De Tomaso P72: A Stunning Revival of Retro Supercar Design
In a world of angular hypercars and EV-driven speed machines, De Tomaso has done something extraordinary: it has brought elegance back to the supercar world. The De Tomaso P72 is not just a car; it is a rolling piece of automotive art, a modern tribute to the golden era of sports car design.
The P72 is the flagship project in De Tomaso’s revival, and it represents a careful balance between heritage and cutting-edge performance. For supercar enthusiasts and collectors, it is a rare opportunity to own a car that celebrates the past while embracing the future.
A Legendary Name Returns
The De Tomaso brand, once synonymous with exotic Italian‑American muscle cars like the Pantera and Mangusta, had faded from the spotlight for decades. After years of dormancy, the company was reborn under new leadership with a clear mission: to create a modern car that honors the spirit of De Tomaso’s 1960s and 1970s racing era.
The P72 is the result. Its design DNA is inspired by the 1965 De Tomaso P70, a car co‑developed with Carroll Shelby that never reached full production. The P72 takes that concept and reimagines it for the 21st century.
Retro Design With Modern Precision
The De Tomaso P72 immediately turns heads because it doesn’t look like any modern hypercar. Where other supercars chase sharp edges and aggressive wings, the P72 embraces flowing curves and timeless beauty.
Rounded fenders and fluid body lines evoke the era of Le Mans racers from the 1960s.
Circular headlamps and teardrop side windows provide a vintage aesthetic rarely seen in modern performance cars.
The rear end features four rounded exhaust tips and elegant tail lamps, perfectly integrated into the smooth silhouette.
Its hand‑crafted carbon‑fiber bodywork ensures ultra‑lightweight construction while allowing sculpted shapes that echo the artistry of Italian coachbuilders from decades past.
Interior: A Luxury Time Machine
Open the butterfly‑style doors, and you step into a retro‑futuristic cockpit that blends vintage racing cues with modern craftsmanship.
Polished copper accents and exposed gear linkage evoke 1960s sports cars.
Diamond‑stitched leather seats and quilted panels deliver a luxurious experience.
The analog‑style instrument cluster is complemented by discreet modern digital elements, maintaining authenticity without sacrificing usability.
Everything inside the P72 is hand‑finished, making each example a bespoke piece of automotive art.
Power and Performance
While the P72 is a visual homage to the past, its performance is firmly rooted in modern technology.
Engine: Supercharged 5.0‑liter V8 (Ford‑based)
Transmission: 6‑speed manual, emphasizing analog driving pleasure
Power Output: Estimated 700+ hp
Chassis: Developed from the Apollo Intensa Emozione platform, providing race‑grade rigidity and handling
The car’s lightweight construction and manual transmission make it a driver-focused machine, prioritizing engagement and emotional connection over sheer lap times. It’s a supercar for purists—those who appreciate the feel of a perfectly executed downshift more than a 0–100 km/h brag.
Exclusivity and Collectability
The De Tomaso P72 is not just rare—it’s extremely exclusive. Only 72 units will be produced, emphasizing its collector appeal. Each car is hand‑built and fully customizable, allowing owners to choose unique colors, materials, and finishes.
Given the brand’s storied history, its limited production, and the artistic design, the P72 is expected to become highly desirable among collectors. It represents not only a car, but a piece of automotive heritage reborn.
A Celebration of Emotion Over Technology
In today’s world of hybrid hypercars and electric supercars, the P72 stands out as a celebration of analog emotion. It is a car meant to be driven slowly through a historic town as much as fast on a private track, always turning heads and sparking conversations.
For UAE car enthusiasts, where supercars are part of the cultural landscape, the P72 offers something different—a statement of style and individuality, rather than just outright speed.
The De Tomaso P72 is more than a supercar; it is a love letter to the golden era of motoring. From its hand‑crafted body to its manual gearbox and limited‑edition production, it is a work of art on wheels.
In a market dominated by technology and performance numbers, the P72 reminds us that beauty, craftsmanship, and driving emotion are timeless values. For the lucky few who will own one, it is not just a car—it is an heirloom for future generations.