Among ambitious projects and legal battles, De Tomaso Automobili, the most American of Italian automakers, is trying to reaffirm its identity as a manufacturer of exceptional cars.
The Italian brand, known for iconic models like the Pantera, has embarked on a bold renaissance with the P72, a hypercar that promises to captivate car enthusiasts. But behind this venture lies a complex story, blending legal conflicts and artistic aspirations.
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An ambitious revival
De Tomaso Automobili, founded in 1959 by Argentine driver Alejandro de Tomaso, has never been afraid to push boundaries. After years of silence, the brand returned to the spotlight in 2019, thanks to Norman Choi, who had already made his mark with Apollo Automobil. This revival took shape with the P72, a hypercar that pays tribute to the 1965 P70 while combining retro elegance with modern technology. Personally, I think it resembles the Ferrari 330 P4, a winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This project is built on a unique philosophy: returning to the essence of driving. The P72 focuses on analog sensations, extreme attention to detail, and artisanal craftsmanship, much like Gordon Murray’s models or Pagani’s creations. The first models are set to be delivered in 2025, and De Tomaso is already planning to expand its lineup with other creations like the P900.
A legal battle in the background
Despite the excitement surrounding its vehicles, De Tomaso is facing accusations from a former consultant. In March 2024, the company firmly denied these allegations, calling them “baseless.” By November, it had asked a court to dismiss the claims while filing counter-lawsuits for breach of trust and unjust enrichment. This conflict has undoubtedly affected the brand’s public image but has not slowed its ambitions. De Tomaso emphasizes the integrity and transparency of its practices while highlighting the contributions of its teams to the realization of complex projects like the P72. The company aims to turn this challenging period into an opportunity to reaffirm its values.
A future shaped by art and innovation
Despite the hurdles, De Tomaso remains focused on its goal: reinventing luxury automobiles by blending timeless design with performance. The P72 is not just a car but an artistic statement. It symbolizes an era when automobiles were works of art rather than mere modes of transport. De Tomaso aims to compete with well-established brands like Pagani and Koenigsegg in the handcrafted hypercar segment, prioritizing driving pleasure and performance. As the first customers eagerly await their models in 2025, the brand hopes this hypercar will become a symbol of its rebirth. De Tomaso seeks not only to win the hearts of enthusiasts but also to establish itself as a benchmark in the world of exclusive hypercars, blending heritage with modernity.
This article explores De Tomaso’s challenging journey, marked by legal battles and artistic ambitions. The brand is betting everything on the P72 to make its comeback and reaffirm its identity in a constantly evolving automotive world.
Source & images: © De Tomaso Automobili
