Gene

I spent some time today looking at the pantera body styles and found that the nose of a formula with slight modifications is very close to the GT5 style. Maybe we can talk on the phone and see what I can do to help in the kit process and marketing.

You need to have the first models in different parts of the country for viewing and to get the word out. Advertising never hurts.
PM me your number or call me on mine @ 336-462-1040 and we can talk about some ideas and the time frame of another kit for my formula.

Thanks for all of your hard work and coming up with an idea that is not only NEW but different in the world of kit cars.
I have had all that I can take of the kits that are out there now and looking like everyone else. Finally some new blood.

I'm a Fiero guy, and a hotrodder and a builder. I like something that's a little unconventional, fast, and somehow customized. This should be a fun project:>

About widebodies, take a look at this page:
http://panterasbywilkinson.com/images/final_catalog/gif/ill26c.gif

The fender flares I currently have resemble the Group 4 type, like the top drawing.

now take a look at this page:
http://panterasbywilkinson.com/images/final_catalog/gif/ill26b.gif

This is a more detailed look at the various components of the true GT5-S conversion.

Note the different shape to the flares, the air inlet in the rear flares, and the "runningboard" sideskirts. Also, the airdam has a flattened frontal area with a cutout on each side for air inlet or lights.

The airdam I currently have does not have the flattened frontal area as seen in that illustration.

Now, if a person was on a real quest for as close to a GT5-S look as he could get, the flares and airdam I have could be used as a starting place. A little basic sculpting and glassing in and the deed would be done. If someone wants to go this route before I have had time to do it, I'll certianly work with them on a step by step basis. It's really easy.

I personally like the Group 4 look: basic retro body shape, accentuated fender flares, rounded side skirts, contoured front air dam, and maybe the delta-type wing.

Interestingly, a while back the GT5-S conversion was quite popular with the Pantera owners. But lately the trend has been to preserve or restore the retro look of the original body style.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2495401341&category=6737

This is a link to a fine example of an '85 GT5-S, it's quite good looking.

David Breeze

Let me know your thoughts

Thank you for your efforts

Jake,
That's a nice photo. You don't suppose that other popup headlight cars have similar issues to the Fiero, do you? :> Nice treatment though, maybe a little inspiration in that photo.

Given the fiberglass body we're dealing with, I think the portion of plexiglass which extends down the front could be made larger. That would allow using a full sized sealed beam. Tomorrow I'll measure how much space is available.

I've been gearing things up for another big layup this weekend. Tomorrow evening I'll get some pics out of how the rear section of the roof is modified, and how the rear trunk lid is prepared for mounting the rear clip.

Some exciting things have been going on the last few days. My wife was in a business meeting with the Kentucky Speedway owners, and she told them about the Pantero. They got all excited and invited us up next weekend for a few laps around the Speedway. It seems that Ford Motors is the big sponsor there this year. That should be fun, and a good opportunity to get some decent photos.

http://www.kentuckyspeedway.com/