With the passing of Carroll "The Snake" Shelby on May 10, 2012, the car world lost one of its truly great drivers, manufacturers, visionaries, and businessman. In a first for U.S. race car drivers he won Le Mans in 1959 behind the wheel of an Aston Martin DBR1, produced Cobras and Mustangs, designed bespoke racing cars such as the Daytona Coupe and Series 1, wheeled and dealed the automotive world partnering with Ford, Chrysler, AC, and others, and in case you didn't see the movie, he helped Ford win Le Mans in 1966 and 1967.
He also amassed a considerable car collection over the years, some of which have been hitting the market recently. If you'd like to grab a piece of automotive history, have I got a car for you - Carroll Shelby's 1983 DeTomaso Pantera GTS personally gifted to him by Alessandro de Tomaso. Let's take a look.
3 The Car
The current example is a highly desirable 1983 Pantera GTS finished in Red over Tan hides. It's advertised as the last factory red narrow body GTS built for the U.S. and it was a personal gift from Alessandro de Tomaso to Carroll Shelby. The car is in excellent condition with 4,571 original miles, the motor runs great, and all materials documenting its history and authenticity as a Shelby owned vehicle are included for a price of $249,900.
2 The Peformance
Sold in the U.S. beginning in 1971 at select Lincoln-Mercury dealers, the Pantera was marketed as an alternative to more expensive European exotica. With a Ford 351 cubic inch Cleveland V-8, ZF 5-speed manual transmission and transaxle, she was quick and handled unlike any American car on the road. Unfortunately, due to tightening EPA emissions standards, Ford's backing of the car in the U.S. ended in 1974. After that, DeTomaso was on his own.
1 The Pedigree
Included in the sale is an extensive set of records with the window sticker, DeTomaso paperwork, Shelby Certificate of Authenticity, and lengthy correspondence. With bona fides such as these attached to a pristine example of a DeTomaso Pantera GTS, the car will only appreciate in the future. Now, if I can only crack open my piggy bank! Buckle up.
Source: Hemmings