Help us to keep our content free by donating.
Your contribution helps cover technical costs and continue our research.
In the spring of 1974, car enthusiasts were buzzing about the newly introduced mid-engine Pantera sport car. With glowing reviews and high anticipation, Ford's joint venture with DeTomaso seemed like a recipe for success. However, the excitement was short-lived when the new highway safety and emissions act of 1974 hit the auto industry hard, leading to the discontinuation of the Pantera just three years after its debut.
Not willing to throw in the towel, DeTomaso immediately began working on a replacement for the beloved Pantera. The Pantera II 7x, based on the original Pantera chassis, was the planned successor. Designed by the renowned Ghia designers, the prototype featured a sleek new look with a sweeping cantilevered roofline and open pillars to the rear. While the design was impressive and carried over many components from the Pantera L model, unfortunately, the production of the Pantera II never came to fruition.
The prototype, known as the 1973 DeTomaso Monttella Concept Car, made its debut as a show car in 1974 before being revamped in 1975. Under the supervision of Ghia design studio president Don DeLaRossa, the car was repainted and rebranded as the DeTomaso Monttella. Despite efforts to showcase the prototype to other manufacturers for potential production, the car remained in storage in Michigan for several years.
In 1981, the prototype was sold to a local Michigan sports car dealer and eventually found its way to a family member of the current owner. The car, often referred to as "the Pantera that almost was," has a fully documented history and has been well-maintained over the years. Untouched and unrestored, the DeTomaso Monttella Concept Car remains in excellent condition and is fully functional, ready to be driven and enjoyed by car enthusiasts. Today, this unique piece of automotive history serves as a reminder of the innovation and creativity that went into the design of the Pantera II 7x.
