Rick Shawver

I'm now on my 3rd year of ownership on this Pantera. As many of you know this is my second Pantera. The first one I had for about 3 1/2 years. I called it my 5k project car. That's because each project was going to cost me 5k! Paint, interior, engine, tires and wheels, etc... So I sold it and tried to find one more "complete".

I had planned on spending 6 months looking for just the right car. But after about a month I had 3 cars lined up to go see one saturday. This one was the furthest out, up in Payson, AZ. From the description I wasn't sure I'd be interested. I mean who really looks for a Pantera with a red leather interior.

Since it's a bunch of money I'm committing to if I buy it I take the other boss along for the ride. It was very nice. The wife was impress too! About this time the eyes get big, the brain shuts down, and the checkbook comes out. I buy it...

I got lucky this time and get a car that's pretty well sorted out. Although I haven't gotten it that clean since I bought it! While the red leather isn't something I would have chosen it does look good.

Pantera ownership has been interesting. Things are never finished. My wife's idea of owning a car is to drive it until in needs work and then sell it! Needless to say, the occasional expense (tires, stereo, engine work, etc.) causes a certain amount of marital stress! But with all the help I've gotten from various club members (thanks everyone) it's been getting easier to maintain. Now all I've got to do is to get Gil to stop talking me into new updates! Aussie heads would be nice though... hmmm.