De Tomaso - Pantera L and GTS
The low exotic De Tomaso Pantera appeared in 1970 with bodywork designed by Tom Tjaarda , designer at Ghia, which were available to buy in 1971.The Pantera departed from the backbone chassis so favured by De Tomaso, and was a monocoque fitted with the Ford "351" 5.8 litre. The Cobra had long gone so having another sportscar as a Ford offshoot would keep the performance image alive.
A year after introduction, with minor upgrades and niggles ironed out the Pantera got a "Lusso" (Luxury) model added for the US market, called the Pantera L, with air conditioning. The more powerful Pantera GTS had a higher compression engine used in Europe, but the American versions didn't get this version. The Panteras suffered with the US emmission rules of 1973 so engine power was neutered, and the new bumper rules meant a redesign and eventually Ford stopped importing the Pantera after 1974. But production carried on in smaller numbers, and when Ford stopped making the engines, the De Tomassos fitted the Australian made Fords, imported into Italy and reworked.
Tyre size: for the De Tomaso Pantera and GTS the Front tyre size 185/70VR15 and rear tyre size 215/70VR15. Blockley produce both these high speed rated tyres, with the same tread pattern - see full details below:
