Founded by Argentinian Alejandro de Tomaso,
son of a former Prime Minister. Was to take
over the family estate but political pressure
saw him flee to Italy. Passionate about motor
sports, he met with the Maserati brothers
and raced their OSCA cars until founding his
own company in 1959, dedicated to building
race cars powered by OSCA engines. Began an
association with Ford in 1963 when he launched
the Vallunga, an important but not terribly
successful car, but responsible for establishing
the theory that an Italian exotic could be
powered by a Ford V8.
The Vallunga was followed
by the Mangusta, and many buyers grew to love
the concept of an affordable power-plant wrapped
in Italian sheet metal. DeTomaso's American
wife had suitable connections, most noteably
with Rowan Industries of New Jersey, who not
only helped the marque establish itself in
the US, but invested suffient funds to allow
DeTomaso to take over Ghia coach-builders
in 1967. The Mangusta was replaced by the Pantera
in 1970; both are highly sought after classics today as they offer a beautiful mix of Italian style, American V8 power and supercar status.
Also see: The History of DeTomaso
