The project of making the De Tomaso Sport 5000 was undertaken when there were few people who criticised the performance of the De Tomaso Vallenlunga* (it was because de Tomaso had used an underpowered 1.5 litre 4-kent engine of the Ford Cortina.) So Alejandro de Tomaso decided to collaborate with Carroll Shelby to build a new model called P70. Designing was from another American legend, Peter Brock (Brock Racing Enterprise).
However, the project was fraught with difficulties causing several flashpoints – both were iconic personalities, both had former racing experience (though de Tomaso never won a race), distance (de Tomaso was based in Italy whereas Shelby, in the USA). While de Tomaso wanted to fit a lighter 4.7 litre Ford made V8 engine, while Shelby wanted to fix a more powerful 7.0 litre V8 engine. Then there was an issue with a newly designed “ring airfoil” that could be manipulated by the driver to control aerodynamics while on run.
But since Shelby was unhappy with Brock’s design as well as the choice of the engine, he left the P70 project mid-way as he was hired by Ford to work on the Ford Shelby project. The P70 chassis and the body that was shipped to Italy for completion were left unattended as Brock, too left the project.
DeTomaso decided to take help from Carrozzeria Ghia & Gariglio to finish the project. This car was renamed De Tomaso Sport 5000 and was in the personal possession of Alejandro de Tomaso until his death.
* sold @ Scale Model Cart
Highlights | |
- Premium collectible | |
---|---|
- Licensed product | |
- Material: RESIN | |
- High precision miniature models | |
- Non-opening model | |
- Only 333 pieces created |
Specifications | |
Brand | Potpourri |
---|---|
Period | 1947-1970 |
Year | 1965 |
Model Origin | Italy |
Scale | 1:43 |
Box Dimension (in inches) | 7 x 3 x 3 |
Color | Red |
Make | AutoCult |
Theme | Sports |
Material | Resin |