Catalog / De Tomaso
De Tomaso Automobili, founded in 1959 by Argentine-born Alejandro de Tomaso, is a name synonymous with passion, performance, and Italian craftsmanship. The company's journey began in Modena, Italy, the heart of the country's Motor Valley, where De Tomaso set out to create cars that would combine Italian design flair with American muscle.
One of the most significant milestones in De Tomaso's history came in 1963 with the launch of the Vallelunga, the company's first road car. This mid-engined sports car set the tone for what was to come, showcasing De Tomaso's commitment to innovative design and high performance.
However, it was the introduction of the Mangusta in 1967 that truly put De Tomaso on the map. With its stunning Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed body and Ford V8 engine, the Mangusta became an instant classic. But the best was yet to come.
In 1970, De Tomaso unveiled what would become its most iconic model: the Pantera. This mid-engined supercar, which translates to 'Panther' in Italian, combined a Ford Cleveland V8 engine with a sleek Italian body designed by Tom Tjaarda. The Pantera remained in production for an impressive 20 years, with over 7,000 units produced, making it De Tomaso's most successful model.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, De Tomaso expanded its range, introducing luxury sedans like the Deauville and Longchamp. The company also ventured into Formula One, owning the Williams team for a brief period in 1970.
De Tomaso faced financial challenges in the 1990s and early 2000s, leading to a period of uncertainty. However, the brand's story was far from over. In 2019, exactly 60 years after its founding, De Tomaso was revived under new ownership. The company marked this rebirth with the introduction of the P72, a limited-edition supercar that pays homage to the brand's racing heritage while embracing modern technology.
Today, De Tomaso continues to embody the spirit of its founder, creating exclusive, high-performance vehicles that blend Italian artistry with raw power. As the automotive world shifts towards electrification, De Tomaso is poised to embrace this new era while maintaining its commitment to passion-driven engineering and timeless design.
The cost of a De Tomaso car varies significantly depending on the model, its age, and its condition. Given the brand's limited production and prestigious status, De Tomaso vehicles are generally considered high-end collectibles.
For classic De Tomaso models:
For the modern De Tomaso P72, introduced in 2019:
It's important to note that prices for classic De Tomaso models can fluctuate based on market trends, the car's history, and its originality. Restoration costs should also be considered when purchasing a vintage De Tomaso, as these can significantly impact the overall investment.
When discussing the 'cheapest' De Tomaso, it's important to understand that all De Tomaso models are considered premium vehicles. However, if we're looking at the most affordable entry point into De Tomaso ownership, we should consider the following:
The De Tomaso Deauville, a luxury sedan produced from 1971 to 1985, is often considered the most accessible De Tomaso model. Prices for a Deauville in good condition typically start around €40,000 to €50,000.
Factors affecting the price of a Deauville include:
It's worth noting that while the Deauville might be the cheapest De Tomaso to purchase, maintenance and restoration costs can be substantial due to the rarity of parts and the specialized knowledge required to work on these vehicles.
The most expensive De Tomaso car currently available is the modern De Tomaso P72, unveiled in 2019 to mark the brand's 60th anniversary. The base price for this exclusive supercar starts at approximately €750,000, but the final cost can easily exceed €1,000,000 depending on customization options.
Factors influencing the final price of a De Tomaso P72 include:
It's important to note that for classic De Tomaso models, certain rare or historically significant variants can sometimes exceed the price of a new P72. For instance, a perfectly restored, early production Mangusta or a race-spec Pantera could potentially sell for over €1,000,000 at specialist auctions.