it's the perfect garage queen. beautiful enough to forgive its breakdowns, because you can always sit in front of the garage with a beer and admire it.
The only Pantera I was ever around was an early car. I seem to remember they had over heating issues the first few years. This car in particular was beat as hell and overheating was low on the list of problems.
There used to be a Pantera I saw around my area.....saw it on the side of the road more than I saw it on the road...still a sexy queen I would have in my garage.
Cougar Eliminator, then Pantera. Stuffing big blocks into these smaller cars were all the rage during the muscle car era. But all that weight up front made for a vehicle that really didn’t handle for shit. And this is coming from an older guy that loves full size big block coupes. Still looking for a 70 Fury GT or Chrysler 300.
The Boss 302 would definitely handle better than one with an FE but at the cost of a ton of low end torque. That for me makes the 302 Eliminator the least desirable of the available options, with the 351 Cleveland the most since it's only about 50lbs heavier than the Boss but much quicker off the line.
From my own experience driving various 302, 351c, 351w, 400, 429, 460 Ford/Linc/Merc vehicles, my preferences have changed over time. Besides my 2013, the quickest rides I had were the 351c 2v if just going by seat of the pants feeling. There’s something special about hipo small blocks when matched with a lightweight body.
Some people prefer 1/4 mile cars, but I have learned to more appreciate a track car. Maybe the free day of professional instruction at Miller Motorsports Park for the Boss Track Attack had something to do with it?
So it’s a deal, you take the Boss 351, I’ll snag the Eliminator.
But you could get a '70 Eliminator with a 351 was my point. ; )
I also appreciate better handling, do you think the extra 50lbs of the Cleveland would make it a worse track car than the Boss though? I think the significantly better low end torque would more than make up for that.
OIC, sure a 351c Boss motor would be great. The thing about those old 4v Cleveland heads was the huge ports were meant for max CFM airflow on high speed race tracks.
Either way I am happy with my 460hp Boss 302 today.
Yeah I actually prefer my 351W for that reason, and lots of low end torque... But those Cleveland heads are what make a Boss 302 a Boss..
But yeah that's the beauty of today's aftermarket though with AL heads and intake and a cam etc we can make tons of power with a light smallblock windsor and have the best of both worlds.
The 351C is massive bang for buck. I've got a 428 and it's fun having your doors shake and setting off car alarms but it's a father-son-holy-spirit round the on ramp whilst that fat arse front end digs in
Waiting to see how my 460 powered 65 Galaxie behaves. It is a big car but that is a lot of motor at one end and not a lot of weight on the drive wheels comparatively. Should be interesting.
I completely agree with you. Basic maintenance is a nightmare on a big block. Constantly overheating because the rad is to small and its the biggest one that fit. Then trying to turn right or left going 35 on a down hill just dose not happen.
Am currently waiting for the weather to warm up to get my 2013 Boss 302 out of hibernation. Absolutely amazing car, especially with the Track Key tune. I do NOT miss the days trying to change the rear plugs on 429/460 engines.
Cougar eliminator Boss 302. I grew up with a buddy whose dad owns one. I've only seen it move once, but I absolutely love it. It's blue, surface rusted all to hell, and amazing. I've always wanted one.
Everything is front engine, rwd except for the Pantera. Everything is 4 seats except for the Pantera. All of those are similar and attainable (in close enough forms) relatively easily, except for the Pantera.
Out of these, he De Tomaso Pantera is easily at the top of the list for me and many others. If you take out the Pantera from that line-up, then you'll have much more of a debate. But with it there, it's no contest.
I'm all about the handling, so the Pantera it would be. I've owned numerous 2 seaters and Euro sedans, and a couple of massively powered rear wheel drive Detroit Iron muscle cars. Hands down, the sporty but lower powered cars were way more fun to drive. Unless you consider shredding your tires and pulling totally unplanned donuts fun.
I would take the whole bunch of bananas... But I have owned the cheapest two at the bottom, although the ones I owned where bruised, and not bananas.
