The DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S is arguably the apex of Pantera development. With an exotically styled steel body, a scrumptious interior, a revised engine and chassis, the GT5-S was a true exotic in every sense of the word. It was extremely quick and fast, handled like a slot car and was as exclusive as anything could get. Fewer than 190 were imported into the United States, fewer than 50 of which were GT5-S models. This 1987 AmeriSport DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S shows 17,500 miles on the odometer. It’s fitted with the 351 CI Cleveland V-8 engine equipped with updated belts, hoses, fluids, filters and lines, with new spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor, all backed by a ZF 5-speed manual transmission. New intake gaskets, valve cover gaskets and valve covers have been installed along with a new air cleaner assembly. It presents stunningly in black with refurbished, magnesium, clear powdercoated Campagnolo GT4 staggered wheels, 15x10-inch front and 15x13-inch rear, finished in gold and wrapped with recently re-released Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires—285/40/15 front and 335/35/15 rear. The shockingly aggressive appearance of the exterior is tempered by a light tan interior of leather, burled woods, rich carpeting and a spectacular gauge layout. It’s accompanied by an owner’s manual, a factory tool kit and the factory parts book, and the headlights on this GT5-S have been upgraded to Hella H4 lamp housings using 100W LED bulbs. AmeriSport was founded in 1984 by Kirk Evans, who owned the company through 1990. Built on the heels of his previous company, which specialized in the restoration and customization of Panteras, AmeriSport imported bodies and assembled the GT5-S Panteras in the United States while also homologating a number of direct-import cars, commonly known as gray market cars, to EPA and DOT specifications. The GT5-S also benefited from Evans’ work, as he upgraded the 351 CI V-8 engine with an aluminum intake manifold and cylinder heads, a Holley carburetor, a hotter cam and higher compression.
