NARAN AUTOMOTIVE

The unrelenting pursuit for performance

Let the design do the talking. It [design] is the silent ambassador for your brand. This perspective is from the horse’s mouth. One of the pillars of Joe’s design strategy is to introduce ways to supplement a brand’s signature whilst carefully preserving its identity. One project that illustrates this approach perfectly is the De Tomaso P72.

When most hear the name “De Tomaso” in an automotive context they are immediately taken back to 1970 with the introduction of the Pantera; the highest produced and arguably most iconic De Tomaso model. However, the powers that be wanted to revive the De Tomaso brand by paying homage to it and this requires a brief history lesson. Here are the Coles Notes: Just prior to Carroll Shelby’s involvement in Ford’s GT40 program he had struck an agreement with Alejandro De Tomaso to build a Can-Am racer to be penned by Peter Brock whose automotive design resume includes the Corvette Stingray and the Shelby Daytona Coupe. Carroll Shelby left the project but Alejandro De Tomaso carried out the project to its completion and represents one of his most historically significant creations.

When it comes to reviving the De Tomaso brand, the owners who acquired the brand in 2014 thought it best to start their comeback with a modern day rendition of the legendary P70. Enter Joe and his loyal approach and design philosophy. The P72 not only pays homage to the P70 but highlights 60’s racecar design with a modern use of curves rather than the sharp angles and edges of modern day supercars. You can also see sprinkles of classic American design elements which also helped define futuristic design from the 60’s. The P72 is the result of a purist approach strictly adhered to by the brand and brought to life by the designer.

We all recall cars of this nature to be something nice to look at with low importance placed on functionality. Another pillar of Joe’s design philosophy is his understanding of functionality, use of materials, regulatory knowledge, and manufacturing methods. These are important factors that can dictate design. When creating a comeback like the P72 having an understanding like this is critical and no one pulls it off smoother.

De Tomaso coined the term “Modern Time Machine.” We can’t think of a more apt description for the De Tomaso P72 and after learning the origin of its concept we could not think of a better man for the job.