I have yet to read about is the Detomaso Pantera.

These cars were the collective efforts of Detomaso and Ford
Motor Company.

Only a few articles have ever been produced on this car and most
have been great reviews by the European press and not so great
reviews by the American press who were probably just used to
big cars with straight line acceleration, period.

I own a 71 Pantera and find it to be the most existing car I have ever
driven.  I have made only a few modifications to the cooling system and
the addition of Wilwood brake systems for daily driving in the summer
months.  The car is simply brutal in every good way you can think of.

I have been fortunate enough to drive almost every G.M. muscle car
since the early 70's.  And - I have had the opportunity to passenger in
many Chrysler and Ford muscle cars.  Of all these great experiences,
I have yet to find a car that will accelerate, stop, handle and comfortably
drive entertain the ears and turn heads like the Detomaso Pantera. 
It would be a crime not to consider this car in a review.

Think about this for a moment.  What car was built for the public in
1971-1974 that had the following standard features:

     1.  Mid engine, 2 seat design with close to 41/59 weight ratio
     2.  351 Cleveland engine w/ 310 HP and 380 lb-ft (SAE)
     3.  GT-40 style ZF Aluminum case transaxle (4:22 rear)
     4   0-60 in 5.5 seconds
     5.  5 speed syncro 
     6.  Unequal length control arms, F/R independent suspension
     7.  Rack & pinion steering
     8.  Coil over shocks
     9.  4 wheel disk brakes
     10  215/70 VR/15 rear, 185/70 VR/15 front tires
     11  Cast Magnesium 5-bolt rims
     12. Instrument cluster that should be in a museum piece for the
           artistic value alone.  Sit in one of these cars and tell me you
           don't get goose bumps and find your mind wondering how fast
           that analog tach gauge will take to rise to "red line"
     13. Highly provocative exhaust note 
     14. Power windows, brakes and A/C

No matter what state you choose to review the Pantera in,  you will
find many fine driving examples to choose from.  Try the internet and talk
to some of these car guys at Detomaso@realbig.com and see for
yourself.

I look forward to having the Detomaso Pantera included in your fine
publication in the near future.

Chris Meso,  Detroit, MI