The De Tomaso Pantera 90 Si is one of the rarest and most coveted Italian supercars of the early 1990s. As the final evolution of the Pantera, this model received a complete redesign by the legendary Marcello Gandini, the designer behind the Lamborghini Miura, Countach, and Lancia Stratos. With only 38 units made available to the public, the 90 Si is a collector’s dream, a car that has remained in the shadows due to its exclusivity and the tendency of owners to hold onto them for decades.

Beyond its rarity, the Pantera 90 Si stands out for its combination of raw Ford V8 power, Italian styling, and Gandini’s signature wedge-shaped aerodynamic enhancements. It was the swan song of the Pantera lineage, marking the end of an era that began in 1971 with the original De Tomaso Pantera.

A Rare Gem in the Supercar World

The Ultimate Evolution of the Pantera

The Pantera 90 Si wasn’t just a facelift of the original Pantera—it was a complete modernization of the platform. While it retained the Pantera’s steel monocoque chassis, Gandini gave it a new, more aerodynamic body, improving its drag coefficient and high-speed stability. The result was a more refined, sleeker, and yet still aggressively styled version of the Pantera that looked every bit as exotic as the Ferraris and Lamborghinis of its time.

Gandini’s Influence on the 90 Si

Marcello Gandini’s involvement in the redesign was crucial to the Pantera’s final form. Having previously designed some of the most iconic supercars ever made, Gandini brought his expertise to the 90 Si, giving it:

• Sharper lines and a wedge-shaped silhouette, reminiscent of his earlier work on the Lamborghini Countach and Lancia Stratos.

• Flared wheel arches and a more aggressive stance, making it visually distinct from its predecessors.

• A revised aerodynamic package, with a lower front end and improved downforce.

• New lightweight materials, reducing overall weight and improving handling.

Performance and Engineering – A Ford-Powered Beast

The Pantera 90 Si was powered by a 5.0-liter Ford V8, producing 305 bhp. While that figure may seem modest compared to some contemporary supercars, the 90 Si’s lightweight construction and mid-engine layout made it a formidable performer on the road.

Engine and Performance Upgrades

• The 5.0-liter V8 featured fuel injection, unlike earlier Pantera models that relied on carburetors. This improved throttle response and efficiency.

• It produced 305 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful factory Panteras.

• Power was sent to the rear wheels via a ZF five-speed manual gearbox, the same transmission used in the Ford GT40 and BMW M1.

• The top speed was estimated at 270 km/h (168 mph), making it one of the fastest Panteras ever made.

Chassis and Handling Improvements

The Pantera 90 Si wasn’t just about straight-line speed; it also received significant handling improvements:

• A stiffer chassis, improving cornering stability and reducing flex at high speeds.

• Upgraded suspension geometry, providing a more precise and planted feel.

• A revised 44/56 front-to-rear weight distribution, enhancing handling dynamics and making the car more balanced than its predecessor, the Mangusta.

• New, more powerful brakes, giving it better stopping power compared to earlier Pantera models.

The Blue-Collar Supercar Legacy

The original De Tomaso Pantera was introduced in 1971 as an affordable alternative to Ferraris and Lamborghinis, powered by a reliable American V8 rather than an exotic Italian engine. Unlike other supercars of the time, the Pantera was sold through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships in the United States, making it one of the few exotic cars with mainstream availability.

At the time of its release, the Pantera was priced at just $10,000—a bargain compared to Ferraris and Lamborghinis, which often cost twice as much. Adjusted for inflation, that price equates to around $75,000 in today’s money (2025), making it one of the most accessible mid-engine supercars of its era.

The Pantera’s appeal came from its Ferrari-like performance with the ease of Ford V8 maintenance, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who wanted exotic looks and performance without the hassle of complex Italian engineering.

The 1991 De Tomaso Pantera 90 Si – An Auction Star

One of the most remarkable surviving examples of the Pantera 90 Si is a 1991 model finished in Giallo (yellow) over Nero (black) leather. This specific car has an exceptionally low mileage of just 18,763 kilometers and was recently imported to the United States in 2020.

Auction Expectations and Market Value

Due to its rarity and historical significance, this Pantera 90 Si is expected to fetch between $150,000 and $200,000 at auction. For collectors, this price reflects the car’s unique position as the final iteration of the Pantera, as well as its limited production numbers and Gandini-designed bodywork.

Recent Maintenance and Condition

The vehicle has undergone some key maintenance updates, including:

• A new carburetor replacement, ensuring smooth performance.

• A complete mechanical check-up, making it ready for the next owner.

• Preserved interior and exterior condition, making it one of the finest examples of a 90 Si in existence.

Why the De Tomaso Pantera 90 Si is a True Collector’s Car

The Pantera 90 Si stands as a rare and underappreciated gem in the world of supercars. It represents:

• The final chapter in the Pantera’s long history.

• A unique blend of American muscle and Italian craftsmanship.

• One of Marcello Gandini’s last great supercar designs.

• A supercar that remains drivable, reliable, and practical compared to its Ferrari and Lamborghini counterparts.

As more enthusiasts recognize the Pantera 90 Si’s significance, values are expected to rise, making it an excellent investment for collectors looking for a rare, stylish, and historically significant vehicle.

Final Thoughts – The Best of Both Worlds

The De Tomaso Pantera 90 Si is a fascinating mix of old-school muscle and Italian supercar flair. It offers:

• Timeless styling by one of the greatest car designers in history.

• A powerful and dependable Ford V8 engine.

• A connection to one of the most iconic mid-engine sports cars ever made.

• An ultra-limited production run that ensures exclusivity.

For those fortunate enough to own one, the Pantera 90 Si isn’t just a car—it’s a piece of automotive history that bridges the gap between the brash muscle cars of America and the exotic supercars of Italy.

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