Monday, February 13, 2006
De Tomaso Pantera GR 4 Tipo 874A - Chassis 2344
Special lightweight 874 A Tipo (A = Allegerita = Lightweight)
- Version : Pantera GR4
- Chassis : 874A / 2344
- Engine : 5.7-litre Ford V8
- Build date : March 16th 1972
- Exterior : Red & Black
Interior : Black - First owner : Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, USA
- History : Used by the Ford Experimental Department. Sold to Warren Tope, USA.
1973 - Lime Rock - W. Tope DNF
1973 - Watkins Glen - W. Tope DNF
1973 - Sanair - W. Tope
1973 - Road America - W. Tope
1973 - Blackhawk Farms - W. Tope 1st
1974 - Pontiac Road Race - W. Tope 1st
1974 - Road America - W. Tope DNF
1975 - sold to Kenper Miller, USA with numerous spares.
1975 - Watkins Glen 6 Hours - K. Miller / P. Miller
1975 - Daytona 250 - K. Miller / P. Miller
1980 - Sebring - Miller
1986 - Sold to Richard Conway
1989 - Sold To Alex Quattlebaum
2005 - Sold to Europe
De Tomaso 2344 : Lightweight chassis
Miller Kenper mail :
You will be please to know that I mailed the material this afternoon. Please let me know if you would like to have any additional information. I did come across the fact that My brother Paul and I purchased the car 30 years ago on March 15, 1975 (for $10,000 plus $2500 in spare parts). Although the Pantera was the basis for the BMW M1, I think it needed to have the M1's big wing. With a wing it would have been a lot more successful.
As best as Jack and I can remember we saw an ad in a weekly magazine. Also at that time we were working with a Detroit engine builder who knew the carand helped us buy it. I don't know why Warren Tope sold the car but he did race in a couple NASCAR races that year before he died in a Can Am car inJuly 1975. I'll let you know if anything else comes to mind.
The car was owned and raced by Warren Tope, whose father, Donald was an executive with Ford Motor Company. We picked up the car and the spares at Tope's race shop. I think you will find the copy of the article on the car that I sent you to be helpful. You may also find out information on WarrenTope in the internet. Hope this helps.
I have a copy of an article written in 1998 on the car that I am sending to you and pictures of the car. The pictures show the transformation from theoriginal fender flares to IMSA flares by Jack Deren in 1975 and then back tothe orignal style in the mid 80's.
Best, Miller Kenper
MARS 2006 : NEW RACING ENGINE 600 HP
