The Shocking Truth Behind 1971 De Tomaso Pantera 351 Cleveland

Discover what makes the 1971 De Tomaso Pantera 351 Cleveland. From its powerful engine to its aerodynamic design, we'll break down the secrets behind this legendary car's speed. Elvis Presley loved it so much he shot it twice Episode 14, AMERICAN MUSCLE Season 1 a little history The Pantera, produced through a partnership between De Tomaso and Ford, was the first De Tomaso road car to be built and distributed in large numbers. Combining Italian styling with an American engine, the Pantera (Italian for Panther) featured an exotic exterior by Tom Tjaarda at Ghia and an affordable, yet powerful, mid-mounted Ford V-8. Demonstrating the newfound visibility of De Tomaso in the American marketplace, the distinctive styling of the Pantera made an impression on many, including legendary rock star Elvis Presley who originally purchased this vehicle. Specifications Production years: 1971-1992 Total produced: Approximately 7,260 units Engine: Mid-mounted Ford 351 Cleveland V8 Horsepower: 330 hp Top speed: 159 mph Transmission: 5-speed manual Body style: 2-door coupé (a Targa top version was also available) Ford Partnership De Tomaso partnered with Ford to distribute the Pantera in the United States through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships This arrangement lasted from 1972 to 1975, during which time over three-quarters of Pantera production was sold in America Performance and Variants The Pantera was known for its impressive performance. In 1972, De Tomaso introduced the more powerful GTS model for the European market, featuring a 350 hp engine, wider wheels, and improved brakes AMERICAN Car History, Season 1 watch some of our favourate videos The FASTEST 351 Cleveland Powered sports car 1971 De Tomaso Pantera    • The Shocking Truth Behind  1971 De Tomaso ...   Corvette KILLER 1963 Studebaker Super Lark    • The Shocking Truth Behind Hellcat Studebak...   BUILT TO DESTROY SHELBY 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger    • BUILT TO DESTROY SHELBY  1966 Chevrolet Co...   Secret YENKO 1969 chevrolet 427 Super Camaros    • 5 Reasons Why Yenko is the KING of Muscle ...   Unbelievable 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge    • The Shocking Truth Behind The $1.1 Million...   EVIL 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454    • The Shocking Truth Behind 1970 Chevrolet C...   FASTER THAN A HELLCAT? 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt    • The Shocking Truth Behind 1964 Ford Fairla...   CAR COLLECTORS DREAM 1971 PLYMOUTH HEMI CUDA    • Is This $2.25 Million 1971 Hemi Cuda the M...   Z11 Ford Dreaded 1963 Chevy's 427 Beast    • The  Chevrolet 427 Beast  That Left Ford i...   BANNED? 1970 BALDWIN MOTION🏁 VEGA    • Joel Rosen's VEGA Killed an Entire Industr...   CRAZIEST Corvette Ever Made! 1967 L88 Corvette    • The Shocking Truth Behind 1967 L88 CORVETT...   RAREST 1981 YENKO CAMARO Z28 TURBO    • The Shocking Truth Behind RAREST Yenko Cam...   MONSTER 1972 YANKO SUPER VEGA    • The VEGA That ATE ITSELF | Why 2 Million A...   Elvis Presley's ownership of a 1971 De Tomaso Pantera certainly contributed to the car's popularity and notoriety. Elvis purchased a yellow 1971 De Tomaso Pantera in 1974 for his girlfriend Linda Thompson This was during the period when Panteras were being sold through Ford's Lincoln-Mercury dealerships in the United States. The Shooting Incident The most famous story associated with Elvis's Pantera involves an incident where he reportedly shot the car: Elvis became frustrated when the car wouldn't start one day In a fit of anger, he pulled out a gun and shot the car twice One bullet hole was reportedly left in the front fender of the vehicle This incident gained significant publicity and became part of rock and roll lore, further cementing the Pantera's place in pop culture. Top Speed: The supercharged R2 setup increased the Lark's top speed to an impressive 132 mph Engine Specifications Type: Ford 351 Cleveland V8 Layout: Mid-engine, longitudinally mounted Displacement: 5,763 cc (351.7 cubic inches) Block Material: Cast Iron Valvetrain: Pushrod OHV (Overhead Valve) Aspiration: Naturally aspirated Fuel System: Two valves per cylinder with four-barrel carburetors Performance Power Output: 310 bhp (231.2 kW) at 5,400 rpm Torque: 380 ft-lbs (515.2 Nm) at 3,400 rpm Specific Output: 53.79 bhp per liter Compression Ratio: 10.7:1 @josephbyrd6642 very good commentary, except the ommission of Dellara's engineering of the chassis and suspension