Category Archives: De Tomaso

1980 INNOCENTI MINI DE TOMASO

December 12, 2020 Graham

Revisit - original post September 2020

We saw this for sale again today and couldn't help but share. It's a real treasure to look at, and we love the BMC A-series running gear. This won't be the cheapest car to stash spares for, and we can imagine how all of the gas pump conversations would go. Original post from September 2020 below:

Today's post started out as a simple search for a De Tomaso Pantera. You know, to continue on with the Marcelo Gandini theme from the end of last week. What we unearthed in that search was a vehicle that was heretofore unbeknownst to us: the Innocenti Mini De Tomaso, penned by none other than Signore Gandini himself.

Similar, in a sense, to the licensing agreement accompanying the production of yesterday's Polsky Fiat 126P, Innocenti developed a Bertone-styled version of the BLMC Mini, after British Leyland Motor Company purchased Innocenti in 1972. At the onset of sales, buyers could opt for either 998cc or 1275cc BMC A-series engines.The De Tomaso trim added the hood scoop, fender flares, and fog lights. Engine output on the De Tomaso began at 71bhp and ended up with a bump to 74bhp - not bad in a 1,600lb runabout.

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De Tomaso, Gandini, Modern Classic

2001 Qvale Mangusta

February 5, 2019 Graham

We cannot even begin to do justice to the Qvale Mangusta's interesting history. So, we'll attempt to sum it up in a sentence. Former Maserati owner, Alejandro de Tomaso, upon soliciting a revival plan for De Tomaso from Maserati technical director Giorano Casarini, was given the suggestion to attempt an Italian TVR under the De Tomaso brandname.

The resulting creation featured a chassis fabricated from steel sheetmetal, which is visible in galvanized form when viewing the vehicle from underneath. Glass reinforced plastic, produced using the resign transfer molding process found in Alfa Romeo SZ bodywork, made up the bodywork. And the body itself was designed by none other than Marcello Gandini. Power came courtesy of a Ford SVT 32 valve V8 - the Ford connection a vestige of prior De Tomaso projects.

Year: 2001
Model: Qvale Mangusta
Engine: 4.6L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 13,168
Price: $45,000
Location: Scottsdale, AZ

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2001 Qvale Mangusta

Supercharged 2001 Qvale Mangusta

This car is Pristine Don't hesitate to ask questions

Mileage: only 13,168 at time of posting
Horsepower: 600
4.9 liter supercharged Ford V8 built with forged rotating assembly (just completed)
Tremec T56 6-speed Transmission
Borla Exhaust
Brembo brakes
18" Antera Wheels
Eaton 2.3 Liter Supercharger
Alpine Sound/Navigation system
Video of walk around can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/m2fCyruJ400

Click to view listing

Sorry, what was that about a supercharger? And 600hp? That should feel plenty spry in a 3,350lb roadster! And while the build was probably pretty expensive ($45k reported by the seller), it's not like Ford performance parts are all that hard to source. For some reason, we're more intrigued by this build than we are concerned. What could go wrong?

For $45,000, you get a (hopefully) reliable 600hp Gandini body with a chassis by a former Dallara engineer. Sounds like the formula for a Lamborghini, if you ask us. Taking the rarity into consideration as well, as we have to recommend that someone take the plunge with this example. And drive it across the desert, please.

-Graham

De Tomaso, Innocenti

1980 Innocenti Mini De Tomaso

September 25, 2018 Graham 1 Comment

Year: 1980
Model: Innocenti Mini De Tomaso
Engine: 1275cc 4-cyl
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 94,150km
Price: $14,900 Obo

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1980 Innocenti Mini De Tomaso

Very rare 1980 Mini Innocenti De Tomaso in mint condition. Very rare in North America. Italian MIni with all British Leyland running gear Left hand drive. 94150 km Hatchback Body by Bertone with practical rear fold-down seat. Full gauges. 1275cc Mini engine engine (NOT the 3 cylinder Diahtsu) producing 77HP. 4 speed transmission.

