| Manufacturer | De Tomaso |
|---|---|
| Production | 1993–2004 |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | Barchetta Spider Coupé |
| Layout | RMR layout |
| Engine | BMW M60 B40 V8 1993–1998 Ford/Visteon V8 1998–2004 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm (102.8 in) |
| Curb weight | Coupé: 1400 kg (3086 lb) Barchetta: 1050 kg (2315 lb) |
The De Tomaso Guarà is a sports car and the last project of the founder and owner Alejandro de Tomaso put into the market. Presented at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show, the Guarà was available as a coupe and open barchetta. The latter corresponds to the coupe but without roof and proper windscreen; just a small air deflector protects the passenger and the driver from the elements and the car had to be driven while wearing a helmet. The Guarà is based on the Maserati Barchetta Stradale prototype from 1991, a true race car from which a few conversions finally made it onto the public roads. The third model was the Guarà Spider, a convertible with a small canvas top; only five were produced. As for the Maserati Barchetta the designer is Carlo Gaino of the "Synthesis Design" [1].
The first cars (mainly Coupés) were sold in 1994 and with some interruptions the Coupé and the Barchetta still were available (prepayment required) in 2005/2006 in Italy, Austria and Switzerland. However, it seems there were no cars built after 2004 when the company went into liquidation.
Fibreglass, Kevlar, and other composites make the body shell, fitted to a tubular frame. The suspension is true Formula 1 and IndyCar technology with independent upper and lower wishbone with pushrod front and rear end suspension. The Guarà is known for its highly agile handling which makes it a bit too "nervous" for the average driver.
First, the Guarà was built using technology and interior parts from BMW but later all cars came equipped with Ford/Visteon (Canada) parts and engines. The Guara was never homologated for US sale. However, one Ford powered Guarà coupe has been imported into the US and has California license plates. It was displayed on November 2, 2008 at a car show in Los Angeles.
Though sources vary, approximately 10 to 12 Barchettas, 5 Spiders and about 50 Coupés were sold. Production of Spiders ceased when De Tomaso switched to the Ford engine as the new powerplant did not leave enough room for the canvas.
Engines:
1993–1998
1998–2004 (1993– for America)
| Type | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| RMR | Vallelunga | Mangusta | Pantera | Guarà | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FR Sedan | Deauville | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FR Coupé | Longchamp | Biguà | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||