News From DeTomaso - The New Mangusta!
Press Materials courtesy DeTomaso Modena S.p.A. and MOTOR TREND Magazine.
68TH GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW
DE TOMASO MODENA S.P.A. ANNOUNCES ALLIANCE WITH
BRITISH MOTOR CAR DISTRIBUTORS
San Francisco Importer To Market Current and Future Vehicles; Plans
Return of Mangusta Nameplate After 26 years.
GENEVA (March 3, 1998) - Renowned sports car manufacturer Dc Tomaso Modena S.p.A. today announced it has signed an agreement with British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd., in which the San Francisco-based importer will market all current and future products under license for Dc Tomaso.
The agreement signifies the continuation of a 30-year relationship between spans car designer Alejandro de Tomaso and British Motors founder Kjell Qvale an importer and manufacturer of European and sports and luxury cars for 51 years
To handle worldwide marketing of De Tomaso vehicles, British Motors has created a new company, Dc Tomaso Automobiles Ltd. (D.A.L.). The subsidiary will be responsible for the international marketing of Dc Tomaso Quad, as well as the manufacturing and worldwide (apart from Italy and England) distribution of the new Mangusta, a nameplate will return late this year after a 26-year absence.
A mid-engine, rear-drive sports car, the Guara is powered by a Ford Cobra 4-6 liter VR engine delivering In excess of 320 horsepower and zero to 60 mph speeds in the low five-second range.
Utilizing a unique body, the Guara features a central tubular chassis which divides the vehicle's occupants, establishing a cockpit effect that is reproduced externally by a dome-shaped roof. This design follows previous models such as the Vallelunga and Mangusta, which also incorporated backboned frame technology. Through its carbon fibre and high tech composite construction the vehicle is extremely light, permitting superior handling while maintaining strength and rigidity.
DAL plans to sell 50 Guaras in 1998 according to its president Bruce Qvale. 'Like all members of Dc Tomaso lineage, this is indeed a unique vehicle", Qvale stated "Accordingly, we feel it is imperative that only a limited number be developed and that we concentrate our efforts on future products."
The agreement also includes development of a new Dc Tomaso Mangusta, which utilizes a Ford Cobra 4.6-liter V8 engine. Showcased at the 1996 Geneva International Auto Show the then-named Bigua incorporates the designs of Marcello Gandini, designer of the Lamborghini Countach and Diablo.
The contract also sets the stage far a wealth of opportunities for the creation of new vehicles by the two entities. " Given the preeminence of the De Tomaso name combined with our marketing capabilities, this agreement has limitless potential," Qvale stated.
Reuniting of the two companies continues a relationship that began in 1967, when British Motors helped establish the original Dc Tomaso Mangusta.
That program led DeTomaso to contract with Ford, enabling the DeTomaso Pantera to be sold through Lincoln-Mercury dealers starting in 1970.
The two rejoined forces in 1976 when British Motors handled U.S. distribution of Maserati, following Alejandro Dc Tomaso's assumption of control of the famed Italian sports car.
Now, in its 39th year, internationally renowned Dc Tomaso Modena S.p.A. is recognized throughout the world for its proficiencies as an innovative, small-volume sports car manufacturer. The company also has in extensive racing history, competing in both Formula I and Formula 2 during the 1960's and 1970's in vehicles powered by Alfa Romeo engines.
The company's most notable production cars include the Ford-powered mid-engine Mangusta and sleek, Ghia-bodied Pantera.
San Francisco-based British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd. enters its 51st year as one of the world's preeminent importers of European sports and luxury cars, including Volkswagen, Porsche-Audi, MG. Jaguar, and British Leyland, among others. Under the direction of Kjell Qvale, the company has also owned Jensen Motors, producer of the Jensen Interceptor and Jensen Healey.