Years from now, when an archaeologist combs through my garage and finds boxes of unopened parts for a variety of vehicles, he will look quizzically at his team and ask, “What happened here?” At least, that’s how I’m feeling after several fits and starts trying to get my 1986 Isuzu Trooper junkyard find project to a shop that will work on it while brand new, OEM rebuild parts collect dust on my shelves six months later. This De Tomaso Pantera here on craigslist is a long-stored garage find that comes with boxes upon boxes of NOS and NLA parts – a Pantera enthusiasts’s dream.

The seller claims this Pantera has been sitting idle in a California garage since 1986. The old-school blue plates help reinforce the claim that it hasn’t turned a wheel in some time, but despite this long period of inactivity, it still runs. The seller notes that included with the sale is a large stockpile of parts, including a brand new OEM exhaust and a spare set of Campagnolo wheels, along with two spare valve covers and a box full of smaller bits.

The interior has held up quite nicely as well, with a preserved cockpit sporting a handsome woodgrain steering wheel, untorn bucket seats, OEM vertically-mounted radio, and what looks like an un-cracked dash. There are some alterations, however, including what appear to be modern speakers mounted into the door. More to the point, what this Pantera needs the most is a thorough detailing that would help the interior to “pop” more than it does here.

All numbers match and mileage is reported to be 25,786. Low-mileage Panteras are not unusual to find, so I’m not inclined to doubt that number – but I’m sure years of registration and/or inspection paperwork could help to verify it. With the preferred small bumpers, running/driving condition, and an original motor and transmission, I’m sure the Pantera will fetch a fair number – but will it eclipse the $69,750 asking price in the craigslist ad? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Matt R. for the find.