Latest With The deTomaso Factory?

Thank you for your question. The factory is still open. Mats Gorski recently called the factory with a question and Mrs. DeTomaso answered the phone but would not reveal any information on the future of the factory. Several vendors, including one here in Southern California claim that they have bought out all of the remaining factory parts. According to Claudia Lodi, she denies this and says that there are still parts available at the factory. Other sources have told me that the parts that remain at the factory are low demand items like Deauville wheels and not anything desirable for a Pantera owner. A knowledgeable source has told me that the factory will be closing down during the month of March for good as part of its liquidation. There are still rumors swirling that at least two "white-knights" are in negotiation to purchase the factory and the trademark. The trademark Isis logo and brand name, DeTomaso are probably the most valuable asset other than the real estate that the factory sits on. The Museum collection of cars has been broken up and dispersed. You may have seen some of the cars offered for sale. It would be great to have an accounting as to which cars went where. For example, the first Mangusta Prototipo is an important car as well as the Brock designed P70. When the factory is eventually shuttered, it will become clear that we are now orphans. One of the big selling points of the Pantera was that the factory still existed, there were plentiful parts and that future Panteras were on the way. That won't be true any longer. I would be interested in knowing what other owners think will happen to our hobby if the factory vanishes. Will there be: 1) No impact, 2) Prices will plunge, 3) Prices will surge or 4) Unknown. Our belief is that owners that require original factory parts and will not settle for repros may end up paying dearly for them. However, what a lot of people think are factory parts that they have bought over the past years may have been after-market disguised as NOS. Fortunately, the engine and transmission parts are plentiful as well as most everything on the car, for now. If any readers have additional information or corrections, please feel free to add to this posting. Dave Adler

I sure am glad I'm not a slave to this car's originality! Now my wallet is gonna be glad too!!

Thanks Dave for the update!