An Amerisport DeTomaso Pantera complete with the req- uisite all-steel bodywork, this 1987 Pantera GT5-S is one of just 38 U.S.-spec cars and one of 182 GT5-S cars made in total. Showing just 11,856 miles on the odometer at the time of consignment, the GT5-S was the last “mass” produced version of the Pantera. Equipped with the 351 CI Cleveland V-8 engine and ZF 5-Speed manual transmission, this GT5-S recently underwent a mechanical restoration, emerging with updated belts, hoses and fluids, a new Holley carburetor, new spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor, new DeTomaso cast aluminum valve covers and air cleaner assembly, new Mi- chelin Pilot Sport tires and a new battery. The car was also treated to an alignment. The exceedingly black exterior has been ceramic coated and dressed with Hall Ultra 17-inch wheels, new Amerisport Kirk Evans Euro bumpers, gills and Speedline cast panels behind the side windows that have all recently been refinished in black. The Butter-colored leather interior contrasts gorgeously and is chilled with a new aircon system, a black MOMO steering wheel further highlighting the luxuriously sporty interior. For 1980, DeTomaso would introduce the GT5, which expanded on the looks of the Pantera with a number of bolt-on fiberglass components that gave the car a very ’80s supercar appearance. In 1984, working with Amerisport in the United States, the GT5-S was created, replacing the fiberglass pieces with steel for a more finished look. Amerisport also provided a way for DeTomaso to call the Panteras American made, thus eliminating the gray market importation practice. The steel panels were noted for being of high quality and superior fit and finish to the fiberglass panels, the interiors continued to impress buyers with high-quality materials including supple leathers and, of course, performance was on par with the world’s best. By 1987, the GT5-S could command as much as $80,000, but fortunately the luxurious interior, robust drivetrain, amenities and accessories, and very fantastical look appealed to exotic car buyers seeking something seldom seen.
