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The iconic De Tomaso Pantera, a Ford-powered Italian supercar, famously became the target of Elvis Presley’s heated frustration. Known for its mechanical problems due to its hasty launch by Ford, the Pantera often disappointed its owners, including the King of Rock and Roll himself. Alejandro De Tomaso, the car’s creator, had an intriguing past involving an escape from Argentina to Italy, where he founded his automobile company.
Find out why no one bought David Spades’ sinister muscle car here.
The Pantera despite its advanced features such as power windows and air conditioning it was notorious for its clumsy steering, unreliable pedals, and propensity for overheating and vapor lock. Mechanics hated working on it, but it maintained a devoted following, in part due to its powerful 351 Cleveland engine and distinctive exhaust note.
Elvis, whose career was in decline at the time, purchased a used Pantera for $2,500 (equivalent to $13,000 today) to impress his girlfriend, Linda Thompson. Known for his explosive temper, including filming his TV during a program he didn’t like, Elvis once took out his anger on Pantera. After an argument with Thompson, the car refused to start, pushing Elvis over the edge. In his rage, he shot at the car twice, with one bullet ricocheting off the steering wheel and hitting the windshield.
The Pantera was sold by Elvis in 1976, a year before his untimely death. In 1981, the car was traded for $300,000 in diamonds and eventually purchased by Robert Petersen, owner of the Petersen Museum, where the car is located. now displayed. Petersen expressed his excitement at owning a piece of history linked to one of Elvis’ legendary outbursts, adding a unique allure to his collection.
