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 |
The DeTomaso Story (USA Edition)
