De Tomaso is an Italian car manufacturer that was founded in 1959 by Argentine-born Alejandro de Tomaso. The company is known for producing a range of sports cars and luxury vehicles. Over the years, De Tomaso went through various ownership changes and faced financial challenges, but it left a mark on automotive history with some iconic models.Key points about De Tomaso:1. **Founding:** Alejandro de Tomaso founded the company in Modena, Italy, in 1959. De Tomaso aimed to create high-performance sports cars that combined Italian design with American V8 power.2. **Early Models:** The first production car from De Tomaso was the Vallelunga, introduced in 1964. It was a mid-engined sports car with a lightweight chassis. The Mangusta followed in 1967, featuring a more powerful Ford V8 engine.3. **Mangusta:** The De Tomaso Mangusta was a significant model for the company. It had a distinctive design with gull-wing doors and a mid-mounted engine. The car's name, "Mangusta," is Italian for mongoose, known for its ability to kill cobras. The Mangusta aimed to compete with other high-performance sports cars of the era.4. **Pantera:** The De Tomaso Pantera, introduced in 1970, became one of the company's most well-known models. It featured a Ford 351 cubic-inch V8 engine and a sleek design by Tom Tjaarda. The Pantera was unique in that it combined Italian styling with American muscle, making it a popular choice.5. **Ownership Changes:** De Tomaso faced financial difficulties, and ownership changed hands multiple times over the years. Ford acquired a significant stake in the company in the early 1970s and continued to produce the Pantera. The brand changed hands again in subsequent decades.6. **Later Models:** De Tomaso introduced other models, including the Deauville, a luxury sedan, and the Guara, a sports car, in the 1990s. However, these models did not achieve the same level of success as the Pantera.7. **Bankruptcy and Revival:** De Tomaso went bankrupt in 2004. The brand was later revived under new ownership, and there were attempts to reintroduce new models, including an SUV named the De Tomaso Deauville. However, these efforts faced challenges.8. **Limited Production:** De Tomaso cars, especially the Pantera, have become sought after by collectors. The limited production and unique combination of Italian design and American power contribute to their appeal.9. **Legacy:** De Tomaso is remembered for its contribution to the sports car market, particularly with the Pantera, which left a lasting legacy. The brand's turbulent history and the unique character of its cars make it a notable part of automotive history.10. **Recent Developments:** As of my knowledge cutoff date in January 2022, De Tomaso's status and future plans remain uncertain. The brand has experienced periods of dormancy and attempts at revival, but its long-term prospects are unclear.
Measures 12 x 12.

Good condition. No major rips, tears, etc.