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Carroll Shelby Secretly Built One Of The Craziest Supercars Ever. Here's What It's Like To Drive
The Autopian • • technology
Key Points:
- Beau Boeckmann purchased Carroll Shelby’s secret 1980s De Tomaso Pantera without an engine and later found its original twin-turbo V8 in a junkyard, restoring it with help from Gale Banks.
- Galpin Ford, run by Boeckmann’s family, has a long history with automotive legends Carroll Shelby and Lee Iacocca, including being the first Shelby dealer in California and working on exclusive Mustang editions.
- The Pantera, designed by Tom Tjaarda and powered by a Chrysler twin-turbo V8 tuned by Banks, was a unique Italian-American supercar project connected to Shelby and Iacocca, possibly influencing the Dodge Viper’s development.
- After restoration, the Pantera impressed automotive journalist David Tracy with its powerful 600+ horsepower engine, refined handling, and surprising comfort, defying expectations for a 40-year-old performance car.
- Boeckmann is still deciding whether to keep or sell the Pantera, recognizing its significance and extraordinary driving experience.