The car is mechanically sound. It starts, runs and drives well. It runs a 998cc inline-four mated to a 4-speed manual transmission and was regularly maintained. Engine sounds good and transmission shifts well. The clutch feels great. All fluids are up to date. The paint is mint for its age. Solid body and floors. The interior is in mint shape. The dash is great. The alloy wheels are very nice and tires are good . The suspension and brakes are good. The lights work. All instrumentation is in good working order. Clean title.

More pics here (including underside, interior and engien bay):

https://www.ebayphotogallery.com/zdjecia/Galeria/10420894/1

Having said all that, this is an old sports car, and it is not perfect. The car is sold AS IS. You are encouraged to come and inspect it.

The seller notes a generally favorable condition on this example. Paint, brakes, instrumentation, clutch, suspension, interior and lighting are all reported to be in good shape. The seller claims that the body and floors are solid; whether or whether not "solid" translates to rust-free is up to potential buyers to ascertain. These cars are not exactly known for their steadfast resistance to rust. What's more, sellers will be relieved to find mechanical components at their British parts retailer of choice.

We think that the premium over a BMC Mini is worth it in this case. The Gandini styling does certainly improve on what was a classic shape to begin with. Let us know if you buy it and end up swapping a Faza-spec Fiat 1300 into this thing - not that we're suggesting that...

-Graham

De Tomaso, Maserati

1984 Maserati Biturbo

September 19, 2018 Graham

As the Tipo 138 Maserati Coupe and Spyder take over as the de facto used Maseratis, it's time to refresh on the original used Maserati: the Biturbo. Born out of a newfound desire for profitability (where have we seen this before?), the Biturbo was the result of de Tomaso acquisition of the Maserati brand. Whereas Maserati had previously produced GTs and mid-engined sports cars, they sought to compete down-market with the likes of BMW and their 3-series. Selling to a market with higher volume, de Tomaso's Maserati hoped to scale up production to the point of financial success.

With a name like Biturbo, naturally the engine would be a major focus of the development effort, but were nine distinct engines over 13 years really necessary? Sure, there is a bit of context to the constant churn and development. Italian cars would need engines displacing under 2,000cc in order to avoid excess taxes, whereas foreign markets could engine the full 2,491cc offering. And, fuel-injection was more or less replacing carburetion during the Biturbo's time period, so it would stand to logic that Maserati would source a system midway through the production of the Biturbo. The mid-cycle bump up to 2,790cc is an ironclad method of increasing power and reducing lag on a turbocharged engine. But a complete head redesign for the introduction of a 24-valve variant? Well, even that might have made sense too, as it was likely intended to carry on further into models such as the successor to the Biturbo, the AM336 Ghbli.

Year: 1984
Model: Maserati Biturbo
Engine: 2.5L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 56,514 mi
Price: Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1984 Maserati Biturbo

You are bidding on a mechanically sorted Maserati Biturbo with an unmatched pedigree.

History: This was the personal car of the owner of Fremont Foreign Auto, an Italian car specialist in Fremont, CA. He swapped the drivetrain along with the rear end, wheels, and some interior components from the donor vehicle, which I was told had covered less than 20k miles.

Reliability: Fuel-injected 2.5L twin turbo V6 and five-speed manual transmission from a 1987 Maserati Zagato Spyder (same platform, so everything bolts right in). Fuel injection cures many of the reliability problems that colored early Biturbos' reputations.
- California BAR certified
- New fuel pump and alternator were installed in November 2017.
- No other needs or issues. I would drive it across country tomorrow.

Character: The throbbing exhaust note and 3,000rpm turbo rush give the car a far richer personality than contemporary BMW, Mercedes, or Alfa alternatives. The chrome tubing and wrinkle-coated valve covers under the hood is more in-line with Ferrari than even Alfa.

