Jay's stmt, 'You think you're doing 80 and then you look down and see you're doing 120', is deadon.
Back in '72 I took wifey for a short spin in a new Pantera. While on the freeway, I covered the speedometer with my hand and asked her how fast she thought we were going. She guessed 45-50 mph. We were doing just short of 90. There's no real accurate sense of speed when 'in one of those cars!
I have always thought the Pantera is a better looking car than it's competition, it is such a nicely balanced shape. Having previously owned 351 Cleveland engined cars I also am a big fan of them.
I have to admit though that I do like the later cars as much as I do the originals. I think the Pantera shape suited the additions just fine.
I would be happy to own any Pantera as long as it wasn't a basket case.
Mike, On a stock Pantera, what kind of upgrades pricewise are you looking at to have a decent car? I too fell in love with that car in 1973, unfortunately I met my ex at the same time, should have bought the car instead.