$2.1m De Tomaso P72 supercar has very unique key for a very unique start-up sequence

The De Tomaso P72 supercar uses an unusual method to get it up and running that’s perfectly suited to such an unique and attention-grabbing vehicle.

The super exclusive supercar will be kept to a strictly limited production run of just 72 units.

The supercar was initially introduced as a concept vehicle at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed. 

Originally slated to go into production in 2020, that was later pushed to 2022. 

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Here’s how the De Tomaso P72 is started up

But it wasn’t until May of this year that we finally got a chance to look at the production-ready model. 

And it’s safe to say the De Tomaso P72 was worth the wait. 

The supercar was inspired by the 1965 De Tomaso P70, which is evident in its sleek and highly-sculpted design. 

However, it’s not just its stunning good looks that take inspiration from the past. 

Inside the hypercar, you’ll find a complete lack of tech – no infotainment screens, no CarPlay, no digital instrument clusters.

It’s a stark contrast to most modern vehicles that try to cram in as much tech as possible. 

Instead, the interior of the De Tomaso P72 features ‘traditional analogue dials, bespoke switchgear, and a cockpit shaped entirely around human connection’.

Alongside its exposed linkage manual shifter, the car also has a retro system to turning the engine. 

Much like every other modern car on the market, the De Tomaso P72 uses a push-button Start. 

But unlike every other modern car on the market, the De Tomaso P72 also requires a key for its start-up sequence.

To get the car going, the driver needs to place the leather-lined key fob into a small recess inside the gear stick and press down. 

Next up, you need to remove the key and put it into the slot on the steering column.

Finally, you need to press the start button and – ta-dah – you’re up and running. 

Deliveries of the supercar are set to start later this year

Of course, at this point we could say the process is a little unnecessary and long-winded, but it’s also cool and kind of fun, don’t you think?

Unfortunately, if you fancied trying it out for yourself then there’s bad news, as all the build slots have already been snapped up.

First deliveries are set to start later in 2025.

Production is capped at a rare-as-you-like 72 units and each comes with a price tag of around $2.1 million.

Still, we can dream, can’t we?

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