Finding a clean De Tomaso Pantera is hard enough.
Finding a 1984 Pantera GT5 with just over 13,000 miles, factory widebody styling, and a documented restoration?
That is a different story entirely.
Now, one of the rarest versions of the Italian-American supercar is up for grabs — and collectors are already paying attention.
One Of Just 250 GT5 Models
Listed through SBX Cars, this 1984 De Tomaso Pantera GT5 is one of roughly 250 examples ever built.
At the time of listing, bidding had already reached $135,000, with six days remaining on the auction.
The car shows just 21,579 kilometers (13,408 miles) from new, which is remarkably low for a 42-year-old exotic that was actually built to be driven.
That mileage alone makes this Pantera stand out.
The Color Combination Makes It Even Rarer
This is not your typical red Pantera.
The car is finished in Amarena Metallizzato, which is essentially a deep black cherry metallic paint that shifts between dark purple and black depending on the light.
Inside, it gets a matching burgundy leather interior, giving it a properly dramatic 1980s exotic vibe.
And yes, it has all the wild GT5 styling details enthusiasts love:
- Front splitter
- Massive fiberglass fender flares
- Side skirts
- Rear wing
- Pop-up headlights
- Quad exhaust outlets
- Massive rear tires
Those rear tires are especially ridiculous.
The Pantera rolls on 345-section Pirelli rear tires, which still look cartoonishly wide even by modern supercar standards.
Ford Power In An Italian Exotic
One of the Pantera’s biggest selling points has always been its drivetrain.
Instead of using an expensive and complicated Italian V12, De Tomaso stuffed a 351 cubic-inch Ford Cleveland V8 behind the driver.
This example reportedly retains its numbers-matching engine.
Factory output was rated at 345 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels through a ZF five-speed manual transmission.
That combination helped make the Pantera famous because it delivered exotic styling without the maintenance nightmares often associated with Italian rivals from the same era.
Well… relatively speaking.
It Received An $85,000 Restoration
According to the listing, this GT5 underwent an extensive $85,000 restoration under previous ownership.
It was also reportedly well known within the Pantera Owners Club of America, which usually signals this car has been in enthusiast hands rather than neglected storage.
The sale also includes:
- Tool kit
- Service records
- Memorabilia
- Parts catalog
- Original wheels
The seller notes only minor flaws, including slight wear on the driver’s seat and a small crack on the nose.
That feels pretty minor for a car this old.
Why Panteras Are Finally Getting Respect
For years, Panteras lived in the shadows of other, more famous Italian exotics from Ferrari and Lamborghini.
That is finally changing.
Collectors are starting to appreciate them for what they really are: a wonderfully weird mix of Italian styling, raw analog driving feel, and dependable American V8 muscle.
This particular GT5 might be one of the best surviving examples left, and at the time of writing, the highest bid is $135,000, with 5 days left of the auction.