FROM ITALY TO AMERICA WITH LOVE: The Bold 1986 Pantera GT-5 S
April 8, 2025
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
LOT #696 – 1986 DE TOMASO PANTERA GT5-S – NO RESERVE
The brainchild of ex-Argentine racer Alejandro DeTomaso, the Pantera succeeded his Vallelunga race car and dramatic mid-engine Mangusta (Mongoose) road car – both powered by Ford. The latter particularly tantalized Ford Motor Company president Henry Ford II, who was seeking a street-legal Italian exotic car for his massive company’s product portfolio. To that end, Ford acquired an 80-percent stake in Modena-based DeTomaso and purchased two of Italy’s best coachbuilders – Ghia and Vignale – by 1970. The gorgeous new DeTomaso Pantera (Panther) was styled by American designer Tom Tjaarda for Ghia. Essentially a mid-engine sports-racing style car for the road, the Pantera was powered by Ford’s new 351ci “Cleveland” V8 engine mounted amidship and a ZF 5-speed rear transaxle. Modern unitized steel construction marked a first for DeTomaso. All-independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and an intimate and surprisingly luxurious two-seat interior rounded out the Pantera’s highlights.
The Pantera’s March 1970 debut in Modena was followed just a few weeks later by the exotic new car’s U.S. launch in New York. Ford struck a deal for Pantera distribution into the lucrative U.S. market via Lincoln-Mercury’s dealer network, with full Ford Motor Company warranty coverage, starting in 1971. Despite its exotic styling, electrifying performance and promise, Ford Motor Company ended its part of the Pantera program, given tightening American regulations that would have dictated a total redesign of the vehicle. The last U.S.-bound Panteras were built in 1974 and delivered in 1975. Regardless, DeTomaso continued to build roadgoing and FIA-homologated Pantera models for many years thereafter, with the Pantera chassis comprehensively updated in 1980 and again in the 1990s.
Running changes and updates typified Pantera production, including the GT5 debuted in May 1980 with bonded and riveted-on fiberglass wheel well extensions, wider wheels, special paint and other choice upgrades. In November 1984, the GT5-S arrived with blended steel wheel arches and an even more aggressive wide-body look, improved brakes, a more luxurious interior and much larger wheels, plus a front air dam and side skirts. Limited production of the GT5-S spanned 1985 and 1989, with 181 the generally accepted number built among marque enthusiasts.
Featuring a striking blend of Italian design and American V8 muscle, this 1986 DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S – which will be selling with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s upcoming Palm Beach Auction – is one of approximately 181 GT5-S models built between 1985 and 1989, and one of only approximately 38 U.S.-spec versions imported and federalized during that time. Unlike many other Panteras, this collector-grade example retains its original serialized, matching-numbers 351ci Cleveland V8 engine, paired with a ZF 5-speed manual transmission/rear transaxle.
Visually, the GT5-S features a factory all-steel, widebody configuration with integrated steel fender flares and a molded steel front spoiler, a marked departure from the fiberglass components applied to the previous Pantera GT5. The Pantera’s unforgettable body design features visually striking Rosso (red) paint, accented by white graphics, black split bumpers, black moldings and quad exhaust tips exiting below the rear fascia. The Pantera’s particularly aggressive stance, enhanced by the sloping frontal styling and wide rear end, is complemented by the Super “V” wing, similar to that of the contemporary Lamborghini Countach.
Riding on Campagnolo alloy wheels wrapped in fat Pirelli radial tires, this Pantera benefits from a tuned suspension setup, enhancing handling and stability. Power-assisted disc brakes on all four corners provide strong stopping. Comprehensive instrumentation, power windows, luxurious Nero (black) leather upholstery, and the wood veneer dash and accents create a comfortable, yet performance-focused cockpit. The gated shifter, an iconic feature of the Pantera, adds to the engaging driving experience. An Alpine stereo tuner and tape deck provide period-correct audio entertainment. Just 13,248 miles are indicated at the time of writing; however, the mileage is not indicated on the title.
Rare, stunning, and capable of explosive performance, this 1986 DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S ticks all the boxes for an outstanding and collectible classic Italian supercar, with the added benefits of its powerful and reliable Ford V8 powerplant and fascinating model history. Be sure to register to bid on this 1986 DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S at the 2025 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction, April 24-26 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.
Written by David Neyens, independent automotive journalist