This De Tomaso Pantera is being presented as an early European-spec example, with a story built around a few specific points that—if verified—would place it in a more interesting corner of the Pantera world: the very early cars produced before the model was widely imported and distributed through the U.S. dealer network. The seller cites a European-format VIN, 874HPNLC01250, and emphasizes that it does not begin with the “T” prefix commonly associated with many U.S.-market cars. He also offers an interpretation of the code (L as 1971, C as the month) and claims this is one of the earliest cars, number 1250.

The most tangible collector angle, setting the narrative aside, is the cluster of details being claimed: factory original white exterior paint, factory GTS-style wheel flares similar in look to what later appeared on mid-1970s GTS cars, and a note about door hardware. The seller states that some early Panteras used push-button door releases and that this car is among the first known to have conventional non–push-button handles. These are the kinds of details that can help place a chassis correctly within the production sequence—but they are also exactly the kinds of claims that need careful confirmation through photos, numbers, and documentation.

Ownership is described as long-term: more than 35 years with the current owner, stored indoors, garaged and covered. The listing mentions extensive paperwork, white Recaro seats sourced from Italy, and even a period media reference (a New Mexico newspaper article) with a suggestion that the car may have been owned by one of the Jackson Five brothers. That sort of provenance is intriguing, but it only carries weight if the supporting documents are concrete and traceable—titles/registrations, the original article, and cross-checkable details. In short, this Pantera is being offered as an early-series car with attributes that could make it more significant than an average example: a European VIN format, a claimed early build position, GTS-style bodywork features, and long-term storage. At the same time, the strongest statements (first custom customer GTS, “first with non–push-button handles,” celebrity ownership) should not be accepted on narrative alone—they are precisely the points a serious buyer would ask to validate. Find it for sale at $200,000 here in Cave Creek, AZ.