Something new in my collection at last. :)
I think Spark still has to improve quality control on their models, as there were quite some imperfections on this one. But I somehow managed to repair them and the model has grown on me. It's just too beautiful and aggressive... :thumbsup:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/superbird77/spark_pantera.jpg

Aggressive is a very well choosen term. A very nice addition to the collection!

Nice piece! I'm partial to realistic looking cars that don't have opening doors. Isn't that company (Pantera)
owned by Ford?

From the Pantera Club web site...

"Sadly, Alejandro DeTomaso passed away on May 21, 2003. Approximately one year later, the factory entered liquidation and was eventually wound up by 2006."

It looks as though the company is gone all together, but indeed what I read said that Ford had purchased much of the company in the late 60's. They had sold thier holdings long before the end however.

Sad, indeed. I love the Pantera, though, and that replica.

Nice piece! I'm partial to realistic looking cars that don't have opening doors. Isn't that company (Pantera)
owned by Ford?

owned by Ford.... not so much, however they were certainly powered by Ford.

From the collector club web site...

"DeTomaso Automobili was relying on Ford for engines used in the Mangusta and had purchased the Ghia design and coach-building concern. After Ford’s failed attempt to purchase Ferrari, the Ford-DeTomaso marriage seemed quite natural, so a business / purchase arrangement was consummated and work began on a new mid-engined GT. It would be marketed in the U.S. by Ford’s Lincoln-Mercury division."

" At the end of the 1974 model year, Ford and DeTomaso Automobili dissolved their business arrangement, and importation of the Pantera to the United States was concluded. Mr. DeTomaso reassumed ownership of Pantera."

And as for the Ford power....it keept going!

"The 1991 cars also marked a major change in the engine compartment. While all previous Panteras carried the aforementioned 351 Cleveland (and some 351 Windsor) engines, the new model switched to a modified 5.0 liter (302 cu. in) Ford V-8, a unit that traced its roots back to the same engine used in the Mustang. Rated at 305 horsepower, the new unit employed computer-controlled direct port fuel injection and the latest electronic engine management systems."

Those model Pantera's had Australian made Cleveland Engines

Those model Pantera's had Australian made Cleveland Engines

I did not know that. I knew Ford produced cars in that market, I just never thought of using those plants to produce customer motors. Neat fact.