De Tomaso is best known for creating classics such
as the Pantera and Mangusta, but more recently it’s lived a tortured existence. About a decade ago, Gian Mario
Rossignolo acquired the brand and decided to relaunch the company with the all-new
Deauville. A concept was introduced at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and the model
was heavily based on Cadillac underpinnings.
Following the Deauville’s unveiling, things quickly
spiraled out of control. Rossignolo was arrested for misusing government funds
and last year he was sentenced to five and half years in jail for fraud and
embezzlement.
The De Tomaso brand went back up for sale and it was
eventually acquired by Apollo Automobil. Now it’s making back a comeback, of
sorts, as there’s a prototype called the “Project P” traveling around Geneva.
Teased in a short clip, the
Project P appears to be a faithful recreation of the original Pantera. The
company didn’t say much about the car, but we can see the model will have familiar
bodywork and bulging wheel arches. The car also appears to have a mid-engine
design, but the prototype seems to have slimmer buttresses than the original
model.
Apollo has been tight-lipped about the car, but Evo
talked to general manager Ryan Berris who confirmed they bought the De Tomaso
brand in 2014. He went on to say “there’s a lot going on behind the scenes,
[but] we’re not ready to make comment at the moment.”
There’s no word on when the new Pantera will be
unveiled, but the company is already testing a prototype and this year marks
the brand’s 60th anniversary. Given the timing, it’s possible more details
could be announced later this year.
