de tomaso P72 is here, and it brings back the analog dials of the 1960s sports cars

1960s-inspired sports car De Tomaso P72 arrives

De Tomaso P72 reveals its production-ready model, and it revives the analog dials of the 1960s sports cars. First introduced as a concept vehicle at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the final form of the automobile comes through with a carbon fiber structure. It steps away from the digital world. In the cabin, there are no digital screens: no infotainment, no overlays, no eye glares. Instead, the design team places analog dials, switchgear, and a cockpit, all of which are handcrafted, hand-brushed, and hand-polished in rose-gold aluminum.

In the middle, there’s an exposed linkage shifter, suspended like a sculpture, polished in metal. It connects the driver to the six-speed gearbox. To still adapt to the modern world, the design team adds a discreet phone holder. Here, at least, drivers can affix their smartphones while they’re on the road, their minimal connection to the digital world. Made by hand is the ethos that De Tomaso sees for the P72 sports car. The design team says that they work on every surface inside manually, from hand-stitched leather to the finishing of machined metal. For both the exterior and interior, artisans have milled the aluminum components, treating them with bead-blasting for a final touch.

all images courtesy of De Tomaso Automobili

Singular carbon-fiber structure from front to rear

For the P72 sports car, De Tomaso forges the frame from carbon fiber, completely redesigned from scratch. The structure uses a weaving technique called 4×4 twill weave, giving it a diagonal pattern. The numbers refer to the over-under pattern of the fibers. The carbon fiber structure continues forward and backward to include the front and rear subframes. Then, there are no bonded sections of the components around the frame. It’s singular, formed as it is without pieces or parts. The team tailors the final structure to support the sports car’s low-slung driving position. Under the carbon monocoque, there’s a a push-rod suspension system, developed for a classical driving feel.

Specs-wise, the De Tomaso sports car runs on a hand-assembled 5.0L supercharged V8. It helps the P72 produce 700 hp and 820 Nm of torque. There are no drive modes installed in the automobile. As the company describes it, it’s just the road, the engine, and the driver. The De Tomaso P72 sports car production specification unit represents the model’s final design, engineering, and build. There are only 72 units produced for this series, each of which are individually commissioned and crafted with tailored finishes and designs. Custodian deliveries start in late 2025.

De Tomaso P72 reveals its production-ready model