1974 GT5 Detomaso Pantera conversion project
Vehicle Description
Here is a unique opportunity to acquire a 1974 Pantera GT5 conversion project and finish it to your own specifications.
This Pantera has had two owners in its lifetime. I purchased it in 1989 with just over 30,000 miles on the odometer. It was taken off the road for the GT5 conversion in 1990. It now has 30,820 documented miles on the odometer.
In 1989 it was involved in a minor front-end collision. Rather than fixing the damaged parts, I insisted on using all new parts in the repair. This included replacing the left front fender, left headlight bucket and front “L” bumper. It was confirmed, on an alignment rack, there was no structural damage.
Once at the shop that performed the GT5 conversion work, the car was dipped to remove all paint, primer, body filler and rust. After the dipping was completed, some very minor rust was discovered and repaired.
All new parts were used for the GT5 conversion. Over $50,000 was spent on labor and materials. Part of the GT5 conversion work entailed removing the original side marker and front turn signal light mounting locations and converting them to accept the OEM GT5 side marker and front turn signal lights. Other notable modifications include dropped floor plans to accommodate taller drivers, beefier engine bay brace, removeable frame brace under the oil pan, removeable parking brake bracket, battery relocated to beneath the front trunk, reinforced joints between roof and rear quarter panel on both sides of the car, reinforced rear deck lid where GT5 wing mounts and original parking brake handle mounting location moved to GT5 location on left side of center console. The rear upper control arm mounting location was modified so that suspension geometry can be changed to suit driver preference. The original mounts were kept but new holes will need to be drilled if you want to use the OEM upper control arms. The hood cooling grills are factory parts, and the mounting brackets were welded to the hood which increases structural integrity.
In total, over $9,000 (1990 dollars) was spent on factory exterior and interior parts, to turn the car into a true GT5 tribute, as it would have come from the factory. Apart from the factory GT5 body parts, other notable parts are: leather covered Burl wood GT5 dashboard, leather covered GT5 center console and leather covered center instrument console with Burl wood insert. Also included is a new aluminum radiator. The ZF transaxle shifted perfectly when the Pantera was last driven and was stored full of oil. The input shaft turns freely. The hardware required to assemble the car is in Ziploc bags, labeled, so that you know where each nut and bolt goes. Also included is a factory Ford Pantera technical manual that details the complete disassembly and reassembly of the vehicle. The fiberglass fender flares have some cracks and imperfections in them that can be seen in the photographs. There is a very small dent on the left side of the rear deck lid shown in pictures. Unfortunately, the right side-skirt went missing and was never able to be found. Other parts that are missing from the car, include the engine, wheels, steering rack, windshield, seats, and both roof drip rail moldings. The rear window is included but cracked in half. There may be some more missing parts that I am not aware of and cannot guarantee that the only missing parts are what I’ve mentioned. The leather covering the GT5 center console, even though it was new when purchased, is not in the greatest shape. I noticed that the threads on the windshield wiper motor that attach the wiper tube are damaged.
I have invoices for all work and parts described. Also included is a photo album with over 300 pictures detailing modifications, improvements and GT5 conversion work
Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if you would like additional pictures. The reason the conversion was not completed is that the owner of the business that was doing the conversion work passed away suddenly in 2023. The car was legally imported into the United States in 2024 but has not yet been Titled. The Pantera comes with a Canadian registration as Canada does not issue vehicle titles. Registration and US customs importation documents will be sent once wired funds are received. Buyer is responsible for organizing and paying all shipping costs.
