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As a "sneak" introduction in late 1974, Arctic Enterprises' Arctic Cat Pantera not only showcased a new breed of Suzuki power but also a new concept in sports performance snowmobiling.
As a full-fledged entry for 1976, the Pantera combined the spunk and handling of Cat's high performance El Tigre series with the personal comfort of Cat's legendary Panther.
There was a reason Cat advertising referred to the Pantera as its "Catillac" on snow. Under its stylish, rounded-off wedge hood was an all-new Suzuki-built Spirit twin displacing both 500cc and Kawasaki as Cat's power plant partner. This new Suzuki-Cat relationship has endured nearly three decades and helped keep Cat at the head of the performance food chain.
The Spirit of '76 came at a time when government regulators were looking to quiet snowmobiling. To maintain the power and performance of the previous dual-sparkplug, high performance 440cc Kawasaki free-air twins used in the "hottest" Cats, the Cat/Suzuki team established a larger displacement, longer stroked, lower revving, quieter twin as its basis for meeting sound level concerns.
The free-air heads used small, round rubber dowels between the fins to quell vibration and excess noise. Also, the engine sat suspended in the bulkhead instead of being bolted directly to it to help isolate vibration and reduce noise. Drive components, like the brake and Cat's signature hexagon shaft clutching system, inherited an El Tigre jackshaft setup to allow the engine's lowered position and the sled's lower center of gravity. For cooling, three large forward-facing intake scoops diverted oncoming cold air and directed it toward the engine and the clutch and brake sides.
Though small by comparison to higher performance sleds, a pair of 32mm round slide Mikuni carbs controlled the fuel flow. A high energy capacitive discharge ignition ensured a cleaner, more efficient fuel burn and allowed the Suzuki twin to use a single sparkplug instead of the two Kawasaki deemed necessary on its 440 twin.
While Pantera's 30-inch ski stance may seem narrow by today's standards, it was generous in 1976. Leaf sprung skis with hydraulic shocks were standard.
Unlike current Firecats that feature a narrow 13.5-inch track width, the Pantera came with a 16-inch track that was equally unusual for its time as most sleds used 15-inchers. Comprised of three Kevlar belts held together in a two-thirds cleated pattern, Pantera's track was said to be 50% stronger than Cat's previous rubber-banded track.
The cleated track rotated over Cat's own slide rail design. As the pioneer in slide rail rear suspensions, Cat engineers had evolved the design to reflect torsion-spring adjustments for exceptional ride comfort.
The Pantera established a high mark in rider comfort. The prime point of the ride may have been the slide rail suspension, but the ride position and seat design were exceptional. By sliding back into the seat's bun, you could enjoy a cruise over a long lake, but edge up to the mid-mounted fuel tank and you could exorcise your demons by attacking the twisties and bumps.
No one could mistake Pantera's profile for any other brand. It was a fashion statement with sloping hood, chromed front and rear bumpers, high headlight and ample wind-deflecting windshield. A full complement of gauges gave riders instant information about speed, engine speed and mileage. One of the sled's unique features was the dual fuel tanks. The primary and larger tank was just ahead of the rider while a smaller, 3-plus-gallon tank rested in the rear storage area. Total fuel supply was a trip-friendly 10 gallons.
This Cat also featured lightweight aluminum riveted front bulkhead and a new style of skis that were more rounded to prevent snow buildup in heavy, wet snow conditions. Arctic Cat established the Pantera as a lineup leader and even created Pantera-based versions for cross-country racing, where it did well.
Personal experience with the original 1976 sled places it as an all-time favorite. Truly a sled ahead of its time, it served to keep Arctic Cat fans loyal to the brand with its powerful Suzuki twin and exceptional handling and ride.
The 1976 Arctic Cat Pantera earned its reputation as snowmobiling's first "Catillac."