Rare GT5: 1985 De Tomaso Pantera
While the De Tomaso Pantera is undoubtedly a sought-after performance car, it pops up fairly often for what is considered a limited-production specimen. However, when it comes to the more elusive model offerings, the GT5 is a hard-to-find version of Alejandro de Tomaso’s original vision, fitted with spoilers and wings and a gorgeous set of gold Campagnolo wheels. Find this GT5 out of a private collection here on eBay with bids to $87,400 and the reserve unmet.
For some reason, the GT5 isn’t a car I consider “top of mind” for most collectors. Sure, we all know and love the Pantera, but this late edition that came about at the urging of the U.S. importer George Stauffer doesn’t seem to have the same market presence as a Porsche 911 Turbo or a Ferrari 328. But when the original Pantera ended its importation run in 1975, Stauffer wanted to make a splash with its return to the market in a bold way, and the GT5 was born.
The GT5 reflected what was happening across the board in the supercar scene going into the 1980s. Think about the Lamborghini Jalpa and Countach, or the Ferrari 288 GTO and the Berlinetta Boxer. Generous fender flares, staggered wheels, big spoilers, and other aero enhancements made these already loud cars even harder to miss. Of course, the Pantera retained its trademark stylish interior with woodgrain dash finishes, leather buckets, and the Ferrari-inspired gated shifter.
The 5.7L Cleveland V8 features 8:2:1 compression and a Holley four-barrel carburetor, generating a healthy 350 b.h.p. and 333 lb.-ft. of torque. The GT5 could reach 60 in 5.3 seconds, going onto a top speed of 158 miles per hour. Overall, this was one heck of a re-grand opening of a celebrated performance model, but it still seems muted in the marketplace today compared to a Countach of the same vintage. These GT5s rarely come to market, and this one looks stunning in red over gold.
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Comments
Yes killer car!! Not crazy on the gold wheels, and very poor photos. No doubt a very high reserve.
Back in the day I knew a guy in the “import business” with one of these GT5 models, it was the same color as the goods he imported: white. I imagine had he not owned other legitimate businesses, it would have attracted the wrong kind of attention.
I remember in the 80’s I seen them at NYC car shows. I seen one in the Bronx. Sounds great and very fast. The reserve on this it’s going to be $100, 000. I do remember seeing these for sale at $125,000 and up in the 90’s . This is a beautiful ride to own. I do remember they had turbo’s put on them. I would love to take one for a ride! 🐻🇺🇸
That 8.2-1compression ratio is a joke. Did they set it up to run on regular unleaded? Perfect compression ratio for a couple of turbos.
Tony …. Some did that…. twin turbo very wicked and fast. I remember reading about that in some good car magazine. But it was mostly about the fuel. 🐻
These always looked better in GT5 trim.Red is the perfect color.
And where would my Great Dane sit??
You like those Scandinavians gals, eh? She could sit in the passenger seat.
George Stauffer, a name I hadn’t heard recently. I believe at one time he owned three of the five Cobra Daytona Coupes. A Ford fan, I scraped together the $400 for his book on the Daytonas. A couple years later, I attended the 100th anniversary of Ford racing in Dearborn, 2003. Shelby was in attendance and signed the roof of a polished 1/18th scale Exoto Daytona. Eventually, had to put the book and model on e-Bay to come up with child support. Brought me $1,700, thanks, George!
https://www.autoweek.com/a2008641/garage-cheese-built/
FYI
This GT5 once belonged to a person in Michigan back in the early 90’s according to the DeTomaso Registry. Body color is correct. They were manufactured from 1980 -1984, Serial Nos. 9150-9374 with a total of 224 built. This vehicle VIN is THPNCT09334. It must have been originally titled in 1985 after driver train and sale of vehicle. The GT5’s came from Italy to Canada with no engine or transmission. Drive trains were installed in the USA.
The GT5-S was built from 1984-1990 with only 187 built. These were a much nicer car to drive compared to my 72 Pantera. The market value was higher for a GT5. I recall driving to F40 (Wayne Carini) Motorsport in CT. He had one for $55k at the time.
Frank:
Subtracting the first VIN from the last VIN to get the total production of GT5 Panteras does not work because GTS and other models of Pantera were produced concurrently and used the VINs too. If you subtract those VINs, no more than 197 GT5 Panteras could have been built. Check the 9000 series Pantera registry index published in the members section of the POCA web site.
Where did they find 351 Clevelands in 1985?
There was a Lincoln Mercury dealership that had a white Pantera in the showroom back around 1972.
I left a lot of nose prints on the window of that dealership when I’d drive my ‘67 Fairlane GTA S Code to the pizzeria across the street.
The GT5 cars were much nicer and more well sorted than the early cars.
Australia.
Some had 351 Windsor engines in 1985.
Dealer is expecting 6 figures for this GT5.
only ‘super car’ of interest here.
Just sold an MR2, like em all ( 2 lotus, 1st beemer M, 914, X 1/9, Dejet, fiero, unipower, esp all the Italian – dino, monti carlo’n more) even tho not ‘super cars’ still mid engines, a bad thing for the other suburban/exurban/city commuters, a great thing for anyone outside & an amazing thing 4 the twisties.
Still wishin SCCA had the rally’s like the “foreigners” but on 2 lane blk top, not dirt rds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VJjJ4drHtU
Love to see 4 wheels (these guys or super cars) on the 2 wheel road race course (‘cafe racer’)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acAsGRC4sYw
I will inaugurate w/Rt 112, Rt116 (Sunderland to Hawley)around here or better yet:
https://w2bergen.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/t-o-t-d-map.jpg
for east coast race one.
How bout you guys on the right coast? Name race course #2? Must B some smaller towns need an influx of cash gleaned bya I of M TT style local event (May/June since 1907). 1 wk trials, 1 wk racing. How bout a day each location?
“Red over gold”??? Not how a red car with a black interior is usually described.
Current bid:
US $92,400.00
Reserve not met
[ 27 bids ]
Located in: Sarasota, Florida
Ended: May 03, 2023 , 8:21AM
Current bid:US $92,400.00 [ 27 bids ]
Reserve not met
Located in:Sarasota, Florida