Old time supercars
Discussion
Is it just me, as a 66 year old, old fogey, but I just don't like the aesthetics of modern day supercars as compared to those of the late 1960's and early 1970's. Look at the shapes of such classics as the Miura, the Mangusta, the Pantera, GT40, any Ferrari from that era, the XKE, etc.. Compare those with any modern day Lambo, McLaren ....there's just no comparison. After about 18 years of ownership, a recent restoration/modification that brought modern day power, a luxurious interior and some additional upgrades, I still find myself just going out to look at it sometimes, just to admire its aggressive yet sensual shape. I just don't feel the same about new ones. Here's what I'm talkin' about...my '72 De Tomaso Pantera Pre L. ![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/3xHDyJpa.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/VJ7LfbRA" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/VJ7LfbRA.jpg)
I agree. Cars like the GT40, Ferrari's, Maserati's, etc from that era were not chasing areodynamic efficiency and tied by safety requirements so the designer's skills were allowed to shine without interference.
Always loved the Pantera. Came close to owning one back in the 80's but alas it didn't come about and now I couldn't justify it.
Always loved the Pantera. Came close to owning one back in the 80's but alas it didn't come about and now I couldn't justify it.
no it's not just you, I'm exactly the same.
Given the choice between a modern supercar/hypercar I'd plump for the old school every time. Make it a restomod (as you've, nearly, done) and the desirability factor swings even further to the classic, throw in the price differential betwixt the 2 and I'd find it even harder to justify a 'hypercar'...
Given the choice between a modern supercar/hypercar I'd plump for the old school every time. Make it a restomod (as you've, nearly, done) and the desirability factor swings even further to the classic, throw in the price differential betwixt the 2 and I'd find it even harder to justify a 'hypercar'...
I agree up to a point.
There is a very special appeal with a classic supercar and with the way that it looks, and drives. They are so different to a modern car that you can't compare, one isn't better than the other, they are just very different.
For me though as soon as you start to 'improve' a classic, you dilute the appeal.
There is a very special appeal with a classic supercar and with the way that it looks, and drives. They are so different to a modern car that you can't compare, one isn't better than the other, they are just very different.
For me though as soon as you start to 'improve' a classic, you dilute the appeal.
tberg said:
Is it just me, as a 66 year old, old fogey, but I just don't like the aesthetics of modern day supercars as compared to those of the late 1960's and early 1970's. Look at the shapes of such classics as the Miura, the Mangusta, the Pantera, GT40, any Ferrari from that era, the XKE, etc.. Compare those with any modern day Lambo, McLaren ....there's just no comparison. After about 18 years of ownership, a recent restoration/modification that brought modern day power, a luxurious interior and some additional upgrades, I still find myself just going out to look at it sometimes, just to admire its aggressive yet sensual shape. I just don't feel the same about new ones. Here's what I'm talkin' about...my '72 De Tomaso Pantera Pre L. 
I understand what you're saying, I'm a big fan of classic cars however I suspect it's age related too. I really like the look of that early Gallardo in the background and being 32, I suspect in 30 years will be equally stating it's better looking than anything out in 2049.
Purely from the ‘8 year old’ in me. Stuff like the Lambo Countach, the Ferrari BB the Miura, the lotus turbo esprit, etc. are the ones that have the ‘phwoar’ factor. However the 46 year old engineering side of me knows what a massive ball ache they are to live with. As far as ‘latest greatest’ supercars go, the Lambo Huracan, the Bugatti Chiron, still have the ‘oooh look at that’ factor for me, but offerings from Ferrari, and so on, really are a bit ‘meh’ compared to the legendary stuff, like the BB, the F40 / F50 and so on.
GOATever said:
Purely from the ‘8 year old’ in me. Stuff like the Lambo Countach, the Ferrari BB the Miura, the lotus turbo esprit, etc. are the ones that have the ‘phwoar’ factor. However the 46 year old engineering side of me knows what a massive ball ache they are to live with. As far as ‘latest greatest’ supercars go, the Lambo Huracan, the Bugatti Chiron, still have the ‘oooh look at that’ factor for me, but offerings from Ferrari, and so on, really are a bit ‘meh’ compared to the legendary stuff, like the BB, the F40 / F50 and so on.
Why do you think living with a Countach is a ball ache?An awful lot less to go wrong than on a modern supercar. At the end of the day they are pretty simple.
Ferruccio said:
Why do you think living with a Countach is a ball ache?
An awful lot less to go wrong than on a modern supercar. At the end of the day they are pretty simple.
They might be much more simple, but they really are very simple in comparison to a modern. Getting replacement parts is a pain, and can be ridiculously expensive, they are all ageing, so the likelihood of an expensive failure is much higher. Trying to park a Countach, without an airfield sized approach, isn’t much fun in the modern world. They look great, I love them, would I want one now? 8 year old me says, of course I would. Real me says, no way. An awful lot less to go wrong than on a modern supercar. At the end of the day they are pretty simple.
GOATever said:
Ferruccio said:
Why do you think living with a Countach is a ball ache?
An awful lot less to go wrong than on a modern supercar. At the end of the day they are pretty simple.
They might be much more simple, but they really are very simple in comparison to a modern. Getting replacement parts is a pain, and can be ridiculously expensive, they are all ageing, so the likelihood of an expensive failure is much higher. Trying to park a Countach, without an airfield sized approach, isn’t much fun in the modern world. They look great, I love them, would I want one now? 8 year old me says, of course I would. Real me says, no way. An awful lot less to go wrong than on a modern supercar. At the end of the day they are pretty simple.
And I’m not sure that they are any more or less than the crazy prices you get asked for on more modern cars.
Yes the older something is the more likely it is to break but don’t underestimate the simplicity point - look at all the multiple issues you read people having on here with new or nearly new cars.
