4275

Known

Pantera

Add information about this car

Year: 1972
Factory model: L, custom EU GTS
Original color: silver/black
Current color: silver/black
Interior: white
Engine: 351C
Country: Switzerland
Region: Europe

Identity

Year: 1972 licensed in 1974
Country: Switzerland
Dealer name: direct from factory
Serial last4: 4275
Serial prefix: THPN
Factory options: many
License plate opening: US
Serial month year code: MD

Exterior

Flares: GTS
Headlights: round
Wheel type: duoble
Bumper type: L
Mirror type: black
Door handles: rectangular
Rear spoiler: no
Bumper finish: black
Front spoiler: no
Interior color: white
Front hood vent: special
Rear delta wing: no
Antenna location: roof
Side marker lights: rectangular
Windshield trim color: chrome
Exterior color current: silver/black
Exterior color original: silver/black

Interior

Leather interior: no
Tach speedo config: single
Vented brake rotors: yes
Wipers rest position: left

Drivetrain

Engine: 351C
Transaxle number: 10164
Brake light style: red
Engine block number: 3117
Front brake pistons: yes

History

Sold date: Sold for $76,000 on 2/11/15 on bring a trailer
Past owners: see history
Modifications: This 1974 De Tomaso Pantera GTS was special ordered by Ford Technical Director Hank Carlini in 1972 and was hand-built using many one-off features that distinguish it from a standard GTS model. Carlini served as head coordinator between Ford, Ghia, and Vignale between 1971-1974, and his rank as Iacocca’s right-hand man allowed him executive privilege to order a car to his personal taste. Carlini was based in Italy and personally oversaw the build of his car, ensuring that only the best components available were used. He specifically wanted a Euro tuned engine and requested to have the car’s low-compression 351C engine replaced by the more powerful, high compression Euro spec Cleveland before it left the Modena factory. Well-maintained and showing 22,323 miles, it is documented via two Pantera International magazine articles as well as personal correspondence between Carlini and a later Ford family owner. Initially started in September of 1972 as one of the first ‘L’ models (chassis 4269 was the first), this car was completed in 1974 and titled as such. Carlini elected to have it refinished in the silver and black paint it wears today. Old photographs of the car can been seen in the gallery and show that it has remained unmodified from it’s original build. The car has a number of special exterior features including unique hood vents, GTS wheel arch flares, and F-O-R-D script on the rear decklid intended to copy the street-spec GT40. The seller recalls a conversation with Charlene Ford—the second owner after Carlini—in which she said the only change made was to remove GTS lettering on the windshield and rockers, reportedly having said “it looked like a rolling billboard”. 4275 predates American GTS’ by one year. Otherwise all original, body panels retain their original, matching serial numbers and the car remains nicely preserved with a few expected paint blemishes and dings. The seller notes that a magnet will stick almost everywhere including wheel wells, though an approximately four by four inch spot aft of the right front fender in the rocker panel is believed to have been filled with aluminum while still at the factory – a photo is included in the gallery. The interior also features several unique touches that distinguish the car including two-tone leather upholstery, GTS clock, Euro spec radio and Momo Prototipo steering wheel with Ghia center emblem. This is a one-off build that many in the Pantera community have likened to a prototype. Carpet, headliner, dash, door trims and seats all remain in very nice shape, though side bolsters do show evidence of light wear and some stitch separation. All lights, switches, instruments, wipers, washer, horn and other electrical accessories work properly according to the seller. Initially fitted with a standard US market 8.6:1 compression 351C, Carlini had De Tomaso refit it with a European spec 11:1 compression, 380 HP version of Ford’s Cleveland V8. Still in excellent running condition with 22,300 miles from new, it’s had an aftermarket air cleaner and rocker covers fitted though originals are included as well. A small main seal leak will need to be tended to eventually, though new plugs, points, wires, rotor and cap mean have all been fitted within the past few hundred miles. Several underbody photos are included in the gallery, and be sure to check out this video of the car on a lift.

Other

Known: 1
Region: Europe
Drive side: left
Factory model: L, custom EU GTS
Gas fill location: outside
Spare tire location: rear

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