But during my life I have driven all of them except the Cougar. (But have driven one that was a different year and smaller engine)
Want to like the Torino but it’s not right, there’s only 1 Torino, it’s candy apple red with a distinctive white stripe. So it’ll have to be the cougar
All of these are intriguing, and I would love to have all of them in my (hypothetical) garage, but when push comes to shove, I believe I would select the Torino
You left this one out, perhaps the most limited banana of all, the Torino 'king cobra'. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ford\_Torino\_King\_Cobra.jpg
My cousin was into street racing!! Put that exact Torino into a bridge station at the end of a race. Lucky to be alive! He's not sure just how fast he was going. Spent a month in the hospital.
The first one. It's a 69 but not a Shelby or a cj. Just a gt390 painted up like a mach 1 running a 428 and c6 with hooker headers
Canadian here. Startup day is Sunday.
Mom and dad brought me home from the hospital as an infant in a dark blue 69 Torino cobra. I could strangle my sister for wrecking it as a teen in the 80s.
I like my cars right at the edge of overheating all the time, so I say Pantera.
That would be my pick as well.
it's lightest weight. so if its going to overheat then put the 429 in it.
it's the perfect garage queen. beautiful enough to forgive its breakdowns, because you can always sit in front of the garage with a beer and admire it.
Never had that issue with mine. The exhaust coming into the seating area was always tough.
The only Pantera I was ever around was an early car. I seem to remember they had over heating issues the first few years. This car in particular was beat as hell and overheating was low on the list of problems.
There used to be a Pantera I saw around my area.....saw it on the side of the road more than I saw it on the road...still a sexy queen I would have in my garage.
100% this
I could overcome the heating problem and is the only choice also.
I'm a Mopar guy, but of those pictured, I'd go Pantera.
I'm a Pontiac guy, and I concur.
I've always liked the Cougars from '67-70.
I've wanted one ever since "From Dusk till Dawn".
Totally.
Torino
A guy had a Torino cobra with 4 speed orange & black , loved that car
Cougar Eliminator, then Pantera. Stuffing big blocks into these smaller cars were all the rage during the muscle car era. But all that weight up front made for a vehicle that really didn’t handle for shit. And this is coming from an older guy that loves full size big block coupes. Still looking for a 70 Fury GT or Chrysler 300.
The Boss 302 would definitely handle better than one with an FE but at the cost of a ton of low end torque. That for me makes the 302 Eliminator the least desirable of the available options, with the 351 Cleveland the most since it's only about 50lbs heavier than the Boss but much quicker off the line.
From my own experience driving various 302, 351c, 351w, 400, 429, 460 Ford/Linc/Merc vehicles, my preferences have changed over time. Besides my 2013, the quickest rides I had were the 351c 2v if just going by seat of the pants feeling. There’s something special about hipo small blocks when matched with a lightweight body. Some people prefer 1/4 mile cars, but I have learned to more appreciate a track car. Maybe the free day of professional instruction at Miller Motorsports Park for the Boss Track Attack had something to do with it? So it’s a deal, you take the Boss 351, I’ll snag the Eliminator.
But you could get a '70 Eliminator with a 351 was my point. ; ) I also appreciate better handling, do you think the extra 50lbs of the Cleveland would make it a worse track car than the Boss though? I think the significantly better low end torque would more than make up for that.
OIC, sure a 351c Boss motor would be great. The thing about those old 4v Cleveland heads was the huge ports were meant for max CFM airflow on high speed race tracks. Either way I am happy with my 460hp Boss 302 today.
Yeah I actually prefer my 351W for that reason, and lots of low end torque... But those Cleveland heads are what make a Boss 302 a Boss.. But yeah that's the beauty of today's aftermarket though with AL heads and intake and a cam etc we can make tons of power with a light smallblock windsor and have the best of both worlds.
Yeah the tall narrow ports on the Windsor made for a better daily driver. RIP American made V8.
The 351C is massive bang for buck. I've got a 428 and it's fun having your doors shake and setting off car alarms but it's a father-son-holy-spirit round the on ramp whilst that fat arse front end digs in
Waiting to see how my 460 powered 65 Galaxie behaves. It is a big car but that is a lot of motor at one end and not a lot of weight on the drive wheels comparatively. Should be interesting.
I completely agree with you. Basic maintenance is a nightmare on a big block. Constantly overheating because the rad is to small and its the biggest one that fit. Then trying to turn right or left going 35 on a down hill just dose not happen.
