Here’s What A De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S Is Worth Today

8 minutes reading

Friday, 18 Sep 2026 13:30 0 7 autotech

Here's What A De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S Is Worth Today

If you want proof that the collector car market has a long memory, look no further than the De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S. In an era when depreciation is the default and yesterday’s supercar becomes tomorrow’s bargain, this Italian-American exotic has done the opposite — quietly, stubbornly appreciating while the rest of the world caught up to what a handful of obsessives always knew. A mid-engine V8 bruiser dressed in Italian steel, the GT5-S was never produced in large numbers, and the ones that survive are now commanding prices that would make a Porsche dealer blush.

The Pantera GT5-S’s Average Used Price Is Higher Than A New 911 Targa 4 GTS

If you’re considering adding a De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S to your garage, be prepared to dig deep into your pockets. According to Classic.com, the average sale price for this model hovers around a cool $216,551. To put that into perspective, that’s more than the base price of a brand-new Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS. Clearly, exclusivity and performance come at a premium.

De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S Values (Classic.com)

Average used selling price of $216,551
Highest recorded sale of $320,000

The Pantera GT5-S Was A Rare Piece Of Kit

1990 De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S Coupé

Bonhams Cars

Rarity often drives desirability in the collector car market, and the Pantera GT5-S is no exception. Introduced in 1985, this variant marked one of the final evolutions of the Pantera lineup. Unlike its predecessor, the GT5, which featured bolt-on fiberglass flares, the GT5-S boasted seamlessly integrated steel fender flares, giving it a more refined and aggressive stance. The “S” in GT5-S appropriately stands for “steel,” highlighting this distinctive design choice.

Only About A Quarter Of All GT5-S’ Made It To The States

Production numbers for the GT5-S were exceedingly limited. Estimates suggest that fewer than 200 units were produced between 1985 and 1990, making it a rare sight even among classic car enthusiasts. That scarcity deepens further when you consider how few examples reached the United States. According to Hyman Ltd., fewer than 50 GT5-S models were officially imported to American shores, adding an extra layer of exclusivity for U.S. collectors.

The combination of limited production, distinctive design, and the blend of Italian craftsmanship with American muscle has cemented the Pantera GT5-S’s reputation as a sought-after classic. Its rarity not only enhances its allure but also contributes significantly to its appreciating value in today’s market.

Under The Hood: A Fusion Of Power And Performance

De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S Key Specs

Engine	351 Cleveland V8
Power	350 hp
Torque	333 lb-ft
Transmission	5-speed manual
Driveline	RWD

Source: supercars.net

At a glance, the Pantera GT5-S looks like a sleek Italian supercar — and that’s exactly what it is. But twist the key, and you’re greeted by a very American growl. That’s because powering this beauty is a 5.8-liter Ford Cleveland V8, making it the rare exotic that prefers torque over temperamental revs. In a sea of Italian V12 screamers, the Pantera grumbles and pulls like a muscle car.

Officially, the GT5-S produced somewhere around 350 horsepower, depending on configuration and tuning. That might not sound like earth-shattering power today, but in the mid-’80s it was genuinely serious business — particularly when you factor in the mid-engine layout and lightweight steel monocoque chassis, which made the GT5-S feel nimble, planted, and very alive when pushed.

Nannies? None Of That For The GT5-S

The real kicker? That glorious engine was bolted to a ZF five-speed manual, the same transmission used in cars like the Ford GT40. Shifting gears in a Pantera GT5-S feels mechanical and deliberate. It’s the kind of driving experience that’s all but vanished in today’s dual-clutch world. No paddles, no computers — just you, a clutch pedal, and a V8 soundtrack shaking your ribcage.

And while the GT5-S didn’t arrive with a ton of fancy electronics or driving aids (because, well, it was the ’80s), that’s part of its charm. No traction control, no ABS, no nannies — just raw, analog fun. This car rewards drivers who know how to handle their business. It’ll bite if you’re careless, but if you know what you’re doing, the GT5-S offers one of the most visceral vintage supercar experiences out there.

Investment Potential: A Classic On The Rise

Let’s be honest: most people don’t spend over $200K on a classic car just for the fun of it — at least, not entirely. A car like the Pantera GT5-S isn’t just an automotive passion project; it’s a rolling investment. And unlike crypto, NFTs, or whatever next-gen stock tips your cousin swears by, this thing actually makes noise, smells like gas, and looks absolutely bonkers in your garage.

Over the last few years, values for the Pantera GT5-S have shown consistent growth. Classic.com tracks the model at an average of $216,000+, and some well-kept examples have surpassed that figure easily at auction. That upward trend suggests this isn’t a car that’s going to soften in value anytime soon — especially as the pool of clean, unmodified survivors continues to shrink.

Buying A Pantera GT5-S Is But Half The Story

There’s also a growing wave of collector interest in ’80s cars — especially those that blend performance with character. The GT5-S fits the bill perfectly. It’s rare, dramatic, loud, and completely unfiltered. With only around 183 units ever made, scarcity is baked in. And considering fewer than 50 came to the U.S. officially, you’re dealing with true unicorn territory if you find one stateside.

That said, there’s still a big “buyer beware” sticker here. The Pantera GT5-S is hand-built, and no two are quite the same. Documentation, condition, and previous ownership play a massive role in determining value. Buyers should factor in not just the purchase price, but also ongoing maintenance, parts availability, and the occasional Italian mystery leak. In other words — invest smart, and maybe keep a backup fund for a new clutch.

The Pantera GT5-S Is Still One Of The Coolest Looking Cars Ever Made

Black De Tomaso Pantera rear left quarter

Let’s take a second to talk about the looks — because this car is ridiculously cool. Even by today’s standards, the GT5-S looks like something out of a comic book. Wide hips, sharp angles, flared fenders, and a stance that screams “get out of the left lane” — the styling is pure ’80s aggression, with a healthy dose of Italian flair.

What separates the GT5-S from earlier Panteras is the seamless steel widebody. While the GT5 had bolt-on fiberglass flares that felt a little aftermarket, the “S” version smoothed everything out into one flowing, cohesive design. It’s cleaner, more refined, and yet somehow even meaner. Those integrated arches, aggressive front spoiler, and huge rear tires give it a stance that still makes modern supercars look… polite.

If A Gated Shifter Doesn’t Cut It, This Isn’t The Car For You

Then there’s the interior. Is it luxurious? Not really. Is it ergonomic? Also, no. But it’s got bucket seats, a gated shifter, and enough old-school charm to make you forgive the fact that the A/C never really worked. The cabin is a blast from the past — and exactly what you’d expect from a small-volume Italian manufacturer working in the mid-’80s. Quirky, a little janky, and totally lovable.

And while most Panteras came in fairly conservative colors like red or black, a few lucky examples rocked wilder hues — bright yellow, deep blues, or even silver with gold BBS-style wheels. Add in the sound of that V8 breathing through quad exhaust tips and you’ve got one of the best-looking, best-sounding cars to ever wear a De Tomaso badge.

Sources: Classic.com, Hagerty.