Comments

1977 DeTomaso Group 5/Goup C
s/n 0001
Yellow with Black Interior

This car is not currently located at Fantasy Junction, but is available and can be viewed by appointment.

In 1977, Alejandro DeTomaso needed a racecar to compete in the ultra-competitive European Group 5 classification to support sales of DeTomaso`s flagship streetcar, the Pantera. DeTomaso turned to his racecar builders Sala/Marvetti and commissioned this car, chassis number 0001, to be the Factory Group 5 effort driven by Michangeli and Pietromarchi. The factory body was hard hammered by Mauro Sacchetti, formally of Carozzeria Fantuzzi. In Group 5 format, this car was raced in Italy and throughout Europe, including an appearance at Le Mans in 1980. As a relatively small factory effort, the racing was done on a limited budget and with limited success.

In 1981, this car was acquired Maurizio Micangeli and fielded by Auto Elite of Maranello, Italy. Auto Elite crafted a Group C body for this mid-engine racer and proceeded to enter it in various races in 1982 and 1983. In the Group C world this relatively production based DeTomaso was forced to compete with the more successful and advanced prototypes of the era, including Porsche`s 956, and Lancia`s LC-2. Micangeli co-drove the car with Carlo Pietromarchi, but the results were mediocre. By 1984 Micangeli had purchased another marque and this DeTomaso, s/n 0001 sat outside of Auto Elite for 20 years between 1984 and 2004.

The current owners of this unique piece of Italian racing history purchased it in 2004, shipped it to California, and commenced a comprehensive restoration at PI Motorsports in Orange, California.

The restoration work was done to a very high specification, and was both cosmetic and mechanical. Originality was considered where possible and appropriate; however some changes have been made because of parts availability or reliability. The Hewland transaxle was replaced with a 5-speed ZF unit, and different (narrower) wheels and tires were fitted and the original sizes are impossible to locate. The 351 Cleveland motor is a rebuilt unit built to mild specs, and while the dry sump oiling system is positioned in the car as originally installed, it is not plumbed. The desirable Jones tachometer is a mechanical unit, and does not work with this electronic ignition system. While the roll bar is as originally fitted, for current track use, the new owner may wish to fortify it further.

The car has been cosmetically refinished, which fresh paint on the body and chassis. The suspension arms and shocks have all been off and refinished. The car makes a strong and masculine impression, and has fresh, excellent, `racecar cosmetics`.

As a one-off piece with factory, Le Mans racing history, this wild Group 5/Group C DeTomaso racing car is sure to be an interesting addition to anyone`s supercar collection, or, after further sorting, would be a welcome entry to Historic racing venues both in the United States and in Europe.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.