The auction house Bonhams has sold a unique De Tomaso Pantera supercar for $226,000 USD. Issued in 1987 and missing the engine and transmission, you’d think the vehicle wouldn’t hold up against the competition – after all, you may find similar cars in top-notch running condition between U.S. $80,000 and $160,000.
Nevertheless, the buyer, who chose to retain anonymity, knew full well what the money was paid for. The ride once belonged to Carroll Shelby, the legendary North American car constructor and racing driver and creator of the iconic Shelby Cobra sports car. Shelby passed away six years ago, and Bonhams has finally brought his personal car collection under the hammer.
This particular copy of De Tomaso Pantera isn’t only unique due to its former ownership. The car was also used to test new Dodge Viper engines. In particular, it has spent a part of its life with a 5.9-liter, eight-cylinder turbo-compressor engine on board. As some of you might remember, Chrysler ended up choosing a stronger 400-hp / 300-kW V10 engine for its Viper lineup.
Along with the sports car, the winning bidder gets a genuine certificate to prove that the car has indeed once belonged to the famous constructor.
The Pantera series has been produced in 1971 through 1992 featuring a design by Tom Tjaarda. A total of 7,200 copies have rolled off the assembly lines.
Photo: motor1.com