Automotive News & VideosWheelCircuit

Review: 1971 Damaso Panta - Rare Classic Car with Mid-Mounted Ford V8

Review: 1971 Damaso Panta - Rare Classic Car with Mid-Mounted Ford V8
Image copyright Youtube
Authors
    Published on
    Published on
  • Name
    By Dushyant
    Twitter
    (@dishs)

In this review, Doug DeMuro takes us on a journey through the iconic 1971 Damaso Panta, a true gem from the 1970s. With a design inspired by a panther, this car exudes elegance and power, boasting a mid-mounted Ford V8 engine that delivers a thrilling 320-330 horsepower. The rear compartment reveals the heart of the beast, showcasing the raw mechanical components that make this car a true classic. Despite a quirky design flaw requiring the rear hatch to be opened for fueling, the Panta's overall aesthetic is nothing short of a masterpiece, with beautifully integrated US bumpers setting it apart from its European counterparts.

Designed by the talented Tom Tjaarda, the Panta's exterior features the iconic Damaso logo, paying tribute to founder Alejandro Dtomaso's Argentine roots. The unique badging placement and aftermarket mirrors add a touch of character to this already striking vehicle. Inside, the Panta offers a vintage sports car interior, complete with a gated 5-speed manual transmission and unconventional stereo mounting. The climate controls, with options for "cool" and "coolest," reflect the era in which this beauty was born.

As Doug explores the interior, he uncovers more quirks, from the rubberized steering wheel to the hazard light button that harks back to a time before universal symbols. The gauge cluster, with its ominous red light, adds a touch of drama to the driving experience. Despite limited storage space, the Panta's glove box secured by a hand-tightened screw is a testament to the unique charm of this classic car. Doug's review captures the essence of the Damaso Panta, a timeless piece of automotive history that continues to captivate enthusiasts with its blend of style and performance.

review-1971-damaso-panta-rare-classic-car-with-mid-mounted-ford-v8

Image copyright Youtube

review-1971-damaso-panta-rare-classic-car-with-mid-mounted-ford-v8

Image copyright Youtube

review-1971-damaso-panta-rare-classic-car-with-mid-mounted-ford-v8

Image copyright Youtube

review-1971-damaso-panta-rare-classic-car-with-mid-mounted-ford-v8

Image copyright Youtube

Watch The DeTomaso Pantera Is a Gorgeous Car That Deserves More Love on Youtube

Viewer Reactions for The DeTomaso Pantera Is a Gorgeous Car That Deserves More Love

Commenters are excited to see Doug review an older car like the Pantera

Some users appreciate the worn look of the Pantera, showing it was driven

Mention of unique features of the Pantera like the rear trunk tub and electric windows

Users sharing personal stories about the Pantera, such as a family doctor owning one in the past

Excitement for Cars and Bids platform branching out into older cars

Some users reminiscing about seeing a Pantera in person or dreaming of owning one

Reference to the Pantera's design and features, such as the back end and vertical radio placement

Mention of the Pantera's value increasing in recent years

Some users sharing personal connections to the Pantera, like a professor daily driving one

Requests for more content on similar cars like the Mangusta

exploring-global-police-cars-a-cars-and-bids-challenge
Doug DeMuro

Exploring Global Police Cars: A Cars and Bids Challenge

Join Cars and Bids hosts Kenan and Fippo in a thrilling challenge to identify police cars from around the world. From Japan to Spain, witness their humorous yet educational journey while exploring unique models and showcasing their automotive expertise. Discover the excitement of Cars and Bids in this engaging episode!

future-of-electric-sedans-mercedes-amg-gtx-lexus-lfr-mazda-rotary-and-hertz-tech
Doug DeMuro

Future of Electric Sedans: Mercedes AMG GTX, Lexus LFR, Mazda Rotary, and Hertz Tech

Unveiling the Mercedes AMG GTX, a 1340hp electric sedan, alongside rumors of a new Lexus LFR and Mazda rotary sports car. Hertz introduces car scanning tech for efficient rental returns. Automotive enthusiasts explore the future of high-performance vehicles in an evolving industry.

the-evolution-of-the-2006-toyota-prius-a-trailblazer-in-hybrid-technology
Doug DeMuro

The Evolution of the 2006 Toyota Prius: A Trailblazer in Hybrid Technology

The 2006 Toyota Prius revolutionized the hybrid car market with its unique design, exceptional fuel efficiency, and quirky interior features, setting it apart as a trailblazer in the automotive industry.

inos-grenadier-quartermaster-rugged-pickup-truck-review
Doug DeMuro

Inos Grenadier Quartermaster: Rugged Pickup Truck Review

The Inos Grenadier Quartermaster is a rugged pickup truck with a BMW engine, priced around $90,000. It offers unique design, impressive capabilities, and a distinctive interior with old-school buttons and dials. Built in France, it stands out with its boxy styling and heritage-inspired badging.