Uncover the Gem: Rare 1965 De Tomaso Vallelunga Hits the Auction Block
Often overshadowed by the legendary Pantera, De Tomaso's first series-production car, the Vallelunga, holds a special place in automotive history. This 1965 De Tomaso Vallelunga, currently up for grabs on Bring a Trailer, stands as a testament to the brand's early ambitions and engineering prowess. This particular model is believed to be the first fiberglass-body Vallelunga, a significant distinction for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The Origins of De Tomaso and the Vallelunga
Founded in 1959 by Argentinian-born Alejandro de Tomaso, De Tomaso Modena SpA initially focused on racing machines. Alejandro, a former F1 racer himself, had bigger dreams – to create road cars that combined racing pedigree with everyday usability. The De Tomaso journey, which saw the acquisition of Maserati in 1975 and the creation of icons like the Pantera and Mangusta, started with the humble yet powerful Vallelunga.
The Vallelunga is not just another mid-engine Italian sports car; it’s a piece of art that set the foundation for De Tomaso's future success. Named after the Autodromo Vallelunga near Rome, this delicate yet robust machine was the first of De Tomaso’s series-production cars. A handful of aluminum-skinned prototypes were built before the fiberglass-bodied production models, making this particular example one of just 50 ever made.
Engineering Marvel
While the Pantera became known for its roaring Ford V-8, the Vallelunga took a different approach focused on lightweight engineering. Under the hood, it featured a 1.5-liter Kent four-cylinder engine sourced from the Ford Cortina. Outfitted with twin Weber carburetors, the engine outputted 104 horsepower – seemingly modest but more than sufficient for the car's 1600-pound curb weight.
The lightweight ethos extended to its four-speed transmission, built from a reversed VW gearbox enriched with Hewland gears. The innovative pressed-steel backbone chassis added rigidity, and its mid-engine layout provided an exceptional balance. It sported control-arm suspension upfront, a multilink setup at the rear, and was adorned with 13-inch magnesium Campagnolo wheels. Disc brakes all around and rack-and-pinion steering completed the package, turning the Vallelunga into a lightweight marvel comparable to the Lotus Elan but with its own unique flair.
Racing Pedigree
De Tomaso’s racing heritage was evident throughout the Vallelunga. Many components, including the frame and suspension, were directly influenced by racing technology. Lightweight magnesium parts and racing-derived engineering decisions made the Vallelunga nimble and responsive. This car embodies the spirit of early racing innovators like Abarth and Michelotti, who specialized in creating small, highly-tuned sports cars earlier in the 20th century.
A Collector’s Dream
This particular Vallelunga on auction has a rich history of its own. It has been under the care of De Tomaso marque specialist Marcel Schaub since the 1990s and recently underwent a refresh. Updates included an interior retrim and fresh twin carburetors, ensuring that it is mechanically sound and visually pristine.
The Vallelunga is more than a car; it's a piece of heritage, a blend of Italian design and Ford engineering wrapped in a fiberglass body that was cutting-edge in its time. It's a miniature piece of automotive art that speaks to both gearheads and aesthetes alike. For collectors, owning a Vallelunga is akin to owning a piece of the De Tomaso’s storied history. Its rarity and historical significance make it a must-watch item in the auction world.
If this tiny yet mighty sports car has ignited your curiosity, head over to Bring a Trailer and witness the elegance and engineering brilliance firsthand. With only 50 units ever made, the opportunity to own such a masterpiece doesn’t come often. Don’t miss out; the auction ends on June 27.
Note: Images courtesy of Bring a Trailer