- Ford CEO Jim Farley is auctioning off his 1972 DeTomaso Pantera.
- The rare Pre-L model once served as a Ford Aerospace pool car.
- A rebuilt Cleveland V8 and fresh upgrades make it especially desirable.
The DeTomaso Pantera is a unique and special car all by itself. One used in Ford’s Aerospace division as a pool vehicle is even more unique for its history. Stack on top of those attributes a very famous owner, and you have a knockout at auction. At least, that’s probably what Ford CEO Jim Farley is hoping, as this is his very own Pantera, and anyone with enough cash can own it.
The car was actually a museum piece before going on sale in 2018. During that auction, it ended up in an accident during a test drive. Thankfully, the damage was only cosmetic, and Farley bought it in 2024 for $121,000 via a second auction. Since then, he’s refreshed the engine and gearbox, installed an updated intake manifold, refinished the wheels, and had the cabin reupholstered. To say this is a high-end build might be selling it short.
More: Unrestored 1973 DeTomaso Pantera Needs Some TLC
Originally, the yellow Pantera wasn’t delivered to a dealer or a wealthy collector. Instead, it went to Ford Aerospace’s Aeronutronic division, where it reportedly served as a company pool vehicle before being registered to a private owner in California in 1974. In other words, Ford once treated this mid-engined exotic like a company car. As company cars go, it didn’t get much better back then.
Photos BaT
Behind the occupants, you’ll find a 351 Cleveland V8 that made over 400 horsepower to the wheels before Farley got his hands on it. All that power routes to the rear wheels only via a five-speed ZF manual transaxle. QA1 adjustable coilovers at each corner keep the ride flat and disc brakes make it safer than if it had drums.
The result is a car that already stood out because of its Ford Aerospace origins and Jim Farley ownership, but now also happens to be one of the more sorted Panteras you’re likely to find. Whoever buys it won’t just be getting a classic. They’ll be getting a strange, charming piece of Ford history.
A Wisconsin-based seller has listed the Pantera on Farley’s behalf through Bring a Trailer. You can check out the listing over here.