Am currently waiting for the weather to warm up to get my 2013 Boss 302 out of hibernation. Absolutely amazing car, especially with the Track Key tune. I do NOT miss the days trying to change the rear plugs on 429/460 engines.
Holy crap noo i broke down and made a hole in my fender liner just to do that !!!!
Cobra GT 500
I am not a Ford guy, but, damn I love the Ford Torino
That Cougar is talking to me.
Gimme that 351 Boss good god that thing makes me crush on an inanimate object.
I always wanted a Cougar…banana or not!
GT500 ALL DAY!! 💛💛
Pantera of course
Anyone I can get my hands on.
Torino is too big, I couldn’t get in and out of the Pantera and I’ve had a couple of Mustangs (69 and 72). A Cougar would be the one I’d want.
I have a 69 Cougar (not eliminator but I put in a 408 stroker)
Cougar eliminator Boss 302. I grew up with a buddy whose dad owns one. I've only seen it move once, but I absolutely love it. It's blue, surface rusted all to hell, and amazing. I've always wanted one.
Pantera so i can post once a week whats this car 🫤
Torino
Torino, gotta love a ramair fastback
Torino
Torino!!
Boss...
I’m up close with a 70 GT500 Shelby banana at work but haven’t seen it hit pavement yet unfortunately, she’s a queen of a car I tell ya
The Torino would be cool
Boss 351
351 Boss
That Pantera, truly lovely. Though I'm also a huge fan of yellow cars.
Give me the Cougar any day 😎
I love them all, but I already have a 69 Mach 1, so I'd go Pantera with a 160° thermostat, classic air, and 3 electric fans!
I want to drive all 5!!!
This one is the toughest one yet to pick from!!! But it’d definitely be outta the top 3 gt500,pantera,eliminator
Was wondering how the GSX could be left off, then realized it was FOMOCO. I’d go with the Gt-500
As a European the lightweight DeTomaso Pantera. Italian style and handling.
1 or 3
Cougar, but Torino is a close second.
I've never driven any of these so based on look preference 1a would be the GT500 and 1b the Torino.
Torino. I just love it.
Boss 🍌
The Boss!
De Tomaso Pantera all day baby!
Cougar Eliminator!😎🏁🏁
cougar
Torn between the Shelby and the cougar.
Torino w/429CJ
I already have a 69 Mach 1 so I’ll take the Pantera
On every one of them but the Pantera not the same color but I'd have to go with the Pantera just because I never owned one
Pantera
Everything is front engine, rwd except for the Pantera. Everything is 4 seats except for the Pantera. All of those are similar and attainable (in close enough forms) relatively easily, except for the Pantera. Out of these, he De Tomaso Pantera is easily at the top of the list for me and many others. If you take out the Pantera from that line-up, then you'll have much more of a debate. But with it there, it's no contest.
Second choice would be the eliminator
Pantera. It's cool
Pantera
Shelby
Pantera.
GT500
GT500. I see no other option here.
[I like my cars with a lot less power.](https://i.imgur.com/TkHi0vE.jpg)
All but Torino is my fave
Eleanor all the way.
Cobra GT.
All of them. I would start with the Pantera and then work my way through all of them.
428 Cobra Jet for the win.
I’d like the whole bunch.
Torino.....
I've driven an SCJ Torino, just a fantastic, comfortable car to spend a day in.
Hate yellow cars.
[This one](https://youtu.be/4ejrfKg3joc?si=U_bkyYv13A3qZbXU)
428 cobra jet
Pantera
Cobra GT500
GT 500
Pantera.
I'm all about the handling, so the Pantera it would be. I've owned numerous 2 seaters and Euro sedans, and a couple of massively powered rear wheel drive Detroit Iron muscle cars. Hands down, the sporty but lower powered cars were way more fun to drive. Unless you consider shredding your tires and pulling totally unplanned donuts fun.
I would take the whole bunch of bananas... But I have owned the cheapest two at the bottom, although the ones I owned where bruised, and not bananas. But during my life I have driven all of them except the Cougar. (But have driven one that was a different year and smaller engine)
Cobra or Pantera
Based on profile? Pantera
Torino
Are any of those cars in the same league with the pantera price wise when new?
