Concept Flashback – 1999 DeTomaso Nuova Pantera 2000 Prototype

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Here is a detailed look at one of 1999’s most intriguing and perhaps promising concept cars.  Ultimately, this design was not enough to spring DeTomaso back to competitiveness with Lamborghini and Ferrari.

As a design time capsule, this Pantera 2000 has true pedigree.  It was presented by De Tomaso himself and designed by legendary Countach (and original Pantera) man Marcello Gandini.

The result is interesting, if not quite timeless.  A mid-engined GT car with wide, rounded nose and flying buttress roofline.  The proportions of the old car are laid onto a taller, blander car with no defining lowness or wedge.

This mock-up is not a runner — and has no interior even.  As a piece of art, the Nuova Pantera survives with design ideas intact.

The Pantera 2000 prototype heads to RM Sotheby’s London 2017 auction next month.

1999 DeTomaso Nuova Pantera

RM Sotheby’s 

London 2017

Lot 113

De Tomaso Nuova Pantera Prototype Model, 1999

To be auctioned on Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Without Reserve

£70,000 – £90,000

Photo Credit: Tim Scott ©2017 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

  • Last De Tomaso presented to the public by Alejandro De Tomaso
  • Designed by Marcello Gandini
  • The sole survivor of only two produced; remarkable original condition

Presented just as a mock-up on 5 September 1999 in front of 500 people during De Tomaso’s 40th anniversary celebrations, the Pantera 2000 was the last car presented by Alejandro De Tomaso. Designed by Marcello Gandini, this futuristic concept was conceived to be a luxurious supercar to bring De Tomaso into the new millennium.

The Pantera 2000 was a remarkable reinterpretation of De Tomaso’s most iconic and legendary model, the Pantera, and this model was produced in celebration of the marque’s 40th anniversary. However, the concept saw no further development and would remain as just a model. At that time, the concept did not see much further press and what could be considered as one of the inspirations for design of the legendary Bugatti Veyron never made a major public appearance outside of the 40th anniversary celebrations. After De Tomaso’s closure in 2004, this car was purchased by the famous Panini Collection in Modena and was kept there until it was bought two years ago by the current owner. As the final concept produced by the company in 1999, this makes it the last ever De Tomaso model to be introduced to the public, and a true piece of Italian automotive history.