De Tomaso, the idled Italian supercar brand that built a handful of drool-worthy models during its tumultuous lifespan, is poised for a resurrection.
The one-time maker of the Ford-powered Mangusta and Pantera will return from its hibernation with a new model introduced at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 4th, the brand’s owners claim. Lovers of the brand’s historical offerings no doubt have their fingers crossed, hoping this isn’t another false start.
Speaking to The Drive, Apollo Automobil CEO (and De Tomaso chairman) Norman Choi and General Manager Ryan Berris didn’t describe the vehicle, preferring to go by its code name, “Project P.”
Apollo, founded by Roland Gumpert in 2004, was purchased in 2016 by Hong Kong’s Ideal Team Venture, a consortium that also owns the De Tomaso trademark. De Tomaso’s last vehicle, the Guara, ceased production in 2004, shortly after founder Alejandro de Tomaso’s death. An abortive attempt to restart production of new vehicles under new ownership went nowhere in the early part of this decade.
Ideal Team Ventures, led by Choi, purchased the brand in 2014.
Berris claim the brand is working with Apollo’s “existing technical partnerships” to make the new model a reality. Apparently, a “world-renown German engineering firm” will help De Tomaso bring the car to Goodwood. He hinted that the vehicle on display will not be a piece of vaporware.
“Alejandro’s journey was never properly told and we feel his name should be commonly recognized amongst greats such as Enzo Ferrari and Ferruccio Lamborghini,” Berris said.
He acknowledged that some observers will regard the marque’s attempted reboot with no shortage of doubt.
“Alejandro, [though] a controversial figure, was a visionary and a man on a mission. What he achieved is nothing short of astonishing,” Berris said. “I am sure there is no shortage of skeptics who have their reservations about the credibility and execution of a potential revival of this legendary marque. And rightfully so. But I think once people see the new car and hear the story behind the brand and our revival, that they may take a pause to collect their thoughts. It was and is important for us to do things right.”
[Image: De Tomaso]
Who’s taking bets on it being a CUV?
I now have the opposite feeling to the one I had looking at that wonderful photo up top.
Alas, modern pedestrian protection, safety equipment, and fuel economy laws will not allow it to be as gorgeous as the Pantera was.
As for the Pantera’s signature 351 Cleveland exhaust note, the “world-renown German engineering firm” will have none of that.
Since this vehicle is now referred to as “Project “P”, do you suppose the only color available will be yellow?
They could call it Project PMY.
Rare Rides has accumulated almost as many De Tomaso vehicles (5) as BMW (6), which I believe still leads the pack.
Alejandro is long dead, so what’s the point? I don’t see anything new capturing the spirit of the Pantera, or the pictured Mangusta.
Speaking of the Mangusta, look at the tires on that one. Compared to today’s low-profile rubber, those like a set of 35s on a brodozer.
I’ve always liked the look of more sidewall. Hell, raised white letters on sidewall looks so much better than huge wheels wrapped in a rubber band.
Reminds me of how I insisted on raised white letter BF Goodrich T/A tires for my 67 Mustang. The only thing I really cared about was “the look.”
I second that!
Hopefully also return of the high-sidewall balloon tire. Because those large-diameter rims with just a hint of rubber has gotten ridiculous.