DeTomaso Mailing List: June 99, Message #35

Hi All:
Just wanted to say a few before I unsubscribe for a couple of weeks of
Nasty Guard duty (actually, it ain't all that bad ;^) .

We've mentioned too many times how sometimes we're probably not going to
be recognized as any purebred Italian sports car (because of it's Ford
mill). Hey, that's fine. I get just as much looks as any Ferrari at the
fraction of the price. But the big draw (at least to me) is that I can
work on my car. Quite frankly, if there weren't a few tidbits here and
there to work on the car, I might have not bought it (o.k. Jim, don't
flame me ;^). I've heard of "high maintenance" girlfriends and I wonder
if there is any truth to that label? Well, anyway, in addition to
working on the car, it's the others around we tend to draw: folks really
willing to share their knowledge and help you get the big cat on it's
way.  It was the presence of the cars at the PCNC dyno day that got my
attention but a sense of "belonging" to the group that clinched it.

Finally, I think the name "Pantera" is probably the most appropriate
title for Tom Tjaarda's design. I've yet to see any car live up to it's
name. The Pantera has a shares a lot of the characteristics its
namesake: that low "crouching" stance to the ground, the "muscular look"
of a Panther's haunches, that primal throaty growl and roar of snarling
feline, and finally, that tremendous blinding speed of the cat just
before it nails it's prey. Whoever name this car "the Pantera" indeed
earned their pay. I'm glad I've created a lair for one in my garage. See
you in a couple of weeks, folks. Cal. #2428.