Started around June of 2000 when I was looking for a Pantera. Searched the boards getting info, reading whatever I could. Noticed one day someone posted that they were selling a GT5 over in South Africa. As luck would have it I was also planning a safari over to South Africa and surrounding countries. Ironic? hmmmm Well I continued to keep up with Garry, the man orchestrating the sale, for pictures and details. When the time came down to it I was able to meet up with Garry in Port Elizabeth, South Africa...
I had an hour! Talk about talking fast but thankfully we had discussed much before getting to this point. Looked the car over, listened to it and then took it out for a little spin. Can I just say that after being used to driving on the right side of the road... taking this beast out for a spin and being so excited on top of remembering that they drive on the left side of the road was a bit unnerving!
The was no denying it! I was in love with the car at first sight and more than happy to find out it was all what Garry had said it was and more! The rest of the safari was spent having a blast and thinking about the car. Back in the states we settled upon the price and began looking into what all it would take to get it over here. Trust me..... this was an adventure in itself with trying to find out how to import a car into the states. Thankfully the car passes the 25 year mark which means it is exempt from compliance from DOT and EPA regulations whew! As the car had never paid duty in the states I had to come up with another 2.5% of the selling price as duty to be paid. The container the car was shipped in cost me about $2,000 to get it from South Africa to the States by way of Germany.. Did I mention shipping means having anxiety for two months? It takes that long from South Africa...whew! but it is in my hands now and only needed paying state registration and tax to have it on the road.
The sound of the engine and its looks keeps confirming I am glad I took that mighty leap of faith. Everyone has to come over to see it and inquire... They can't believe it is a 73! Trust me you will want to have one of these cars..
I mean think about it .... An aggressively styled Italian sports car with the basic mechanics of 70's pure power iron! A meaty 351 Cleveland lurks in mid-engine configuration and tears up late model exotics like Ferrari's and Porsches without thinking. The car sits on 10inch by 15inch rims wearing 285/40 15 Pirelli P7's up front and 13inch by 15inch rims wearing 345/35 15 Pirelli P7's in the rear. Can we say it has a mean bite?!.... and you can drop by Pep Boys and pick up parts!
Sometimes you have to realize that you are not getting any younger so have a little fun!...
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