Body:
- Paint is excellent and body is straight
- Surface corrosion around the edges of the hood vents is the only rust

Interior:
- Aftermarket CD/Bluetooth stereo with phone/microphone interface
- Period correct Momo steering wheel with Maserati crest
- Odometer inoperable but 56,514 indicated
- A/C condenser kicks on, no visible leaks, but air is slightly cooler than ambient at best

Reason for Sale:
- I acquired the car from a dealer in Idaho this spring. You can see dozens of pictures on his site: http://www.modernclassicautos.com/1984-maserati-biturbo/
- His walk-around video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgKheP3ORe0&t=106s
- You can see the car, with other Maserati, Ferrari, and Alfa Romeo, on the Freemont Auto site: https://www.fremontforeignauto.com/

I have moved and lost a garage space, so I would prefer to sell it rather than park it outside.

We can't in good faith suggest that you'll notice the 10hp bump provided by the fuel-injected engine that the previous owner swapped in. From what it sounds like, this swap to fuel-injection carries the sole benefit of reliable operation - the seller goes so far as to state that the carb'd cars tainted the reputation of the Biturbo. Having met a very happy Biturbo owner at an Italian car event, we can get on board with this thinking. No, an engine swap is probably not in the best interest of the car's value, but a useable, reliable Biturbo is worth something to many.

Taking the seller's word to be good, good on him for selling the car rather than letting it sit. A rust-free Biturbo like this deserves some protection from moisture and the sun's rays. The interior, by the way, is preserved in remarkable condition for one of these cars. Take a look at the photos in detail, and you might notice the shift pattern. That's right - it's a dogleg manual transmission with 1st off the H. Spend some time diagnosing the weak A/C and get this thing out on the road to enjoy the snarly 90 degree V6. We heard that those are cool again - ask Alfa.

-Graham

De Tomaso

1977 De Tomaso Pantera Group C

May 28, 2014 Graham

The heady days of the Group C saw near limitless speed from major manufacturers; Porsche, BMW, Lancia, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar all vied for the top spots in what was some of the most exciting automobile racing the world had ever known. But it soon became clear that the more money one team spent the more that they'd win, and while in the late 1970s and early 1980s there was enough attrition amongst teams that a small privateer team stood a chance of winning, by the mid 1980s you needed a well sorted, heavily funded factory car to run in Group C. That didn't stop many one-off efforts by some enterprising individuals, though the fruits of their labor seldom were particularly ripe or well formed. Today's Pantera is just such an effort; while it certainly looks the part, this attempt to take the 1970s sports car to the highest rung of motorsports was doomed for failure through lack of development and money. As a collector, that's good news - it means you can buy this fully restored, original configuration Pantera Group C for only a fraction of what race-winning cars from Porsche would bring in today's market:

Year: 1977
Model: Pantera Group C
Engine: 5.7 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: Not Listed
Price: $195,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1977 De Tomaso Pantera Group C

DeTomaso Group C
DeTomaso Group 5
Factory Homologated
Chassis 0001
The last factory homologated
DeTomaso race car built
1 of 1 - 1977 Pantera chassis

The ultimate DeTomaso collectable or historic racer

Most probably the rarest and fastest Pantera-based DeTomaso racing car ever created.

Restored and ready for museum display or with further race-preparation, for vintage racing in the popular Goup V, GTP and Group C classes.

Own a significant DeTomaso racing car with fascinating history and provenance. Ready for private collection or you prepare for serious historic racing.

As raced in Group 5 trim, this car is probably the most recognized Pantera in the racing world.

For more information and photos, please refer to the book, DeTomaso Macchine da Corsa by Philippe Olczyk on pages 305, 306, 307 353 and 436. Also featured in the book, DeTomaso the Man and the Machines.

Body

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As originally raced.

