1987 AMERISPORT DETOMASO PANTERA GT5-S
1 of 38 US Spec GT5-S cars and 1/182 GT5-S cars made in total. This 1987 Amerisport Detomaso Pantera is wickedly beautiful in gloss black, accented by gold. Subdued elegance belies the beast that lives within its finely sculpted all steel body work designed by American Tom Tjaarda at Ghia. The GT5-S was the last “mass” produced version of the Detomaso Pantera, while all 7,260 Panteras built were mostly handmade, the last two models were completely crafted by hand in Modena, Italy between 1985 and 1990 under the sole supervision of Detomaso after the separation from Ford Motor Company’s Lincoln-Mercury marketing and distribution ended in 1974. American Auto Entrepreneur Kirk Evans received rolling chassis from Detomaso to create US Spec cars, his additions were 5 mph bumpers, proper lighting, internal door guards, and installing a more performance version of the Ford 5.8L 351 Cleveland engine. These sporting higher compression, aluminum cylinder heads and intake, a Holley carb, a hotter cam and delivering about 50+ hp over their European and UK Counterparts at approximately 450 hp. Power is delivered through a German designed ZF 5 speed transaxle and put to the ground using recently renewed Campagnolo GT4 Gold/Clear Powder Coated Magnesium wheels of 15” x 10” in the front with the recently re-released Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires at 285-40-15 in the front and 15” x 13” with 335-35-15 in the rear. With only 17,500 miles on the odometer over 36 years, the car is barely broken in and ready for use. In anticipation of that use, the seller has not only replaced the tires/wheels, but also replaced all belts, hoses, fluids, filters, lines, plugs, caps, rotor, wires, valve covers, gaskets, intake gaskets, and the air cleaner assembly. Lighting was upgraded with Hella H4 Lamp housing using 100W LED lamps. The factory tool kit is complete, the car has both the owner’s manual and the factory parts book. Often cited as the “Gentleman’s Supercar”, it’s subtle yet sensual styling is far more refined and elegant that the oft compared Countach of the same era, even though they both share the same rear wing. The steel Coke bottle fender flares were an upgrade to the previous GT5 flares which were fiberglass. Its more sophisticated appearance is probably why the Detomaso Pantera is always included on any list of the World’s Most Beautiful Cars. This is a car for people who do not wish to be ignored, nor stared at: it’s for those who know the GT5-S is a superior road car with the looks of a stealthy Panther and the roar of a mighty Lion. Expertly prepared by the seller after spending many years in a private collection, it is now ready to be driven across country or simply parked and lusted after. VIN: 1ASPN8743HD111013. Selling at Public Auction on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Henderson Motor Series Auction will take place at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, AL. www.hendersonmotorseries.com for details!