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HISTORY. This car is one of only 97 1974 USA-spec GTS model Panteras. The fender flares, steering wheel, and two tone paint scheme and GTS badging are unique to the GTS. Panteras were among the fastest production cars at the time with a 5.5 second 0-60 time, 13 second ¼ mile and 150 MPH top speed. In particular, by 1974, the Pantera had evolved with many improvements for reliability. Designed as a sporting upscale touring car, air conditioning, power disc brakes and power windows were standard.
In the late 1960s, Ford was in need of a high-performance GT to combat the likes of Ferrari and Corvette and assist in generating additional dealership traffic for its mainstream product lines. De Tomaso Automobili was relying on Ford for engines used in the Mangusta and had purchased the Ghia design and coach-building concern. After Ford’s failed attempt to purchase Ferrari, the Ford-De Tomaso marriage seemed quite natural, so a business / purchase arrangement was consummated and work began on a new mid-engined GT. It would be marketed in the U.S. by Ford’s Lincoln-Mercury division.
Ghia stylist Tom Tjaarda styled the new machine, and Giam Paolo Dallara was engaged for chassis and production design. It was conceived with a full monocoque chassis layout and built around Ford’s then-new 5.7 liter (351 cu. in.) "Cleveland" V-8. The new V-8 was mated to a ZF fully synchronized 5-speed transaxle with limited slip, and rated at 310 horsepower (SAE Gross, 1971 trim).