DeTomaso Group C
DeTomaso Group 5

LeMans Veteran
Factory Homologated
Chassis 0001

The last factory homologated DeTomaso race car built
1 of 1 - 1977 Pantera chassis

The ultimate DeTomaso collectable or historic racer

Most probably the rarest and fastest Pantera-based DeTomaso racing car ever created.

Fresh from restoration and ready for museum display or with race-preparation, for vintage racing in the popular GTP and Group C classes.

Own a significant DeTomaso racing car with fascinating history and provenance. Can be prepared with 700 horsepower or more to move its 2,000 pound weight like nothing ever unleashed from DeTomaso Modena.

As raced in Group 5 trim, this car is probably the best known Pantera known to the racing world. 

For more information and photos, please refer to the book, DeTomaso Macchine da Corsa by Philippe Olczyk on pages 305, 306, 307 353 and 436. Also featured in the book, DeTomaso the Man and the Machines and the title, 24 Heures Du Mans 1979 at page 57.

  • Body

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  • Engine

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  • History

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In 1977 Alejandro DeTomaso needed a racecar to compete in the ultra-competitive Group 5 classification, including an eventual LeMans appearance. DeTomaso turned to his racecar builders, Sala/Marvetti to create a new and sensuous appearing Group 5. Driven by Michangeli/Pietromarchi, the factory chassis wore a hand-hammered body by Mauro Sacchetti, formerly of Carozzeria Fantuzzi. The Group 5 Pantera, referred to as chassis 001, was raced in Italy and in Europe with limited success.

It was eventually sold in 1981 to Auto Elite in Maranello, Italy where it was rebodied and converted to Group C specifications. The Group C was owned by Maurizio Micangeli and co-driven by Carlo Pietromarchi in various races in 1982 and 1983. The racing record was tarnished with a string of D.N.F.s and before the car could be thoroughly developed and sorted, the owner had moved onto another marque. This Group C, thought to be the last factory homologated racecar was parked outside the workshop of Auto Elite from 1984 until 2004 when its current owners liberated her and brought the sleeping giant to California for restoration at PI Motorsports, Inc., in Orange, California. For more information and photos, please refer to the book, DeTomaso Macchine da Corsa by Philippe Olczyk on pages305, 306, 307 353 and 436. Also featured in the book, DeTomaso the Man and the Machines and the title, 24 Heures Du Mans 1979 at page 57.

  • Interior

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  • Miscellaneous

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  • Specifications
  • Completely restored in 2007. Every nut and bolt either replaced, refinished or restored. This car is not over-restored and the bodywork, frame and metal work has not been altered to look better than it was built or raced. Original parts that were replaced have been retained.
  • All paperwork and tech inspector notes from races as a Group C are included.
  • Fresh paint and new windshield
  • Rebuilt fuel cells and ZF transmission.
  • All suspension rebuilt.
  • Not raced since restored.
  • New fuel cell, OMP seats and harnesses.
  • Rebuilt 351 Cleveland with rare Ford aluminum manifold and original 180 degree headers
  • This is not a full race engine but rather, conservatively prepared for club events and for display. A full race engine can be prepared if desired at extra cost. Full crack-testing and race preparation is necessary before this car can enter competition.
  • Rare 19 inch rear wheels and 16 inch fronts- all from BBS with new Hoosier tires.
  • European Gr. 3 and Gr. 4 cars are fetching over $250,000 or more with little or no LeMans history. This DeTomaso has major LeMans History.
  • Other DeTomaso race cars: Group 3 - Sold at: $258,800.00  - Group 3 #2: Asking price: 260,000 Euros
  • This car is a Group 5 and Group C racing DeTomaso with LeMans history. It is our careful opinion that the value of this car is superior to a typical Group 3 or 4 without LeMans history.
  • Price
  • $399,995 USD- Interesting trades considered - Submit offers
  • Contact
  • Telephone - 760-731-8303 - California 9-6 PST M-F
  • email

January 20, 2010