In the beginning of seventy wanted FIA restart theirs in-sleep GT/GTS racing class and Second Appendix J of International Sporting Code was born. De Tomaso had just start production his third GT road car Pantera (1970-1996), first was Vallelunga (1965-1966) and second was Mangustan (1967-1971).

De Tomaso wanted same publicity for the new car and he started develop a race version of Pantera 874 A (A stands for “Allegerita” light). De Tomaso determine that all european De Tomaso dealers must purchase a GR4 Pantera. The Grand Touring Special cars class (GTS) or group 4 (GR4) regulate say you must manufacture a least 100 road cars, 01.01.1972 was Pantera GR4 ready for race. 

The Grand Touring Cars class (GT) or group 3 (GR3) had 1000 road cars limit and 1/7 1972 was also Pantera 874 (GR3) ready for race.

De Tomaso made 26 genuine GR3 Pantera. 

De Tomaso transformed also standard Pantera to GR3 specification, it was also possible to buy all GR3 parts and modified their own standard (L, GTS) Pantera to GR3 spec. I think there is “many” that are modified by the racing team or importers to GR3 cars. Many modified later to GR4 and/or GR5 spec.

You don’t have to buy all GR3 parts, heard that the most cars only have a GR3 engine or roll cage. It’s very rare that they have everything.  it was not until 1974-75 that those real nice parts came. As the big brakes, bucket seats etc.... more on that later...