I had been waiting for the group to make a run to Death Valley for months, but some of the exotics (including mine) couldn’t go until the weather was cool. A few months ago, we teamed up with a group of Audi and VW drivers for a lunch run.

I spent most of my time driving, so I didn’t get many pictures. Some of these photos were taken by Angie (lovely wife) from her car…in case you are wondering how I took photos of the Pantera from another car.

I found out a few important things on this trip:

1. I got my car up to 150mph at Spring Mountain race track. I heard rumors that a previous owner put a taller final gear in the transaxle- it could be true, or maybe it is the 550 pounds of torque. Regardless, this is pretty good for a car that went 130mph in stock form and only has a five speed.

2. The blowing sand is hard on paint. My front air dam looks like it has been sandblasted in some places…and, technically, I suppose it has been.

3. There is water in Death Valley. At least there is when it isn’t the middle of summer.

4. Tourists will walk up and down a wooden pier, that doesn’t go anywhere, in the middle of the desert. Why?

5. Audi and Volkswagen drivers have a different driving style than sports car and exotic drivers. They make up for it by being a very polite and likable bunch. I would love to hook up with them again if they will have us.