1965 Shelby/De Tomaso P70 Can-Am Sports Racer

The 1965 Shelby/De Tomaso P70 Can-Am Sports Racer is one of the most unique and historically significant racing cars of its era. Born from a collaboration between two giants of motorsport—Carroll Shelby and Alejandro De Tomaso—the P70 was a cutting-edge sports prototype designed to compete in the USRRC and Can-Am racing series. Although the car’s full potential was never realized due to internal conflicts and shifting priorities, the P70's innovative design and engineering set the stage for future developments in sports racing cars.

Development and Design

The P70 project emerged in the early 1960s when Carroll Shelby, coming off the success of the Cobra, faced increasing competition, particularly from McLaren's rumored 7-liter cars. Determined to stay ahead, Shelby sought out Alejandro de Tomaso, an accomplished Argentine-Italian race car manufacturer, to collaborate on a new, more advanced racing car. Shelby provided the vision and leadership, while de Tomaso contributed the engineering expertise. The design of the car was entrusted to Peter Brock, the mind behind the famous Shelby Daytona Coupe, with the bodywork being constructed by the esteemed Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Fantuzzi.

The P70 featured groundbreaking aerodynamic innovations, including an adjustable rear airfoil that allowed the car to maintain optimal downforce while minimizing drag. The car's sleek and sculptural body, with partially covered rear wheels and a low, wraparound windshield, set new standards for aerodynamics in racing cars. These design elements would influence subsequent race car developments, including those seen in the Can-Am series.

Brock's design philosophy emphasized functional aesthetics—curves and proportions that not only made the car visually striking but also offered real performance advantages. The car was streamlined, with clean lines that seamlessly integrated mechanical components into the bodywork. It was a clear departure from traditional racing car designs of the era, offering a vision of the future.

Engineering and Specifications

The P70 was powered by a 289ci Gurney-Westlake V8 engine, producing an estimated 350bhp at 6,000rpm. This high-performance engine was mated to a 5-speed manual transaxle, offering superior handling and control. The car’s chassis was designed with 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel hydraulic disk brakes, ensuring it could tackle the high-speed demands of the Can-Am and USRRC series with agility and reliability.

Despite the innovative design and powerful engine, the project faced numerous hurdles. Conflicting priorities and time constraints, particularly Shelby’s focus on the Ford GT40 program, led to the P70's incomplete development. Only a single prototype, chassis no. P70-001, was constructed before Shelby and De Tomaso’s partnership dissolved. The car was never fully raced in the way it was intended, and the project was ultimately shelved.

The Post-Shelby Era and Rediscovery

After the end of the Shelby-De Tomaso partnership, the P70 was shown at the 1965 Turin Auto Show under the name Ghia De Tomaso. The car garnered significant attention, and De Tomaso used the spotlight to promote his new road car, the Mangusta. However, the P70 concept faded from the public eye and remained largely forgotten for decades.

In 2004, Philippe Olczyk, a researcher of De Tomaso history, stumbled upon the body panels of the P70 in a Modena factory. Peter Brock confirmed the discovery, and the body and components were purchased and assembled into the original P70 prototype. The car made its public debut in 2005 at the Quail Motorsports Gathering, even though it was not fully restored. The P70’s return to the automotive world was met with enthusiasm, and in 2013, the car won Octane Magazine's Best of Show award at The Quail, despite being entered as a display-only vehicle.

Restoration and Legacy

After its award-winning appearance in 2013, the P70 was meticulously restored to its original condition, painted red with gold wheels and featuring its 289 Gurney-Westlake V8 engine. The restoration process brought the car back to life, allowing it to participate in prestigious events such as the 2015 Quail Motorsports Gathering, where it was awarded Best Postwar Racing Car. The following year, the car appeared at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance and participated in the Eight Flags Tour.

Today, the P70 remains in excellent running condition and is a rare survivor of one of the most intriguing collaborations of the 1960s racing scene. It stands as a symbol of the ambitious, though incomplete, effort by Shelby and De Tomaso to break new ground in motorsport design.

The Unique Opportunity

The Shelby/De Tomaso P70 represents a remarkable opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts of sports racing cars. Its combination of cutting-edge design, historical significance, and unique provenance make it an invaluable addition to any collection. With the modern-day resurgence of De Tomaso through the introduction of the De Tomaso P72, the sale of the P70 offers a rare chance to own a piece of motorsport history that shaped the future of race car design.

The P70’s legacy continues to inspire with its blend of technical innovation and artistic design, proving that sometimes the greatest achievements come from collaborations that never quite come to fruition in their time.