When they first came out in 1971? I was toodling off a central Florida I-95 curved exit ramp in my de Tomaso Pantera just enjoying the stereo blasting. At 64 mph, on a curved exit ramp, when I just happen to look in my rearview. There, I saw a trooper, fighting like hell to not fly off the curve. To my surprise, he wasn't angry. All he wanted to do, ticket pad in hand was quiz me about the car. Panteras were somewhat rare then. I used to get in & out of commercial parking lot gates by driving under the downed arm near the distal end.
When I first got it, went to show my "2nd Mom" who loved to landscape her lawn.I parked on the grass. When I pulled off, I could see a smoldering circle-patch of dead grass. (Impressive fellow I was.) About 1.5 hours south of Jax, I put it up to 160 mph. Once, taking a 1st-time date down for a nice Sunday St. Augustine drive, I suddenly realized that I had taken a wrong exit. So I went to make a U-turn. Turns out there was a thin layer of sand on the asphalt and I was completely shocked. executing a tight one-lane "fast & furious" perfect 180 spin. 'Of course, I didn't let on I was shocked & awed. I could never get that 2nd date. Shame. She was beautiful with those big wide-open eyes. :cool:
Another date ... had a flat tire about midnight in a sketchy area near the "Gator Bowl" - pouring down rain and I couldn't loosen the lug nuts. We had to hike to a phone booth for her to call her brother to fetch us. Called the dealership next morning. They knew what to do. They dollied it in. Had to use a blowtorch to get the nuts loose. Cost me $135 to change a tire. Chose to buy a new tire. Those tires were a special lot. I think it cost close to $400?? My behavior in that car scared me enough that I sold it asap.