Parking? For years I kept mine in a narrow garage, which was one in opposite blocks ie the two rows of garages were close together and I had about 2cm to spare beyond each wing mirror. Once you’d worked out how to line it up I could often get straight in and I never pinged it once. Remember that they are shorter than modern cars, which have just kept getting bigger.
In the case of the Pantera, at least, the aftermarket vendor community is so strong that more parts are available now than were available during the years of production. Original replacement parts as well as improved performance parts are abundant.
I, too, agree that the Miura is one of the greatest designs ever except for one thing that has always bothered me: that Idaho shaped panel that falls between the back of the door and the rear bonnet, the two panel gaps on each side of that panel mar (for me) what would be the most sensuous body ever. In fact, it's the last Lamborghini that I would call attractive as everything since (with maybe an exception for the Diablo) is just hideous especially the Countach (outrageous certainly, beautiful, definitely not.).
And if you're after the modernities of new supercars but yearn for the aesthetics of the old days, you can always buy the Ares Pantera bodied Huracan, which gives you the best of both. Or if you've got a hankering for even more vintage styling, the new De Tomaso P72 is certainly more stunning than any new hypercar. Anyway, the old fogey in me, has been on display long enough, I think I'll go out, start up the Pantera, and just listen to my house rattle in the background, no whiney sewing machine sounds from this beast.
I, too, agree that the Miura is one of the greatest designs ever except for one thing that has always bothered me: that Idaho shaped panel that falls between the back of the door and the rear bonnet, the two panel gaps on each side of that panel mar (for me) what would be the most sensuous body ever. In fact, it's the last Lamborghini that I would call attractive as everything since (with maybe an exception for the Diablo) is just hideous especially the Countach (outrageous certainly, beautiful, definitely not.).
And if you're after the modernities of new supercars but yearn for the aesthetics of the old days, you can always buy the Ares Pantera bodied Huracan, which gives you the best of both. Or if you've got a hankering for even more vintage styling, the new De Tomaso P72 is certainly more stunning than any new hypercar. Anyway, the old fogey in me, has been on display long enough, I think I'll go out, start up the Pantera, and just listen to my house rattle in the background, no whiney sewing machine sounds from this beast.
I’ve always liked designs from the 60s & 70s, across the board. So much individuality and not so constrained with regards to design.
I particularly like Gandini’s designs and think the Countach is perhaps his boldest and most beautiful design to make it into production.
Great work on your Pantera by the way!
I particularly like Gandini’s designs and think the Countach is perhaps his boldest and most beautiful design to make it into production.
Great work on your Pantera by the way!
Oh my God...! I too prefer 70's cars. But while I always did like the Pantera, the one I drool for even today is there in the background of the OP's pic. That Espada. And then, down the thread, there's the one I used to have wet dreams about: as a teenager - the Urraco..Bora's too, despite their wierd Citroen bits. Only ever saw one though. In San Francisco of all places. Although it's not in their league, just a couple of weeks ago, I undid one of the stupidities of my youth. I've got hold of an absolutely stunning Alfetta GTV6. For me, it's the most beautiful car ever built. And it's an awesome one to drive too. Better than R8 V8's and V10's for sure.
BobG
BobG
Alex0904,
Congratulations on getting your Alfetta. I'm sure it drives as good as all Alfas always do, and I'm glad it lives up to your expectations. It's hard sometimes for longtime dream cars to do that. Happy motoring with her. and anytime you find yourself back in California, give me a holler and you can take the Pantera out for a day. It's not as lithe, nor does it shift as effortlessly as an Alfa, but it certainly has its own rewards (at least 500hp's worth of them),
Congratulations on getting your Alfetta. I'm sure it drives as good as all Alfas always do, and I'm glad it lives up to your expectations. It's hard sometimes for longtime dream cars to do that. Happy motoring with her. and anytime you find yourself back in California, give me a holler and you can take the Pantera out for a day. It's not as lithe, nor does it shift as effortlessly as an Alfa, but it certainly has its own rewards (at least 500hp's worth of them),
Alex0904 said:
Oh my God...! I too prefer 70's cars. But while I always did like the Pantera, the one I drool for even today is there in the background of the OP's pic. That Espada. And then, down the thread, there's the one I used to have wet dreams about: as a teenager - the Urraco..Bora's too, despite their wierd Citroen bits. Only ever saw one though. In San Francisco of all places. Although it's not in their league, just a couple of weeks ago, I undid one of the stupidities of my youth. I've got hold of an absolutely stunning Alfetta GTV6. For me, it's the most beautiful car ever built. And it's an awesome one to drive too. Better than R8 V8's and V10's for sure.
BobG
Ooh, I had a 1981 GTV6 25 years ago. Cosmetically restored it then sold it and found out it was subsequently written off BobG
Still lust after one now.
I'm actively looking for a 550 or 575 Maranello - I think they strike the perfect balance between old school looks and modern useability.
Bar the Miura, which is achingly beautiful my favourite Lambo and one I would buy is the Islero S
I have always liked front engined V12 GT cars. The mid engined stuff does little for me.
I also have a real soft spot for the Ferrari 330GT 2+2 Series 2.
These choices are based on the fact I'm unlikely to ever be able to afford any form of 250 Ferrari. The 250 GT Lusso topping my personal list.
Bar the Miura, which is achingly beautiful my favourite Lambo and one I would buy is the Islero S
I have always liked front engined V12 GT cars. The mid engined stuff does little for me.
I also have a real soft spot for the Ferrari 330GT 2+2 Series 2.
These choices are based on the fact I'm unlikely to ever be able to afford any form of 250 Ferrari. The 250 GT Lusso topping my personal list.
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