Over the years, De Tomaso gradually moved the Pantera upmarket. The specifications were enhanced with a more luxurious interior and wide-bodied variants like the GT5 and GT5S were introduced.
Thanks to its brawny new look, the Pantera became seen as a slightly less expensive alternative to a Lamborghini Countach. The resultant SI was the most extensively modified Pantera yet seen.
For 1990 the 351 engine was replaced by the 5.0-litre Ford 302 engine featuring electronic fuel injection and modified cylinder heads, intake manifolds, camshafts, valves, and pistons. By the time De Tomaso had finished, the power rating had risen to 305bhp at 5800rpm. Compared to the outgoing Windsor motor, this latest power unit was smaller, lighter and more efficient.
Transmission was via five-speed ZF gearbox, single plate clutch and limited-slip differential.
Stopping power was improved by the addition of four-wheel ventilated and drilled disc brakes with Brembo calipers that were shared with the Ferrari F40.
The Pantera received new styling penned by Marcello Gandini, suspension redesign and a partial chassis redesign.
An enormous spoiler was also added at the back of the car. It worked in conjunction with the ground effect rear bumper which shrouded the exhausts. Handsome new tail light clusters replaced the old Carello units.
Despite this major cosmetic surgery, the SI’s parentage was still obvious to anyone familiar with the original.
The new model was called the Pantera 90 Si and it was introduced in 1990. Only 41 90 Si models were made before the Pantera was finally phased out in 1993 to make way for the radical Guarà. Out of the 41 cars made, two were used for crash testing, and one was reserved for the De Tomaso museum. As such, only 38 were sold to the public, of which four were converted to Targas by Pavesi. In the UK, the model was sold as Pantera 90.
The Targas were converted by Carrozzeria Pavesi in Milan who had a long history of modifying Italian exotics into open top specials. Previously, Pavesi had worked on De Tomaso’s Longchamp Spyder and the Pantera GT5S Targa. In addition, the firm had carried out many private commissions for drop head Ferrari Testarossas, 400s and 412s.
Each Pantera SI Targa was reinforced to compensate for the lack of a roof. The removable body coloured Targa top could be stowed under the rear deck lid.
As the SI Targa retailed at 50% more than the Coupe, demand was understandably subdued.
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