De Tomaso

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Overview

De Tomaso Automobili Ltd is an Italian car manufacturer focused on high-performance sports cars, reviving the historic brand established in 1959. It positions itself in the niche supercar market with retro-styled models like the P72 and P900, blending classic Italian design with modern engineering. The company is notable for its heritage in racing prototypes and iconic road cars, now under new ownership since 2014.

History

Founded in 1959 by Argentine racing driver Alejandro de Tomaso in Modena, Italy, the company initially produced sports prototypes and racing cars, including a Formula One car in 1970. It shifted to road cars with models like the Vallelunga in 1963, Mangusta in 1967, and Pantera in 1971, while owning Maserati from 1976 to 1993. After liquidation in 2004, the trademark was acquired by Ideal Team Ventures in 2014, leading to the relaunch with the P72 supercar in 2019.

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
P72 Supercar	retro-styled track-focused sports car	$1,500,000 - $1,800,000
P900 Supercar	high-performance two-seater grand tourer	$2,000,000 - $3,000,000

Manufacturing

Vehicles are developed in Italy with ties to Modena; specific assembly details for current models like the P72 involve partnerships, potentially including facilities in Italy. Historical production was in Modena, with plans under past ownership for sites in Livorno and Grugliasco.

Notable Products

P72 - Retro-styled supercar unveiled in 2019, limited to 72 units, powered by a 5.0L V8 with over 700 hp.
P900 - Flagship supercar in current portfolio, emphasizing extreme performance and Italian design heritage.
Pantera - Iconic 1971 mid-engine sports car with Ford V8, produced for over two decades and popular in the US.
Mangusta - 1967 grand tourer with mid-engine layout, known for its angular Ghia styling and V8 power.

Reputation

Enthusiasts appreciate De Tomaso's heritage for blending Italian aesthetics with American V8 power in classics like the Pantera, fostering dedicated collector communities. The modern revival under Ideal Team Ventures garners mixed views: praised for honoring legacy designs in models like the P72, but criticized for production delays and reliance on limited runs. Professionals note its niche appeal in the supercar segment, with strengths in exclusivity offset by challenges in scaling output.

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