Pantera- An Inside Look

[Spencer]

Our own Tommy Snyder spent a day with the Nunez family at Pantera. This is Part 1 of a two-part story about one of the sport's iconic boatbuilders. Check it out-

http://www.seriousoffshore.com/pantera-old-school-new-school-and-lots-of-family/

 

[Bobcat]

I just finished it. Great read, love those EYES on the Pantera's !!

 

[Ratickle]

Jo sent this link last week when he put it up on YouTube. Perfect time to post it up after being referred to in the story. Hard to believe he drives like that at 6 years old. Think he has a little of Dad and Grandpa in him?????

Uploaded by JoPantera1 on Mar 31, 2012

6 year old Jo Nunez testing at Homestead in his new Tony Kart ( Micro Max ). Getting ready to race this Summer in the much faster Micro Max class. He is now 6 years and 2 months old. His lap times continue to improve. The Micro Max class is designed for 7-10 year olds.

Jo is sponsored by www.Panteraboats.com

 

[Ratickle]

One of my favorite Pantera shots I've ever seen...

 

[Buoy]

Great article!!
My personal Thanks! to the Nunez's for opening the doors!

 

[jetcruzr]

Jo sent this link last week when he put it up on YouTube. Perfect time to post it up after being referred to in the story. Hard to believe he drives like that at 6 years old. Think he has a little of Dad and Grandpa in him?????

Jo says "Ever since this kid was born, he has been on some form of haulin' ass!". Little Jo, tells his dad and grandfather he wants to be a car racer, a boat racer and a fighter pilot! Looks like he has one hell of a start!

 

[JO - PANTERABOAT]

Thanks to Seriousoffshore for the great article. The Navigator in the picture hit the floor and the center engine is hanging by the tie bars. That picture was taken in the Key West World Championships in 1990.

JO

 

[rschap1]

AWESOME read, THANKS!!!

The go cart racing looks like a blast too

 

[JO - PANTERABOAT]

Thanks rschap1 !

Here is little Jo testing last month for the Micro Max class. He was the fastest kid kart racer ( 5-7 year olds ) in South Florida so we moved him up early to Micro Max class (7-10 year olds). He is 6 years and 2 months now but is running very fast times already in the much faster class. His 1st race in Micro is coming up in May.

Alot of work and time goes into his Kart racing. He is very dedicated and has alot of heart ! Check out his left front tire off the ground.

JO

 

[JO - PANTERABOAT]

This picture was taken a few months ago in his Kid Kart. The Kart was all black matching the factory race boat colors.

 

[JO - PANTERABOAT]

F2 days. Great memories from racing in this class.

JO

 

[JO - PANTERABOAT]

Here is how it all began almost 40 years ago with boat # 001 and the 1st Pantera factory race boat. The 24' model with a Holman and Moody 460 CI Ford with a Volvo outdrive.

JO

 

[JO - PANTERABOAT]

"Mister Macho" and in the back ground "Macho" another Pantera 24'.

 

[JO - PANTERABOAT]

Here is the original office.

 

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

Great read. Tommy I hope you get that ride. I am sure it will be special.

Jo. we never got a chance to talk in Key West in '03. I drove the Fountain. Not sure we had anything for you but I'll take it.

 

[redhotsommer]

Great article...I've always loved Panteras and was lusting after a 28 with a 500 prior to buying my Fountain. Just an awesome-looking old school ride. I'd LOVE to get my hands on a 36 someday...

 

[C35]

good stuff. nice to see someone working hard and stickin with it.

 

[jetcruzr]

The Dash of Pantera's latest 28' that is about ready to launch.

 

[jetcruzr]

The engine for the latest 28'. This should make things fun!

 

[Ratickle]

Sweet looking boat. Sure is a well organized engine compartment......