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Engine

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http://www.hobbycar.com/1rightreargruopC2.jpg (186194 bytes) http://www.hobbycar.com/1leftreargruopC3.jpg (208365 bytes) 8172007y.jpg (263490 bytes)

History

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This automobile was sold in 1981 to Auto Elite in Maranello, Italy where it was re-bodied and converted to Group C specifications. The Group C was owned by Maurizio Micangeli and co-driven by Carlo Pietromarchi in various races in 1982 and 1983. The racing record is basically a string of D.N.F.s and before the car could be thoroughly developed and sorted, the owner had moved onto another marque. This Group C, thought to be the last factory homologated racecar was parked outside the workshop of Auto Elite from 1984 until 2004 when its current owners liberated her and brought the sleeping giant to California for restoration. For more information and photos, please refer to the book, DeTomaso Macchine da Corsa by Philippe Olczyk on pages305, 306, 307 353 and 436. Our research and in the opinions of DeTomaso historians, this same chassis was originally bodied as the Group 5 Pantera that was raced at LeMans. Also featured in the book, DeTomaso the Man and the Machines.

Interior

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Miscellaneous

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Specifications

This car is not over-restored and the bodywork, frame and metal work has not been altered to look better than it was built or raced. Original parts that were replaced have been retained.
All paperwork and tech inspector notes from races as a Group C are included.
Fresh paint and new windshield
Rebuilt fuel cells and ZF transmission.
All suspension rebuilt.
Not raced since restored.
Rebuilt fuel cell, OMP seats and harnesses.
Ford 351 Cleveland with rare Ford aluminum manifold and original 180 degree headers
This is not a full race engine. A full race engine can be prepared if desired at extra cost.
Full crack-testing and race preparation is necessary before this car can enter competition. This has not been done. If your intention is to race this car, additional work will be needed to prepare this car to meet current racing requirements. The style of preparation of the car currently is in accordance with the methods of race car builder Ismo Sabattini who built this car for its former owners. We did not attempt to update the car. The suspension and safety systems of this car are the same as when it was last raced in the 80's. This is NOT a resto-mod, faux vintage racer that has the latest high-tech, go-fast components hidden under a rare body. The car shows battle-scars underneath to prove its provenance.
Please do not expect to purchase this automobile and expect to take it to the next vintage race you enter. Race preparation will be necessary before the car can be safely raced. However, you can expect to be able to enter this car in nearly every Historic Race you choose to enter because this is a very rare, authentic DeTomaso that is capable when fully developed, to win races.
For the serious collector or investor, simply leave the car as is and know that you have purchased a unique Pantera with a fascinating history.
Rare 19 inch rear wheels and 16 inch fronts- all from BBS with new Hoosier tires.
Many more photos available for the serious buyer.

Contact

Telephone - 760-731-8303 - California 9-6 PST M-F

It will certainly have to be a hardcore Pantera or Group C fan to buy this car, but it is pretty lovingly restored and certainly looks quite impressive. The BBS wheels are a great and classic look on just about anything, and the seller is right - they're quite valuable especially in shocking 19" rear configuration. Otherwise, this car is more show than go right now; if you really wanted to race in the historic Group C races you'd need some safety updates. It's probably better to leave the car as is; racing a car like this would both be expensive and hard on the chassis - and, honestly, it just can't really hold a candle to the competition it would line up against. But it's a neat oddity, a reminder of the inspiration that motorsport fosters, and above all just really cool.

-Carter

Classic, De Tomaso

1969 De Tomaso Mangusta

April 5, 2014 Graham 2 Comments

The De Tomaso Mangusta was one of those great ideas; take a big, thumping American V8, mid-mount it in a Lotus-type chassis with a ZF 5-speed, get Giorgetto Giugiaro to design the body and Viola! Instant success. And from a styling and packaging standpoint, it was a success - the Mangusta is achingly beautiful with plenty of Giugiaro's unique styling details. Most notably and memorable for most are the Gullwing doors over the engine compartment which are enough alone to spur on the dreams of countless 5 year old car designers. "Yes, everything should have Gullwing doors!" But the Mangusta was notoriously a bad handling car, with nearly 70% of the weight out back. Still, that doesn't stop us from loving to look at them:

Year: 1969
Model: Mangusta
Engine: 5.0 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 96,285 mi
Price: $219,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1969 De Tomaso Mangusta

VIN: US69640
Mileage: 96285
Rebuilt 302 engine
Rebuilt polished ZF transmission
Aluminum original Competion wheels
Repainted red (originally a red car)
Rebuilt halfshafts
Rust free
2 owner car
Optima red top battery
Great driver!!!
Strong paint and body!

