Jury Sides With De Tomaso in Showdown With Former CEO

De Tomaso Automobili has won a sweeping courtroom victory against its former CEO, Ryan Berris. According to a report from Business Wire, after a unanimous jury verdict in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Berris filed suit in 2023, alleging he had an oral compensation agreement granting him equity in the revived automaker, along with other benefits, including one of its limited-production supercars. He also accused owner Norman Choi of fraud and misconduct tied to the company’s restructuring and valuation.

After a six-day trial, the jury rejected those claims in full. Jurors found Berris held no equity stake and had no contractual entitlement to the compensation he claimed. They also dismissed allegations of fraud and defamation related to his dismissal.

In a decisive counterclaim, the jury ruled that Berris breached his fiduciary duties to the company and awarded damages to De Tomaso. The verdict effectively closes a contentious chapter that threatened to overshadow the brand’s revival.

A Historic Marque Interrupted by Legal Turbulence

Founded in 1959, De Tomaso Automobili built its reputation on cross-continental performance icons like the De Tomaso Pantera, a Ford-powered mid-engine coupe sold in U.S. dealerships in the 1970s. Under Choi’s leadership since 2014, the company has been working toward a modern renaissance anchored by heritage design and analog performance.

That comeback centers on the De Tomaso P72, a 700-horsepower, supercharged 5.0-liter V8 supercar paired with a six-speed manual. First shown in 2019, the P72 channels 1960s racing DNA into a limited-production halo model. The lawsuit, however, cast uncertainty over the brand during a critical development phase.

Clear Runway for the P72

With litigation resolved, De Tomaso can now refocus on production. Deliveries of the P72 are expected to begin later this year, marking a significant milestone in the company’s revival plan. It even has a futuristic V12 hypercar being developed. In the boutique supercar segment, credibility is as vital as performance.

The unanimous verdict removes reputational headwinds and reassures buyers and stakeholders alike. For a marque built on heritage and high drama, this chapter ends not with scandal, but with legal vindication, and a renewed push to put its latest V8-powered creation on the road.

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