Mark Osborne
Global Director of Motorsport
LOT 4 Ω
c.1995 De Tomaso Guarà Barchetta Chassis no. ZDT8930000A700009
Estimate: US$180,000 - US$220,000Lot to be sold without reserve
Lot 4Ω
One of ten produced
c.1995 De Tomaso Guarà Barchetta
c.1995 De Tomaso Guarà Barchetta
c.1995 De Tomaso Guarà Barchetta
Chassis no. ZDT8930000A700009
Chassis no. ZDT8930000A700009
• The final model overseen by founder Alejandro de Tomaso
• One of just ten Barchettas from a total production of 52 cars
• Lightweight construction and 4-litre BMW V8 power
• Race-inspired backbone chassis
• Carbon fibre and Kevlar composite body
Having acquired Maserati from Citroën in the 1970s and keeping the company afloat throughout the tumultuous 1980s, Alejandro de Tomaso finally cut his losses and sold the flailing Italian firm to Fiat in 1993. With that deal on the books, de Tomaso was free to shift his focus back to the company that bore his name. The De Tomaso Pantera carried on even well after Ford's involvement ended in 1973, thanks to engine updates and a facelift by Marcello Gandini. The time had finally come for a replacement, and lacking a suitable budget to start from scratch, de Tomaso revived a relatively unknown project to take the place of the evergreen Pantera.
That project was the Maserati Barchetta – a mid-engine, open-topped machine originally conceived during de Tomaso's tenure for a one-make racing series. Just 17 were completed and all (but one) were strictly racing cars. The new De Tomaso Guarà used a revised version of the Barchetta's aluminium "backbone" chassis, with radical inboard coil-over pushrod suspension that looked more at home on a Formula 1 car than a road-going sports car. The chassis housed a mid-mounted, aluminum 4-litre BMW M60 V8 initially, with Ford V8 engines coming later. It was all wrapped in a dramatic wedge-shaped composite body, penned by Carlo Gaino of Synthesis Designs – who also styled the Maserati Barchetta.
The Guarà Coupe debuted at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show, with the Spyder and radical Barchetta following. Lacking such frivolities as a roof and a windscreen, the Barchetta also did without power steering, power brakes and ABS for an unfiltered driving experience. An air deflector directs the wind over the driver's head, though helmets are recommended. Shortly after launch, De Tomaso was again struggling, and production was limited to just 52 cars, including just 10 Barchettas.
This example is one of the 10 Barchettas produced, desirably equipped with BMW's M60 engine. The light alloy V8 engine keeps overall weight to a minimum, at just 1,050 kg. Stunningly finished in gunmetal over turquoise green trim, this Guarà shows just 6,200 km on the odometer, and is offered in appropriately shows well. Essentially unmodified in its original specification, it features distinctive original 10-spoke alloy wheels shod with Michelin tyres, optional Schroth harnesses, and BMW-sourced instrumentation and switchgear.
With such limited production these marvelous Guarà Barchettas rarely come to market. This striking represents a fascinating period in De Tomaso's history and will undoubtedly provide a thrilling experience for its next owner.
Please note that this vehicle is under customs in the UAE. Our customs partner, The Stables, will manage all post-sale customs administration. If this vehicle is to stay in the UAE, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 5% and Import Duty at 5%+VAT on the hammer price. An administration fee of 750 USD + VAT + Transport charges for Customs Inspection (If applicable) + Customs charges at cost with official receipt to process all customs movements will apply. If you have any questions regarding customs, please contact Bonhams|Cars or The Stables.
• One of just ten Barchettas from a total production of 52 cars
• Lightweight construction and 4-litre BMW V8 power
• Race-inspired backbone chassis
• Carbon fibre and Kevlar composite body
Having acquired Maserati from Citroën in the 1970s and keeping the company afloat throughout the tumultuous 1980s, Alejandro de Tomaso finally cut his losses and sold the flailing Italian firm to Fiat in 1993. With that deal on the books, de Tomaso was free to shift his focus back to the company that bore his name. The De Tomaso Pantera carried on even well after Ford's involvement ended in 1973, thanks to engine updates and a facelift by Marcello Gandini. The time had finally come for a replacement, and lacking a suitable budget to start from scratch, de Tomaso revived a relatively unknown project to take the place of the evergreen Pantera.
That project was the Maserati Barchetta – a mid-engine, open-topped machine originally conceived during de Tomaso's tenure for a one-make racing series. Just 17 were completed and all (but one) were strictly racing cars. The new De Tomaso Guarà used a revised version of the Barchetta's aluminium "backbone" chassis, with radical inboard coil-over pushrod suspension that looked more at home on a Formula 1 car than a road-going sports car. The chassis housed a mid-mounted, aluminum 4-litre BMW M60 V8 initially, with Ford V8 engines coming later. It was all wrapped in a dramatic wedge-shaped composite body, penned by Carlo Gaino of Synthesis Designs – who also styled the Maserati Barchetta.
The Guarà Coupe debuted at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show, with the Spyder and radical Barchetta following. Lacking such frivolities as a roof and a windscreen, the Barchetta also did without power steering, power brakes and ABS for an unfiltered driving experience. An air deflector directs the wind over the driver's head, though helmets are recommended. Shortly after launch, De Tomaso was again struggling, and production was limited to just 52 cars, including just 10 Barchettas.
This example is one of the 10 Barchettas produced, desirably equipped with BMW's M60 engine. The light alloy V8 engine keeps overall weight to a minimum, at just 1,050 kg. Stunningly finished in gunmetal over turquoise green trim, this Guarà shows just 6,200 km on the odometer, and is offered in appropriately shows well. Essentially unmodified in its original specification, it features distinctive original 10-spoke alloy wheels shod with Michelin tyres, optional Schroth harnesses, and BMW-sourced instrumentation and switchgear.
With such limited production these marvelous Guarà Barchettas rarely come to market. This striking represents a fascinating period in De Tomaso's history and will undoubtedly provide a thrilling experience for its next owner.
Please note that this vehicle is under customs in the UAE. Our customs partner, The Stables, will manage all post-sale customs administration. If this vehicle is to stay in the UAE, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 5% and Import Duty at 5%+VAT on the hammer price. An administration fee of 750 USD + VAT + Transport charges for Customs Inspection (If applicable) + Customs charges at cost with official receipt to process all customs movements will apply. If you have any questions regarding customs, please contact Bonhams|Cars or The Stables.
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| Ω | Import high rate |
| VAT on imported items at the prevailing rate on Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium. |
