Page 1 of 1 Originally debuted at the 1970 New York Auto Show the Pantera was a fixture in the DeTomaso line-up throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Initially marketed together with Ford as a mid-engined sports car for the 'masses', the Pantera gradually evolved into a hand-built sports car built to order after Ford lost interest. Before entering its third decade of production, DeTomaso decided to create a comprehensively evolution of the Pantera.
Renowned designer Marcello Gandini, of Lamborghini Countach and Lancia Stratos fame, was tasked to modernise the lines originally penned by Tom Tjaarda for Ghia over 20 years earlier. The distinct angular lines of the Pantera were rounded off. The nose was lower and featured integrated driving lights and a full-width splitter. The rear-end was also rounder with the wide wing mounted on the left and right edge of the engine cover. While Gandini gave the car a modern look, the new 'Si' was still instantly recognisable as a Pantera.
It was much more than a face-lift; for the first time the original monocoque chassis was also modified. Especially at the rear, steel tubular spaceframe sections were fitted to reduce weight and increase rigidity. Ferrari F40 specification Brembo ventilated discs were found on all four corners, the suspension was also revised, while a new engine Ford-sourced engine was fitted. Derived from the latest Mustang, this was a five-litre V8 equipped with direct port fuel injection. As always, the V8 was mated to a ZF five-speed gearbox.
Even though 5,000 of the 7,260 Panteras had been sold to the United States, the Pantera Si was certified for the North American market. Instead it was available to custom order in select markets. As a result, only 41 examples were built between 1990 and 1993. Of these, two had been destroyed in crash testing while the final example produced was retained by DeTomaso for the company museum. Of the 38 Pantera Si customer cars, at least four were modified right off production line by Carrozzeria Pavesi with Targa roofs.
The Si retained by DeTomaso turned out to be the very last Pantera built as the long-serving model was finally replaced in 1993 by the all-new Guara. Page 1 of 1
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Pantera Si
Originally debuted at the 1970 New York Auto Show the Pantera was a fixture in the DeTomaso line-up throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Initially marketed together with Ford as a mid-engined sports car for the 'masses', the Pantera gradually evolved into a hand-built sports car built to order after Ford lost interest. Before entering its third decade of production, DeTomaso decided to create a comprehensively evolution of the Pantera.