[DeTomaso] Anybody know just about how many roadworthy Panterasexist in the USA?

cengles at cox.net cengles at cox.net
Mon Apr 13 10:22:31 EDT 2009


Dear Michael, 


I agree with your estimate. My guesswork says that there were roughly 6000 Panteras in the States in 1975. I guess that half are gone due to wrecks and rust, leaving about 3000 Pantera units. Of that, I guess that half are disabled, under restoration, unsafe to drive or unable to start, i.e. they ain't runnin' units. Final guess: 1250 to 1500 Panteras that are driveable some distance........remember it is all guesswork. 

I used to be an economist for the U.S. Treasury dept, Chuck Engles



---- "michael at michaelshortt.com" <michaelsavga at gmail.com> wrote:
>I'd bet the number is closer to 1,500 that actually run and are roadworthy )
>licensed and tagged in the 50 states.
>
>There must be a way to find out, even if it's a state by state effort
>searching for DeTomaso Registrations through DMV offices.
>
>In my neck of the woods, I know of mine, two that are driven ( both on
>Hilton Head Island ) and one in Savannah sitting in the same garage for the
>last 30 years.
>At least one in Charleston that runs.
>
>I bought www.detomasopanteraregistry.com a few years ago in anticipation of
>getting a count, but it soon became apparent that the ownership is
>scattered and true to the Pantera mystique and/or culture less likely to go
>with the flow and join en masse. ( I haven't done anything with it, so don't
>bother clicking on it ).
>
>We are a collection of strong individuals, perhaps that's the only REAL
>requirement ( other than $ ) to become an owner, I have yet to meet
>a bigger group of A type personalities with a singular common interest
>anywhere.
>
>Long live us while we care for these fabulous cars for next group who will
>share custody of these machines in the years ahead.
>Morbid thoughts, but I have to say that when I go to cars shows and I see
>all the great pre and post war cars, I often get lost in ( ADD?)
>thought wondering about the people who bought them new and those that came
>later.
>Just how cool was the guy who bought a Cord 810 Conv brand new? What was
>the motive behind a guy who didn't race
>who walked into a Ford dealer in 1965 and bought a Cobra?
>
>
>Michael Shortt
>
>
>Michael Shortt
>
>On Mon, Apr 13, 2009 at 2:27 AM, <JDeRyke at aol.com> wrote:
>
>>In a message dated 4/12/09 8:43:07 PM, fresnofinches at aol.com writes:
>>
>>>I'll say 2000 to 2500, at the VERY most.
>>>
>>I think Steve Wilkinson, who sees and deals with far more Panteras than
>>anyone else, has estimated that there were around 6500 Panteras of all
>>models
>>sold world-wide. About half are still mobile, again world-wide. So Larry's
>>estimate, for the U.S, is as accurate as anyone's. FWIW- J Deryke
>>
>
>
>


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