This car is presented very well and overall looks lovely. The description probably hides some truths; this isn't a condition one car, as the nearly 100,000 miles covered would testify to. Nevertheless, it's a very clean example overall. The price, however, is well outside the realm of reasonably for a Mangusta; at $219,000, it's priced over $50,000 higher than a top condition car these days, and nearly $100,000 higher than where it likely should be. I guess we're not the only ones dreaming over this Mangusta.

-Carter

Classic, De Tomaso

1974 De Tomaso Pantera

March 27, 2014 Graham

There were many examples of the Italians working together with the Americans to produce some memorable cars, but perhaps the most recognizable of these conglomerations is the De Tomaso Pantera. While it wasn't the first or last, the fastest or the most expensive, the Pantera somehow grabbed the attention of the motoring public as one of the best examples of Italian design mated to American power. Perhaps that had something to do with the length of time it was produced; the Pantera had a production run that would make the Beetle blush and more modifications by the end than the 911 enjoyed. Spanning 20 years of production, several generations of gearheads witnessed the Pantera thunder its way into the collective conscious of automotive history. And while by the 1980s the design seemed fairly dated and was clearly adorned with too many spoilers, early examples such as this 1974 remind us how clean the original design was:

Year: 1974
Model: Pantera
Engine: 5.7 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 18,500 mi
Price: $67,500 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1974 De Tomaso Pantera

1974 De Tomaso Pantera, A Classic Marriage of American Muscle ( Ford 351 C V-8) With the Italian coachwork of Ghia, This restored classic Pantera only has 18,500 miles and only a few hundred miles since restoration by previous owner. Refinished in Aston Martin Meterorite Silver Metallic ( originally the car was Silver metallic) with a Black original material interior. Excellent running engine with New Carb, fuel pump and delivery lines, new Ansa Exhaust, . Smooth shifting 5 speed ZF Transaxle. The Car features 2 sets of Wheels, A complete set of Original Campagnolo wheels freshly restored with correct Pirelli P7 tires front 225/50 VR-15 and the Rears 285/50 VR-15 - perfect for car show presentation , Also a Rare set of Boyd Coddington Custom 17' Campagnolo style Aluminum billet wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport fronts 235/40 ZR-17 and the Rear 335/35 ZR -17. The car also Features A/C - Vintage Blaupunkt AM-FM Cassette with power Ant. , Full original correct instruments, all working and in excellent condition. Car includes Space saver spare , Jack/Tool Roll , the original owners manual, spare keys, Ford Pantera Technical information book, 1971-74 Pantera original Ford Parts manual, and a Fitted car cover. Ready to show, drive and enjoy.Fully safety inspected.

We are a Connecticut Licensed Dealer, Connecticut residents subject to sales tax, Vehicle has a Clear Title , We charge no document fee's , and provide free 30 Day in transit plates ( out of state residents only) . Please contact use to arrange a test drive or viewing during our normal business hours. We can assist in shipping, Car is located in Berlin , CT 06037 860-438-7958

As with most exotic or semi-exotics, it's much better to buy a good example than one that's in need of a restoration. However, with the Pantera it's nice to be able to drive down to your local Ford dealer and get engine parts; try that in your Countach! This car isn't the original color but looks great in silver, and I really like the Coddington replica wheels - though I'd probably run the original Campagnolos. Overall condition is great, although it does lose some points for non-originality if you're looking for a condition 1 car. Still, it's not priced at a condition 1 level; at $67,500 it's in line with what a level 2 car would sell at and appropriately priced. Cheaper than many early Mustangs are now, this gives you a Lamborghini experience with Ford reliability and ease of sourcing parts. It's proof you don't have to spend a million dollars to look like you did!

-Carter