The De Tomaso Pantera Gt5 marked a significant turning point for the Italian automaker when it was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in November 1980. As consumer tastes shifted towards more aggressive and visually striking designs, the introduction of the GT5 effectively signaled the beginning of the end for the original narrow-body Pantera.
The Pantera GT5 was a direct response to the era’s demand for bold aesthetics. It embraced the wide-body trend with prominent wheel arch extensions, deep side skirts, and a substantial rear spoiler. This dramatic visual overhaul wasn’t just for show; it allowed De Tomaso to incorporate cutting-edge low-profile tire technology, spearheaded by Pirelli’s revolutionary P7 series.
This transformation positioned the Pantera GT5 as a compelling alternative to the Lamborghini Countach, especially for buyers seeking high performance and striking looks without the stratospheric price tag and complex maintenance associated with the Lamborghini. Interestingly, the Countach itself had undergone a similar evolution to its “S” specification, highlighting the prevailing trend in supercar design at the time.
One of the key appeals of the Pantera GT5, setting it apart from the exotic complexities of the Countach, was its reliance on a robust and easily serviceable Ford V8 engine. Unlike the Countach’s intricate dual overhead camshaft V12 with its bank of Weber carburetors, the Pantera’s Ford powerplant was refreshingly straightforward. This meant that routine maintenance and repairs could be handled by a wider range of mechanics, making ownership less daunting and more accessible.
The launch of the Pantera GT5 did inject new life into Pantera sales figures. However, the somewhat rudimentary integration of its wide-body modifications meant that the design quickly began to appear dated as automotive styling evolved rapidly. Recognizing this, Alejandro de Tomaso initiated the development of a refined successor, leading to a second iteration of the wide-body concept.
This next chapter in the Pantera story unfolded with the Pantera GT5S, revealed at the Turin Motor Show in November 1984. The GT5S joined the existing GTS and GT5 models, alongside other De Tomaso offerings like the Deauville and Longchamp, showcasing the brand’s diverse lineup. Crucially, the Pantera GT5S addressed the aesthetic shortcomings of its predecessor. Moving away from the GT5’s fiberglass additions, the GT5S boasted smoother, all-steel bodywork. The wide wheel arches, side skirts, and front spoiler were now seamlessly integrated into the car’s lines, giving the Pantera GT5S a more contemporary and fluid appearance, aligning it with the increasingly curvaceous design language that defined the latter half of the 1980s.
