Originally built for Eugene Bordinat, auto design magnate for the Ford Motor Company. Bordinat served as Ford's Vice President of Styling for over thirty years and is especially remembered for the incredibly successful Mustang. While developing Pantera prototypes together at Ghia's studio in Italy, Bordinat and Alejandro De Tomaso personally supervised the bespoke enhancements and building of this particular vehicle. The unique modifications carried out by Ghia included an integral wraparound chin spoiler, a black vinyl-padded nose band and unique front and rear grille treatments. Other features included streamlined exterior mirrors, heated rear windows, deep-pile interior carpet, Michelin XWX tyres and a custom collapsible spare. Imported into the US by Bordinat himself and cherished throughout his life, it was known to be proudly driven with gloved hands to his design studio in Dearborn, Michigan, only on the most perfect of days. Originally finished in a stunning two-tone orange and black paint scheme, at some stage this was replaced in favour of red. Although started regularly since 1982, 8MA 1196 was barely been driven at all over the next 23 years. After the death of Mr Bordinat in 1987, it resided in the collection of two owners, before being offered by PI Motorsports at 3168 miles.