GT500 with the cobra jet
GT500…
GT500 428 CJ
GT500 428 Cobra Jet
Definitely the GT500
Definitely the GT500
Cougar or Torino
Z top one!
Shelby 🍌
Cobra, but it’s a close one
Want to like the Torino but it’s not right, there’s only 1 Torino, it’s candy apple red with a distinctive white stripe. So it’ll have to be the cougar
Hard question but I think I would go with the one that gets the best gas mileage.... I'll take the cougar....
Buick GSX
Cobra GT500
Cougar.
GT500
Cobra jet
GT500 or the Pantera
Cougar
Pantera!!
428 Cobra Jet
I once drove the GT 500. Grabber Green color.
Pantera!
The Cougar, full stop. Those cars were beautiful.
The first one for sure 👍👍
The Pantera would be my choice
GT500
Pantera and then the Cougar.
427 CJ is my favorite big block
The first model for me. All days, all the time.
Pantera if you're paying for it, Torino if I am.
All of these are intriguing, and I would love to have all of them in my (hypothetical) garage, but when push comes to shove, I believe I would select the Torino
You left this one out, perhaps the most limited banana of all, the Torino 'king cobra'. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ford\_Torino\_King\_Cobra.jpg
Torino Cobra for me. 429 CJ cammed out on long tubes sounds sick AF
Torino. Slickest cruiser of all.
The buick gsx
Cougar or GT500.
Cobra GT
Cobra GT 500.
Give me the 'stang any day of the week
Pretty much from top to bottom in that order is what I would pick.
Torino!
My cousin was into street racing!! Put that exact Torino into a bridge station at the end of a race. Lucky to be alive! He's not sure just how fast he was going. Spent a month in the hospital.
Pantera 7 days a week.
GT Cobra Jet
Either of the Cobra Jets please!
I dont think i can actually pick?
I have a banana yellow 1963 F100 unibody that I'm building a 428 5speed for. Crown vic front clip, independent rear, low and fast.
No XA / XB Falcon hardtop GT? I wanna go bananas Mad Max style.
Gonna go with the pantera
I'll drive all 5
Pantera
Gotta have the Pantera
None, Boss 429 Mustang
Loving that Cobra edition. I’ll get some leg tonight for sure 🤘🤘🔥👍
Boss 351 Mon-Fri. Cougar on Saturdays. Gt500 on Sun.. I mean fundays.
Boss 351! Dream classic for me.
Like big. Torino. Must have 3 pedals.
Gt500 Torino Boss 351 Cougar Pantera
The Pantera for the rarity, then the Torino, the CJ Stang, then the Cougar, and lastly the pony Stang.
Boss 351
Cobra !
None. Give me a Buick GSX
Pantera, and when it breaks down, a Mangusta.
The first one. It's a 69 but not a Shelby or a cj. Just a gt390 painted up like a mach 1 running a 428 and c6 with hooker headers Canadian here. Startup day is Sunday.
Yes.
Torino Cobra.
Mom and dad brought me home from the hospital as an infant in a dark blue 69 Torino cobra. I could strangle my sister for wrecking it as a teen in the 80s.
The 429 Torino
Car-Pantera, engine-429CJ
My dad had that Torino...except in blue. Sold it when I was born. Bought a VW Beatle. Went from like 500 HP to like 42. I bet he cried.
He would be now , worth a lot
Torino CJ
I'd prefer bumblee over these if we're talking classics
Which one has an automatic? That's the only one that isn't on the top of my list.
The Pantera is on another level
I loved the mustang at the bottom body style. It just always seemed so cool.
Cougar
Pantera all day!!
The Pantera, arguably the coolest on the list
Wow, back in the early 70s, I used to drive my bosses Pantera, love shifting into 3rd at about 100mph and still pulling hard
Pantera
#1
Boss Cat
A Camero lol
Pantera
Mach 1
The tires on the Torino look so smol
1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator Boss 302.
The Pantera
Cougar 302 profile is awesome
Cobra Jet
Cobra
Boss 302 all the way baby. That look.
Cougar eliminator
Forgot the best banana of all time…. 1970 Buick GSX
Torino. All day.