Stratos - Pantera comparison. Any informed opinions?

[FlatRacer]

Hi. New registrant here.
I'm putting the final touches on a '72 Pantera restoration that I began in '97. If you like, you can check it out here:
www.geocities.com/kool_toyz
It's a great high speed car for open American Super Highways, but lately, I've been thinking of what would be a good garage mate for it. To compliment the torquey highway geared nature of the Pantera, I'd like something high winding, nimble and light for those tight twisty back country roads (and probably some autocross duty as well).
My thoughts ran from a Fiat X1/9 (too rusty), to a Porsche 914 (too ugly),to a Lotus Europa (too flimsy), to a Caterham 7 (cool, but too retro).
I'd more or less settled on a Caterham, but then I considered a Stratos replica.
My question to all of you is this: Does anyone have experience driving both a Stratos and a Pantera, who could give me an honest comparison of how they handle, how they are to live with on a daily basis, things of that nature?
For that matter, have any of you driven a Caterham who might tell me how that car compares to the Stratos?

Thanks,
Eric Tolnes, New York

[Matt No VAT]

I've not actually driven a Pantera but after seeing/hearing one in the flesh at Le Mans I must admit I was quite taken with them.

I also saw a recent documentary about a guy in the US that has a collection of approx 65 classic cars, he said that the Pantera was his favorite.

I loved his reason for liking the car so much, he explained that he could drive all his cars and still carry on a conversation with the passenger except the Pantera.

Why?...... because while all the other cars would forgive momentary laspes of concentration when driving the Pantera wouldn't - he said "its like the cars sitting there saying: One false move and I'm gonna kill you"

Looks awsome in yellow, few cars can carry it off but its well suited to yours.

[vojx]

OK, first reply. Never driven the cars mentioned, but as far as I've heard a Caterham could beat a Stratos in acceleration, but would dissapear in it's dust on the twisty bits.

As for drivability, my Strat ( a Corse i) is so forgiving and never wants to kill me, even under extreme provocation.

Can't have a conversation in it though, cos the exhaust is too loud.

[FlatRacer]

Thanks Matt.

I've found the Pantera to be very well behaved, aside form being loud and a bit harsh over bad roads, but then again, I haven't really pushed it yet.
Yes, yellow is definitely that model's color. Mine was originally white, and I was going to paint it either white or orange. I made it a point to attend an Italian car show where there were to be about 25 Panteras specifically so I could finalize my color choice, and yellow was the hands down winner!

FR:p

[FlatRacer]

Are there any Stratos or Stratos replica owners in my area? I live in New York City. I'd love to see one in person.

FR:D

[mogul_x]

Eric,

There are two replicas relatively close to NYC that I am aware of. Neither is complete or drivable, but I think they're far enough along to be worth the trip.

The closest is Steve Ramm's Hawk Gp.4 car. He used to live on Long Island, but moved to California. His car is still in storage in New Jersey, and he is supposed to be heading east to collect it this summer. You might be able to arrange a meeting with him when he makes the trip, if he hasn't already.

Next closest would probably be my car. I have a Hawk Stradale that's about as far along as Steve's was when he moved. I live about 2 hours from NYC, so you could easily make a day trip of it. Please feel free to contact me if you want to come out and see the kit. I'm sure we could find a weekend that's mutually convenient.

As for original cars, there was a blue stradale wearing New York plates that I've seen at a car show in Philadelphia. It was years ago, though, so I'm not sure whether the car is still registered in New York, and I've never met the owner.

Cheers,