One to Buy: 1991 De Tomaso Pantera SI
The late eighties supercar boom proved a blessing for De Tomaso as an influx of speculators led to dramatically increased demand for all kinds of collectable and exotic motor cars.
As a result, the little firm from Modena experienced a late surge in demand for their ageing Pantera GT5S which was often considered a less expensive and cheaper to run alternative to a Lamborghini Countach.
Unfortunately, boom quickly turned to bust and by mid 1990 the party was over.
Sensibly, during the good times, De Tomaso invested heavily to bring an updated Pantera to market. The resultant Pantera SI was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in April 1990 just weeks before the market crashed.
Unfortunately, a long drawn out recession followed and buyers for the handsome new SI (the most extensively modified Pantera yet seen) were thin on the ground.
By the time production was stopped in late 1993, just 41 examples of the SI had been produced. Of these, 38 were sold to customers (with four converted into Targas), two were crash tested and the last car was retained by the factory.
This stunning Giallo Fly Italian-delivered example is currently on offer at Thiesen’s showroom in Hamburg, Germany. It has covered just 33,000km and comes with a documented service record from new.
As a result of their normally aspirated Ford engines, these cars are comparatively inexpensive to maintain when compared to contemporary models from the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. Thanks to their low build numbers, they are also exceptionally rare.
Reprinted below is Thiesen’s description for this exciting early nineties supercar:
The Pantera Si developed by Marcello Gandini was presented to the public at the 1990 Turin Motor Show. Including the crash test prototypes and development vehicles, only 41 examples were built until 1993. Minus the four Pavesi Targa, only 34 coupés were produced.
According to the available production records, this Pantera Si was delivered in Italy in 1991 via “Garage Italya”. In 2002 the car went to Switzerland and in 2006 it changed hands to Sweden. Since 2018 the car has been based in Germany.
All factory documents including the original service records and the warranty card come with the car. The ownership history is fully traceable. All work carried out is documented by invoices.
Due to the weak market in the early 1990s, only 41 Pantera Si models were built. Two were used for crash tests and one was reserved for the De Tomaso Museum. Thus, only 38 were sold to the public, four of which were converted into Targas.
With the large wing at the rear of the body, there is no denying a clear resemblance to the Ferrari F40. However, one paid only a fraction of the price for the Pantera Si.
A unique opportunity to acquire this rare collector’s item in an excellent original condition with only 33,000 km mileage.
Price: €298,500
