Reply to "*UPDATE*DeTomaso- to go on the block"

Random thoughts on this subject.

Alejandro was a business entreprenuer, he made a quick dollar turning around companies like Benelli, Moto Guzzi and Maserati. Is there an entreprenuer in Italy ready to do the same thing with DeTomaso? If not, then I don't think a new Pantera will be built in Italy. If anywhere, most likely in China or South Africa. Therefore I would expect to see somebody make a bid on the Logo & Name, separate from the property.

The newest exotic car companies founded by entreprenuer businessmen have all used the name of the businessman, not an established name like DeTomaso. If an entreprenuer is to save that name, it will be somebody with a sentimental memory for the marque. But then you have the situation with rising fuel prices, which is not the market situation you want to introduce a new exotic car into.

I see the Pantera name best serving Lincoln/Mercury, if they had a desire to build a competitor for the Corvette. Lincoln Mercury seems to always have trouble attracting foot traffic into their dealerships. Such a car would do that for Lincoln/Mercury. However, it would be built on an inexpensive uni-body, and use as many parts as possible from the Mustang/Thunderbird/Lincoln LS parts bins. It could not be hand built in England like the Ford GT was. FYI, Ford still owns Ghia, and could put the Ghia name on any new uni-body designed for a new Pantera.

I do agree with the earlier comment that there is not an ice cube's chance in hell that Ford will do this, given Ford's economic situation and the market situation.

Tata Motors of India just purchased Jaguar from Ford, I don't know anything about Mr. Tata, but perhaps he would like to have that name & logo available for a future project.

cowboy from hell