Late Hockey Star Tim Horton Owned A 1972 De Tomaso Pantera

The late famous hockey player, Tim Horton, fatally crashed a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera he received as a signing bonus from the Sabres.

February of 2018 will mark the 44th anniversary of Tim Horton’s death in a tragic accident on the Queen Elizabeth Way highway near St. Catharines, Ontario. It is relevant to cover this now, seeing as the holidays are only a few days away. We want everyone to enjoy themselves, but to stay safe too.

When you hear the name Tim Horton, do you think of hot coffee and donuts, or hitting pucks on the cold ice?

Either way you think about him, it is without a doubt that Tim Horton has left quite a legacy behind. For some, he is best known for having a remarkable 22-year career in hockey with four Stanley Cup wins. Others recognize his name as they visit Tim Horton’s cafe, a Canadian-based chain, in the morning for their daily breakfast fix.

To car enthusiasts who know, Tim Horton was also the owner of a muscular Ford sports car known as the Pantera.

According to PHS Collector Car World,

"“Tim went to Gateway Lincoln Mercury in Thornhill Ontario where he purchased a Coach White 1972 Detomaso Pantera. The Pantera was a true Italian-American mid engine sports car developed as a collaboration between Detomaso and Ford. “"

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In the wee hours of the morning on February 21, 1974, Tim Horton was heading home to Buffalo after playing a Sabres-Leafs game when he crashed alone. Ironically enough, he was playing against his own former team.

The Ottawa Citizen sent a Freedom of Information request in 2005 to receive details on Horton’s death. The documents show that the late hockey player had a blood-alcohol level that was beyond the legal limit for driving. It was also found that he had the prescription drug Dexamyl in his system at the time of his death.

LegendsofHockey.net reports that,

"“Police who chased the sports car reported that it was traveling over 100 miles per hour before it crashed just outside of St. Catharines, Ontario. Toronto won the game that night, but Horton, even though he missed the third period with a jaw injury, was selected as the game’s third star for his standout play.”"

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The video below summarizes a bit of Tim Horton’s legacy, from playing on the ice to the donut shop we have come to know and love.

The holidays are right around the corner. Remember to call a cab or car service for you or anyone who may have had too many drinks. It is not worth risking your own life and the lives of others. On that note, Happy Holidays!