This one's for you, Agent 001.
Jay Leno's Garage is back this week with an all-new episode showcasing something I rarely see and have never quite understood: a 1971 De Tomaso Pantera. Essentially, what the small automaker did was take the lustful design language and driving experience from Italy and throw in some proper American power.
What you have here is the amalagation of two country's efforts that showcase what they each do best.
But, to be straightforward, I've never had an affinity for this vehicle. I see them, I appreciate them — a little — and move on with my day. Thanks to 001 I've seen some remarkable examples from SoCal but if I ever do run into them in the New York Tri-State they tend to be in pretty poor shape. I know this is one of 001's favorite autos, hence why I am posting this as an homage to the head cheese.
As it is equipped with a Ford motor it seems easy to mod as I have run across some seriously powerful examples with tires as wide as a Lamborghini Countach. Now, I'll let Leno take over from here and educate you end-to-end on the Pantera.
Enjoy!