1970 DeTomaso Pantera (Ghia)

Launched in 1971 with a price tag of around $10,000, the Pantera was produced by the de Tomaso company of Italy. Designed by famed stylist Tom Tjaarda, it could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. With its similar mid engine, it was seen as a serious rival to Ferrari; certainly its body styling was a superb piece of motoring sculpture.

In late 1971, Ford began importing hand-built Carrozzeria Vignale bodied Panteras for the American market. A total of 1,007 Panteras reached the USA that year. In all, about 7,260 Panteras were built and even Elvis Presley owned one. Production ceased in the early Nineties although the Pantera’s heyday was between. Today, Panteras are extremely sought after exotic Italian cars; they are far cheaper to own and run than Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis.

Designed by Tom Tjaarda at Ghia, the 1970 De Tomaso Pantera was a mid engine supercar, with a 5.8 litre Ford V8 engine. The car was to replaced the Mangusta. Alejandro De Tomaso did a deal with Ford, where by in exchange for his coach building firm - Ghia, the Pantera would be sold in the dealers in the US. It was a smart move and over 4000 cars were sold between 1971 and 1974. Elvis Presley famously owned a De Tomaso Pantera and shot the dashbaord when it didn’t start! The car proved very popular and sold over 10,000 units in all.