David Cantagallo’s Dream: A De Tomaso Pantera Journey
Discover how David Cantagallo’s lifelong dream of owning a De Tomaso Pantera became a reality, honouring his father’s memory and raising funds for charity.
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David Cantagallo - 1973 Pantera
A Childhood Dream
When I was just 10 years old, my father worked as a manufacturing engineer at the local Chrysler facility. He put in long hours, often seven days a week, so any time he offered to spend with me felt special. One Saturday in early 1974, he invited me to join him at the Carlini Brothers body shop, where his leased car was being repaired.
Carlini Brothers was a local institution, cousins to Hank Carlini, Executive Director at Ford Motor Company, who oversaw the Pantera program. When we arrived, my dad led me to a covered car and asked if I wanted to see something cool. Of course, I said yes, and he unveiled a bright yellow Pantera GTS. I was in awe. “Dad, that’s beautiful,” I said, adding, “One day, I’m going to own one.”
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Finding the Pantera
Fast forward to 2016. My father retired, and I worked as a labor relations team manager for Ford Motor Company. While in Toronto for national negotiations, I came across an ad in a local newsletter for a Pantera. Excited, I went to see the car, but it was in terrible shape—abandoned and in need of $50,000 worth of sheet metal.
Still, it was my dream. I went back to my hotel, consulted with a lawyer, and drafted a purchase agreement. The owner signed the contract and accepted my $1,000 deposit. Thirty days later, he called, trying to back out. I reminded him that he’d signed a legally binding agreement and cashed my check. While reluctant, he suggested I check out another Pantera he knew of, providing me with a phone number.
The Silver Lining
One Sunday, before retrieving the Toronto Pantera, my son and I made a 10-hour drive from Canada to a small town in northern New York. The owner, an engineer like my father, had a warehouse full of cars. Among them was a red Pantera tucked in the corner of his garage.
I was captivated and told him I wanted to buy it. He was hesitant, but over lunch, we bonded over shared experiences: his family member’s battle with cancer, my son’s leukemia diagnosis, and our mutual love for the Detroit Red Wings. I even shared my connection with Bob Probert, a former Red Wing who mentioned me in his autobiography.
That sealed the deal. The owner agreed to sell, on one condition: I had to promise never to sell the car.
A Dream Fulfilled
I drove home, picked up an F-150 and flatbed from work, and invited my then 75-year-old father on a road trip. When we arrived to retrieve the Pantera, I reminded my dad of that day in 1974. “Remember when you showed me the yellow Pantera?” I said. “Well, here’s ours.”
Together, we brought the car home, tore the engine apart, stripped the paint, and rebuilt it from the ground up. Once complete, we began attending car shows across Michigan and Ontario. With only 7,000 Panteras ever built, seeing one in person was a thrill for most people.
Raising Funds for a Cause
In 2019, while at Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, I helped organize a Pantera event called “Homecoming” to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes. With over 25 Panteras in attendance, we raised $23,000. Later, at Romeo, Michigan, we hosted another Pantera gathering, with 38 cars driving on the Michigan Proving Grounds and raising $30,000. One car even traveled from the Netherlands to join us.
In 2023, we held another event at the Dearborn Rouge Facility. Over 45 Panteras showed up, creating a spectacular car show for the employees. This event raised over $40,000, further cementing the Pantera’s legacy in my life.
Honouring My Father
Today, my Pantera regularly attends car shows, including the Woodward Dream Cruise and international events in Toronto. It’s more than just a car; it’s a tribute to my father, a connection to my past, and a symbol of the dreams we shared.
While my dad is no longer with us, I know he’s watching over me and the Pantera as we continue this journey.
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