Autocult 1:43 - Model car - DeTomaso Vallelunga (1965)

Offered: 1965 De Tomaso Vallelunga, in red.

This is the AutoCult version, item number ATC05025. It is a limited edition of 333 pieces worldwide, from the 2018 Special Editions series, with original packaging.

The Vallelunga is De Tomaso’s first road car. The marque was founded in 1959 by Alejandro De Tomaso. To increase the young company’s budget, the then 42-year-old De Tomaso decided to produce road-legal sports cars. The first model was planned in 1962, using many components from racing cars: a backbone-tube chassis with independent suspension, and the drivetrain positioned directly behind the two seats as a mid-engine layout.

The engine was not built in-house, but purchased from Ford in England. Tuning increased the output of the 1.5-litre Ford Kent engine from the Cortina to just over 100 hp at 6,200 rpm, approximately 104 hp, with twin Weber carburettors. The De Tomaso’s distinction lay in the fact that it was the first Italian mid-engined sports car, and in its one-piece body with a strikingly large, wraparound rear window.

The body was initially designed by Carrozzeria Fissore. On the two prototypes from 1964, the rear section of the aluminium body could still be opened as a hatch. For production, Carrozzeria Ghia of Turin was brought in to make the body from plastic / fibreglass. The Vallelunga premiered in Turin in 1963, but the first car did not leave the production line in Modena until 1965. With a selling price of DM 22,500, the low-slung sports car failed to catch on with customers.

When De Tomaso stopped production in 1966 / 1967, 53 production cars had been built. Together with three prototypes, the total number of Vallelungas ever produced came to no more than 56.
This model represents that early production version, in red, with an Italian PROVA MO 33 plate at the rear.

Specifications:
• Brand: AutoCult
• Model: De Tomaso Vallelunga
• 1:1 Year / version: 1965, Italy, first production De Tomaso
• Colour: Red
• Scale: 1:43
• Item reference: ATC05025, Carmodel Code CAR121770
• Material: Resin / Harz, ready-made, static collector’s model
• Opening parts: None
• Edition: Limited Edition 2018 / 333 pieces, Special Editions
• Features: Mid-engine coupé with large wraparound rear window, long rear engine cover, twin rear air vents, PROVA MO 33 plate, chrome exterior mirrors, silver-coloured wheels, black base inscribed De Tomaso Vallelunga
• Original recommended price at Carmodel: 89.95 euros, no longer available
Condition:
• Model: New, perfect, as shown in the photos. Glossy red paint, no chips, no paint damage, no missing parts.
• Windows: Clear, with no cracks or discolouration. The large rear window is intact and fits snugly.
• Details: Badges, grilles, mirrors, wheels and number plate are all complete and straight.
• Display case: Transparent display case on a black base, with dust and light scratches on the plastic from display and opening, visible in the photos.
• Outer box: Original AutoCult outer box with window and Vallelunga red label, item # 05025, limited edition 2018 / 333 pcs, in good condition, as shown in the photos.

Delivery:
Delivery includes the model on its black base in the transparent display case, in the original AutoCult outer box, as pictured.