One to Buy: 1st of 34 built 1972 De Tomaso Pantera Gr.3
De Tomaso focused their maiden Pantera campaign in 1972 on Group 4 racing. Here, the wide-arched and circa 470bhp Pantera Gr.4 had the speed to match anything in its class.
To qualify for Group 4, a manufacturer had to build 500 road-going base cars within a twelve month timeframe. Having started in August 1971, De Tomaso hit their target in late November and the Pantera was homologated into Group 4 on January 1st 1972.
Seven months later, De Tomaso had completed sufficient Panteras for the car to be accepted into Group 3 (where the completion of 1000 production cars was required). Homologation into Group 3 was rubber stamped on July 1st 1972, after which De Tomaso added a specially-prepared Pantera Gruppo 3 to their model line-up.
Equipped with a 330bhp engine and lightweight bucket seats, customers could specify an array of competition options to include a roll cage, a quick fuel filler system, a blueprinted engine with uprated camshafts, an uprated exhaust system, a fire extinguisher, an emergency cut-off switch, Plexiglas side windows, retaining straps for the rear bodywork and a competition steering wheel.
Some customers went for a more road-oriented specification and requested things like electric windows, comfort seats with head rests, tinted glass and an audio system.
By the time De Tomaso discontinued the Pantera Gr.3 in the late 1970s, 34 examples had been built. Against the likes of the Porsche 911 2.7 Carrera RS and Alpine A110, the Group 3 Panteras achieved success in a variety of disciplines to include circuit racing, hillclimbs and even rallying.
The first of the 34 cars from this series is currently on offer at the Movendi showroom in Dusseldorf, Germany. Finished in its handsome and original black colour scheme, this famous car has an extensive period competition history to include five appearances at the Giro d’Italia!
Reprinted below is Movendi’s description for what would make an extremely competitive and highly eligible event car which has benefited from over €170,000 of recent investment:
Group 3 homologation vehicle, first Group 3 Pantera of a total of 34 vehicles
The only Group 3 Pantera assembled by hand in the factory
Complete history, many historic races, three victories in the Italian sports car championship, including five appearances in the historic Giro d'Italia
Completely restored, new racing engine, Recaro sports seats, Makrolon windows, 90 + 30 l tank, over €170,000 invested
Second engine included
FIA HTP Pass Period H1 Class GTS27
Price: €250,000
For further information, visit the Movendi website at: https://mo-vendi.de/en/
