1965 DeTomaso Vallelunga Fantuzzi Spyder news, pictures, and information

This DeTomaso Vallelunga Spyder with coachwork by Fantuzzi was shown at the 2006 Quail Gathering making its first appearance outside of Italy in 41 years.

The Vallelunga series was produced from 1965 through 1967 with a total of 58 examples being created. This was the first road car made by DeTomaso and a prototype version was first shown in 1963. It was also one of the earliest vehicles to utilize a mid-engined layout. Though cars such as the Porsche 550 Spyder and Ford GT40 had used this design before, this was the first road-going example to utilize this configuration.

The body and chassis was constructed of lightweight material which made the four-cylinder engine with just over 100 horsepower more than adequate to give this small car sports-car status. The bodywork was comprised of a lightweight fiber-glass construction. Top speed was reported to be around 112 mph.

The name 'Vellelunga' was named after an Italian racetrack. After 1967 the production of the Vallelunga ceased as the company turned its interests to the Mangusta which was powered by an eight-cylinder engine.

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