Reviving a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera: A Barn Find Restoration Journey

In this riveting episode of Hagerty, the dynamic duo of David and Tom Cotter, better known as the Barn Find Hunter, embark on a thrilling mission to revive a sleeping beast - the 1972 De Tomaso Pantera. This Italian beauty, once owned by Gray and now in the capable hands of Brian, has been dormant for a staggering 45 years. But don't let its slumber fool you, for this Pantera is a sight to behold, even in its current state.

With a sense of adventure in the air, David takes charge and begins the arduous task of awakening the Pantera from its deep slumber. Ignition, compression, fuel - these are the key elements that need to be assessed to determine the car's condition. But alas, a grim discovery is made - the engine is stubbornly stuck, refusing to budge. Undeterred, our heroes try various methods to coax the sleeping beast back to life, but their efforts are in vain.

As the team delves deeper into the history of the De Tomaso Pantera, they unveil a fascinating tale of collaboration between the Italian company and Ford. This partnership birthed a car that was a perfect fusion of Italian design and American muscle. With its 351 Cleveland engine and a ZF 5-speed gearbox, this mid-engine marvel was a force to be reckoned with.

But the Pantera's story doesn't end there. After the partnership with Ford ended, De Tomaso continued producing the car, unleashing even more powerful versions with aggressive styling cues. The Pantera's allure lies not only in its performance but also in its distinctive Italian charm, from the flip headlights to the gated shifter.

Despite their valiant efforts, David and Brian come to the realization that the engine's stubbornness cannot be overcome. The only solution is to remove the engine and embark on a Redline rebuild. With determination in their eyes, they strip the car down, piece by piece, ready to breathe new life into this sleeping beauty.

Stay tuned for the next thrilling installment of Hagerty, where David and Brian will embark on a journey of restoration, bringing the De Tomaso Pantera back to its former glory. It's a tale of passion, perseverance, and the unyielding pursuit of automotive excellence.

Watch BIG MISTAKE? Bought a 70's Italian sports car parked 45 years ago on Youtube

Viewer Reactions for BIG MISTAKE? Bought a 70's Italian sports car parked 45 years ago

Appreciation for showing the reality of restoration projects
Excitement for the Redline Rebuild and Masters of Time Lapse videos
Suggestions for engine upgrades and improvements
Hope for saving the engine block
Positive feedback on the series and collaboration
Interest in the designer of the Pantera
Memories and experiences with the Pantera
Suggestions for turning the engine over and fixing it properly
Critiques of the borescope used in the video
Tips and advice for working on the engine