DeTomaso Mailing List: September 2000, Message #151

In a message dated 9/5/00 21:57:03, SMilg21711@aol.com writes:

<< I expected that I would simply lurk for a while after joining the group 
but 
was encouraged by one of your esteemed members to pipe up.  

>>>Welcome aboard! :>)

>I have not owned 
a Pantera before and realize that there is much to know.  I've been reading 
the archived messages and viewing websites and have come to understand that 
even those who are long-time owners are forever learning.  I presume that's 
the nature of the beast*grin*

>>>Yup.  And that's half the fun! :>)

>Since I am probably less mechanically inclined, both competency and 
time-wise, than the average DeTomaso owner, I figured that my best bet would 
be to purchase a later model.

>>>I would tend to disagree.  The later model cars differed in detail, but 
were fundamentally the same as the earlier ones.  If anything, they were 
slightly more complex (I'm thinking A/C system primarily.)

Given what you say, your best bet isn't an early or late car, but rather a 
SORTED (or at least non-butchered) car versus, well, versus a big bag of 
annoying (and sometimes expensive) problems.  It's quite possible to buy an 
'80's Pantera and be tearing your hair out, and it's equally possible to buy 
a '71 that requires nothing.

>I would greatly appreciate it if you could make me aware of any available.

>>>Ah, that's the difficulty--how to spot a well-sorted car from a rolling 
fix-it project.  Generally, it helps to know the owner, or know OTHER people 
who know the owner, and know the history of the car.  I know some people 
(Curt Toumanian comes to mind) whose Panteras are beautiful, stone-axe simple 
and gravity reliable.  They go, turn, stop just fine (might not be the 
fastest thing on the road, but it gets 'em home every time), and most 
importantly, the only maintenance they require is ELECTIVE maintenance ("Say, 
I think I'll paint the inside of my wheelwells and remove and powdercoat my 
suspension.")

THAT is the kind of car that would make a guy like you super-happy.  Now, all 
you have to do is find it....:>)

Mike (would help if I could, but don't know of any cars fitting that 
description for sale right now....)