Jim Cozzolino

I bought my first Pantera in 1974. It was a new 1974 L and was purchased from Peyton L & M Lincoln Mercury in Long Beach, CA. Paid $11,200.00 out the door for this car. Kept and drove it for about 2 years. Since then, there have been many cars that have come and gone in my life. I've had 8 Porsches, 2 Ferrari's and 2 Lamborghini's in the last 36 years. After all these years and cars, I've come back to the Pantera. It is by far the most bang for the buck drivable car with that sexy appeal made in my opinion.

My current car is a Pantera GT-5, # 09178. I imported this car from Europe in 2000. I have been restoring it and upgrading it ever since. So far I have rebuilt the motor to 30 over spec's with MSD, rebuilt the brake calipers, replaced & updated the clutch slave and master, installed all new stainless steel water cooling tubes, installed a Fluidyne Radiator with dual 2750 CFI sucker fans, rebuilt the steering box, reinforced the lower rear A-Arm frame area, replaced all the suspension bushing, gone through and rewired most of the electrical system, Painted the exterior of the car, replaced the original wheels and tires with Kodiak racing wheels, installed Huntsacker racing seats, shoulder harness bar, shoulder and lap seat belts, and my latest project has been rebuilding my ZF and replacing all the synchro's with bronze synchro's and polishing the case, installed an aluminum flywheel and McLoed clutch. I still have more to do, but as we all know, ownership of a Pantera is an ongoing project.

I turn my own wrenches on my car because I believe and feel it's a big part of owning any car like this. I personally believe it's a major part of understanding and enjoying the car to the fullest extent. It also helps keeping it affordable for me and my wife happy. I drive my car a lot, about 10,000 miles a year. I've driven my car through rain, snow, wind, heat, on the track and just about every other condition out there. I've always had the philosophy when it comes to my cars, that why have it if your not going to drive it. Specially considering when your dead and gone it's too late and you can't take it with you. I have always believed one should live today, for there may never be a tomorrow.

I was in the Marine Corps for 4 years and served 2 tours of duty in Viet Nam from 1970 to 1974. After being discharged from the USMC, I went back into horse racing and was a professional Jockey for 14 years and have raced horses in Canada and throughout the United States. I retired from racing in 1984. I started a career in Hotel and Convention Center Management in 1985. Since then I have managed several major resorts and convention centers, owned my own production company's and have produced over 400 concerts and events. I have also owned a bowling center and a bar. I'm currently Chapter Treasurer for the Phoenix Chapter of ABATE, American Bikers Aimed Towards Education and Vice President of the Arizona Chapter of POCA.

I golfed on the Pepsi Golf Tour in the scratch division for 2 years and won 4 events in 1999 & 2000. I had hopes of trying the Seniors PGA tour but that came to an end when I had 2 vertebrae's collapse in my neck and had to had them fused. I currently bowl and carry a 211 average as my favorite sporting activity.

My wife's name is Elaine. We've been married for 23 years and through thick & thin, all the ups and downs, and all the cars, she has been by my side, forever faithful, understanding and loving. Why, I'll never know :-) We have 4 wonderful children. Ryan who is 19 and is a Nationally Certified EMT. Eric who is 16 and is becoming a gear head like his dad. Kelsey who is 14, who we call our brainy-ack, she recently won a Silver Metal in the Arizona State Science Fair competition in life biology science's in which 40 Arizona Schools and over 700 students competed in. Then there's Kyle, he's 13 and just a happy go lucky kinda guy that's trucking along with dad to meetings, working on the Pantera and just hanging out with dad.

I was the Raffle Host for the annual POCA Event in Las Vegas in 2005 and have been asked to host the raffle in 2006 again which will be my pleasure to do. I enjoy being a member of POCA and serving our Phoenix Chapter members.

I'm always willing to help and lend a hand whenever, wherever & however I can.

Well, that's about it. If you see me on the streets, say hello !