1972 De Tomaso Pantera Targa Prototype

In 1970, Alejandro de Tomaso introduced his sequel to the Mangusta: the mid-engined, Ford-powered Pantera. FoMoCo agreed to distribute the Italian-ate sports car to Americans through Lincoln Mercury dealers. Although “the home of the cat” was hardly the ideal venue for legendary car designer Tom Tjaarda‘s handiwork, LM dealers shifted some 5500 Panteras before Ford pulled the plug (in 1975).

In 1972, ’50’s NASCAR driver Don Welch decided to turn a Pantera into a Targa top. The car listed for sale here – and only here – is the world’s first Pantera Targa.

Modifications include a tubular subframe (for stiffening), dropped floor pans (to accommodate taller drivers), metal fabricated side skirts, rear steel wheel flares, deleted side marker lights, a delta rear wing, functional hood scoops and a flush-mounted “L” type rear bumper.

The premier Pantera Targa’s motivated by Ford’s FE 427 big-block eight. Hall Pantera upgraded the power plant with solid cam roller rockers, dual Weber carbs, an MT cross-ram aluminum intake and, just for fun, a nitrous injection system. The result: 475 hp at a staggering 7000 rpm.

Welch’s team painted the Pantera Targa “Terra Cotta Pearl,” upholstered it in tan cloth, added burl-wood accents and shod it with BF Goodrich 305 50R15 (rear) and BF Goodrich 225 50R15 (front).

The finished product caught the eye of Santiago De Tomaso, Alejandro’s businessman brother.

As detailed in De Tomaso: The Man and the Machines. Santiago modeled the factory Pantera Targas after Welch’s car, incorporating many of Don’s ideas. (Pantera asked Welch to oversee development; he declined due to family obligations.)

Had Welch not constructed a Pantera Targa, De Tomaso may have never built the GTS. This historic Pantera prototype is available for immediate inspection and sale. Call me on (407) 538 0224‬ for details.