De Tomaso Pantera ADRNLN: A 600-hp Restomod Set to Become the Most Expensive Pantera Ever Sold
A stunning piece of automotive history is about to go under the hammer at the SBX Cars online auction in Austin, Texas — a one-of-a-kind De Tomaso Pantera ADRNLN, a 600-horsepower restomod that may become the most expensive Pantera ever sold. While original Panteras in excellent condition usually fetch up to €276,000, this exceptional machine stands in a league of its own. Crafted by the legendary Ringbrothers workshop in Wisconsin, the project demanded nearly 5,000 hours of meticulous labor and resulted in a Pantera unlike any other.
The Original Legend: De Tomaso Pantera 1972
When it debuted in the early 1970s, the De Tomaso Pantera perfectly fused Italian design flair with American muscle. The 1972 original was powered by a 5.8-liter Ford V8, producing around 300 hp, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. That powertrain propelled the car from 0 to 100 km/h in under six seconds, reaching a top speed of 262 km/h — a true supercar of its time.
The Pantera’s wedge-shaped silhouette, penned by Tom Tjaarda at Ghia, embodied the raw aggression of 1970s sports cars, while its American V8 heart made it accessible to a broader market. More than 7,000 units were built, but only a handful have survived in top condition — and even fewer have been transformed into high-performance masterpieces like the ADRNLN.
A Modern Rebirth: The ADRNLN Project by Ringbrothers
The ADRNLN was commissioned by one of Nike’s top executives, who sought to create a modern reinterpretation of the Pantera while preserving its character. Ringbrothers, known for their award-winning restomods, took on the challenge.
The entire body was re-sculpted with handmade carbon-fiber panels, subtly modernizing the design while retaining the Pantera’s unmistakable wedge shape. The car was then finished in a striking Lamborghini-style yellow, giving it an aggressive, exotic presence.
Under the hood, the original Ford engine was replaced with a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 from General Motors, tuned to deliver 600 horsepower. This engine provides a ferocious soundtrack and performance that far exceeds the original specifications. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, keeping the analog driving experience alive.
Chassis and Dynamics: Corvette DNA Inside
To ensure modern handling and reliability, the ADRNLN’s suspension system was borrowed from the Chevrolet Corvette C5, providing a contemporary performance foundation. The restomod also features Baer braking componentswith four-piston calipers at each corner, ensuring the car can stop as impressively as it accelerates.
Despite the extensive modifications, the Pantera ADRNLN maintains perfect balance and an authentic mechanical feel. The steering response and chassis rigidity have been vastly improved, making it a track-capable supercar that’s equally comfortable on public roads.
Interior: Dual Personality Design
The cabin is as bold as the car’s performance. Ringbrothers introduced a two-tone color scheme — the driver’s side in black for focus and control, and the passenger’s side in bright yellow for visual drama.
The dashboard combines classic analog gauges with digital displays, blending retro charm and modern technology. Every surface is hand-finished, and attention to detail is evident throughout the interior — from the bespoke gear lever to the stitched leather upholstery.
This visual split inside the cabin mirrors the car’s essence: one half celebrates the Pantera’s original racing spirit, while the other embraces contemporary design and innovation.
The Price of Passion
The De Tomaso Pantera ADRNLN was completed in 2013 and later sold for $300,000, already setting a benchmark for restomod Panteras. Today, however, experts expect the car to surpass that price — potentially exceeding half a million dollars due to its provenance, craftsmanship, and sheer uniqueness.
With just one example ever made, it is not only a collectible but also a piece of functional art, symbolizing what happens when American engineering and Italian styling are reimagined through modern technology.
De Tomaso’s Modern Revival: The P72 Supercar
The rebirth of the De Tomaso brand in recent years continues to honor the company’s storied heritage. In 2024, De Tomaso revealed the P72, a mid-engine supercar inspired by the Pantera’s spirit but built for the modern era. The P72 features a 700-hp Ford V8, a manual transmission, and hand-crafted bodywork reminiscent of 1960s endurance racers.
Production is set to begin by the end of this year, with a limited number of units planned. Much like the ADRNLN, the P72 embodies De Tomaso’s philosophy — blending the past and future in breathtaking form.
The Pantera ADRNLN is not just a restomod; it’s a rebirth of an icon. It bridges eras — celebrating De Tomaso’s history while pushing its performance to 21st-century levels. It stands as a statement of what happens when passion meets precision, and when heritage meets innovation.
For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this car represents the perfect intersection of nostalgia and modern performance — a fusion few restomods ever achieve.
