Mike Simmons buys a 1972 Pantera – with a mere 20,000 miles on the odometer – after decades of dreaming about owning one. He says when he is young, this car graces one of two car posters on his bedroom wall. After looking at numerous cars over the years, this gorgeous Pantera calls out to him due to its perfect model year and near-perfect original condition. Resprayed in its true yellow color and preserved from bumper to bumper, every piece down to the tiniest detail is absolutely original, as far as Mike knows. The bumpers are the last of their kind, the original production split bumpers replaced in the next model year with American-style safety bumpers. Mike’s beloved Pantera shows through-and-through with De Tomaso Pantera style, reminding us of a key point in automotive history when the Pantera transitions from Europe to America. When you walk around this car, you can really feel what it is like to see a new Pantera roll off the production line in 1972.
What It Means to Be Best in Class
Celebrity car collector Jay Leno once calls this model, “one of the most misunderstood and undervalued supercars of the 70’s.” With its Italian pedigree -the car is the result of a collaboration between Ford Motor Company and Alejandro DeTomaso, auto racer turned sports car maker- Mike’s 1972 Pantera wins Best in Class at Artomobilia for its perfect presentation of an iconic car model. It combines exotic sports car styling and the reliability of Ford’s V-8 engine, and is the first truly affordable mid-engine exotic, back in the day. For many people who visit the Carmel Artomobilia in 2018, it is their first and only look at a 100% original 1972 De Tomaso Pantera. The popular annual car show offers 20 judged classes, including original, restored and period correct classes that show a cross-section of classic automobiles from around the world. Each class represents cars that sit at the pinnacle of the genre. Awards are given to acknowledge the owners’ place in the hierarchy.
A Look Back at SHIFT
Mike is the owner of Silo Auto Club and Conservancy, one of the sponsors of SHIFT, Artomobilia’s newest car rally event that débuts in 2018. “SHIFT is going to be a hoot,” Mike says, offering a “safe but spirited” driving experience for all the participants. He is right. Also sponsored by Datawa.re and Classic Auto Insurance, SHIFT offers an exclusive driving experience as well. Just 50 cars are selected to participate in a scenic tour across the country roads of southern Indiana to benefit the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund. Luckily, we get a perfect weather day to enjoy the first-ever tour that starts in downtown Indianapolis, travels south toward the town of Bloomington and Brown County, through the remote wilderness of Yellowwood State Forest and returns north along a large figure-8-shaped route. A fabulous addition to very popular event for classic and collector vehicle enthusiasts in the Carmel, Indiana area – and beyond.
Collector and Classic Car Insurance for Less
Do you own a classic beauty like the cars on display at Artomobilia? Then you know the importance of protecting a valuable investment with specialty insurance. Let us customize a policy to fit your needs. We offer affordable, Agreed Value coverage for a variety of collector, classic and custom vehicles. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and give you a quote on the spot. Call 888-901-1338 or get an instant quote online and see how we can help safeguard your dream car.
