DeTomaso Pantera Group 4 Ex. 1972 Le Mans - Ecurie Franco Britannic for sale at carclassic.com

Extremely rare 1972 works De Tomaso Pantera group 4, one of only 14 units ever built by the factory. When De Tomaso launched his racing program for his new and promising Pantera, they decided to build a racing version of the car that would be eligible for the FIA group 4 class. Only 14 units have been built with a special lightweight chassis (Type 874A – A stands for Alleggerita), and immediately entered major international races. One of the most important events in 1972 was the 24 hours of Le Mans, with four factory group 4 Pantera registered at the race. Despite the superb results for the qualifying sessions (a Pantera did the best qualifying time in group 4 class), the result in the race itself were very disappointing. It is now commonly known that with more time to properly prepared the cars, the Pantera would have been front runners in that race.

Ecurie Franco-Britannic entered the race with a factory group 4 Pantera driven by Vinatier and Chasseuil. This is the car we are proud to offer today. The history of this car is very well known, crystal clear and documented from the beginning including the entry form of the 1972 24 hours of Le Mans, and the name of all owners. It is important to point out that the chassis number of the car is #2824, but for some unknown reasons the factory re-stamped the chassis with #2342 before delivering it to Franco-Britannic in 1972. The last owner, Dick Lasselle who purchased the car in 1993, started to search for the history of the car. His perseverance has paid off, as he managed to get in touch with every single owner of the car and got some information directly from the former Franco-Britannic manager, Mike Moule. With the help of Claudia Lodi from the De Tomaso factory, he managed to clarify the history behind the double chassis number. An official period document from the factory showed the list of all 14 factory group 4 with their chassis numbers. On that document, the #2824 appears with another number #2342 in brackets. Claudia Lodi confirmed that there were two chassis numbers attached to that car but could not find out the reason why the factory did that. Mike Moule also confirmed that Franco-Britannic did not know the actual chassis number of the car was not #2342 but #2824 at that time, and that the factory re-stamped it prior delivery.

The history of the double chassis number is thus clear and documented. It is important to note that most of the racing history of the car will appear with #2342.

This De Tomaso Pantera group 4 has known a great racing career (see entire racing history under the pictures). During its European racing history with Franco-Britannic between 1972 and 1974, it raced in Le Mans, Montlhéry, Dijon and Paris. It was then sold to Bob Grossman and exported to the US in 1974. It raced in the Trans-Am 500, in the world championship of manufacturers in Watkins Glen, in the 12 hours of Sebring. From 1976, and until 1980 it raced in the SCCA championship in the USA.

It was then bought by a dealer in 1985 when it was abandoned and had not raced for years. It then knew several owners in the US before being purchased by Dick Lasselle in 1993. He had the car restored an entered it in vintage racing (SVRA and HSR championships) with top results. It always finished in the top two of its class in every race it entered. It even did a first overall in a SVRA race in Watkins Glen in 2003 (ahead of Porsche 906, 908 and Lola T70’s), and at Limerock in 2010 (fastest lap)

This is an awesome car, extremely efficient and reliable at the same time. The engine has only been used for 5 hours of racing. It has been dynoed at 567 HP with a single Holley carb. In 2001, the ZF gearbox has been rebuilt by Rick Bell Motorsports (Rick has been the driver of the car in most vintage events) and the engine has been fully restored by a Nascar engine builder. Many upgrades have been added to the engine to get more horsepower and torque, but also to improve the reliability. A lightweight crank has been fitted, as well as Aussie Cleveland heads, a Victor Jr intake or titanium valves. The engine has been dynoed at 491 HP and 477 ft/pounds of torque at 5.400 rpms. The power peak is at 7.500 rpms with 567 HP. Regarding the reliability, as the cooling is one of the weakest point on the Pantera, a huge work has been carried out during several years to solve the problem definitely. The firm Evans cooling system has built a custom cooling system for the Pantera. Is it made of a 5 stages dry sump oil pump, a liquid to liquid oil cooler, a special aluminum radiator, a special water pump and a custom aluminum coolant lines. With a proper coolant, the car never overheats whatever the race and weather conditions.

This factory group 4 Pantera is probably one of the most important. It is one the only to have been raced in Europe and in the US, racing in Le Mans, or Watkins Glen for the world championship. The history is crystal clear, which is rare on a race car, it has never been damaged, and is currently in its original specs, with its Girling brakes, and alloy doors, bonnets and rear deck lid. It is the ideal car to enter any major vintage racing event such as Le Mans Classic, the French Tour Auto, the Spa 6 hours, the Monterey historic races or Goodwood.

It has to be pointed out that for the 2012 edition of Le Mans Classic, it will be the 40th anniversary of the first race of a Pantera in Le Mans. It will be a unique event the future owner can of course race in with this awesome Pantera group 4.

For our customers who would like to race the car in Europe, we can assist them in getting FIA HTP papers, which will be a mere formality for such a car. We have noted that few modifications will have to be carried out to get the HTP : a new FIA rollcage, and new seats, shoulder harnesses and fire extinguishers.

The car is immediately available in the US. It will come with a comprehensive file of documents showing the history. The price includes shipping in any European country as well as European taxes.