DeTomaso Zonda
Car of the Day #288: 1971 DeTomaso Zonda – The original Zonda
The name Zonda comes from Argentina, where it is used to describe a strong wind in the Andres. Obviously, you're aware of the Pagani Zonda supercar, though firstly a bad-ass car is actually the second use of the name Zonda on a car.
At the Geneva Motor Show in 1971, another Zonda blew through the automotive industry…but directed at the executive suites in Detroit.
Designed by Ghia, under Tom Tjaarda's pen, this elegant 2+2 grand touring coupe was intended to be the second car in DeTomaso's model range in the U.S., in support of the Pantera. What a time it was…
1971 DeTomaso Zonda at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show • source unknown
Why Ford? Why DeTomaso? At the time, Carrozzeria Ghia was in rough financial shape, and despite being owned by the well-heeled Argentinian enthusiast Alejandro de Tomaso, the design house Ghia was sold to Ford in 1970.
Over the next few years, Ghia would become Ford's at-arm's-length styling house…and then devolved into a badge for higher-end trim levels on cars like the Ford Focus.
At that time, de Tomaso worked to get the DeTomaso Pantera offered in the U.S. at select Lincoln-Mercury dealers…and it was only natural that the partnership extended to a second model less involved than that low-slung, mid-engined car.
Story continues after sources…
