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Car Of The Day: 1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4

1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4

De Tomaso not only produced road cars but also offered Panteras configured for FIA’s Group 3, Group 4, and Group 5 categories. Launched in 1972 with assistance from former Ferrari Formula 1 driver and engineer Mike Parkes, the Group 4 Pantera retained the stock steel monocoque chassis while upgrading nearly every component of the running gear for racing stresses and extensively lightening the bodywork.

1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4

Powered by the same Ford 351 Cleveland V8 engine as the road Pantera, the Group 4 version featured bespoke aluminum heads, TRW forged pistons, large capacity oil pans, titanium valves, and initially, a single Holley Racing 1150 CFM four-barrel carburetor. This was later replaced by four Weber carburetors with a revised intake, boasting a higher compression ratio of 12.0:1. The racing engine maintained the displacement of the road Pantera but showcased a claimed power output of 500 hp. The engine was paired with a ZF 5-speed close-ratio manual transmission with a heavy-duty single clutch plate.

1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4

Debuting at the 1972 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Group 4 Pantera faced challenges, including engine reliability issues and a weight penalty that raised the weight to 2,756 lbs, allegedly influenced by Porsche. Despite these setbacks, the Group 4 Pantera persevered, and improvements were made, including addressing engine reliability by using replacement engines with a lower compression ratio. A total of 14 Group 4 cars were produced, and some Group 3 cars were converted to Group 4 specifications by privateers.

 1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4  1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4  1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4  1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4  1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4  1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4

Photo Source: Bonhams Cars