New York / Hudson Valley – June 2025 – American startup Dacora has revealed its first car, an ultra-luxury electric grand tourer that channels 1930s streamliner elegance—said to be designed in collaboration with the legendary Italian firm Pininfarina. But while the form recalls the golden age of coachbuilding, the powertrain decidedly does not: no combustion engine, no V8 burble—just pure electric propulsion.
Design: Nostalgic Elegance with a Futuristic Edge
The bodywork pays homage to a bygone era, with long overhangs, pronounced fenders, round headlamps, and a sweeping fastback profile reminiscent of Delahayes and pre-war Lincolns. Pininfarina’s fingerprint is apparent throughout—though, notably, the collaboration is not yet officially confirmed on Pininfarina’s website. Until publicly acknowledged by the Italian design house, this remains an unverified partnership.
Built by Hand in New York’s Hudson Valley
Production will take place at the soon-to-be-completed Hudson Valley Garage, a 100-acre design and manufacturing campus combining production, customization, and guest experience under one roof—an American interpretation of the carrozzeria concept.
Performance: All Electric, All Quiet
With over 800 horsepower, a sub-4-second sprint to 60 mph, and an estimated 400-mile range, Dacora’s numbers are impressive. But here at carrozzieri-italiani.com, we’ll say it plainly: we’re not EV fans. As stunning as the car may be, the absence of a combustion engine leaves us longing for the sensory drama—a deep exhaust note, mechanical feedback, or even the simple ritual of a gearshift—that coachbuilt luxury once offered.
A hybrid option may be in development, but for now, internal combustion has been left behind—a regrettable omission, in our view, for a vehicle that otherwise pays such loving tribute to the past.
Interior: No Screens, No Plastic, No Apologies
Where Dacora does shine undeniably is in the cabin: wool, linen, wood, bio-leather—crafted with a level of detail that rivals the finest European interiors. Modular “seasonal” interiors allow for textile changes throughout the year, and bespoke features include espresso makers, biometric safes, humidors, and even bonsai gardens under glass domes. Screens are hidden, switches are tactile. In short: it’s a designer’s dream.
Tradition Meets Tech, If Not Fuel
Buyers can personalize dashboards using heirloom wood, echoing the practices of Italy’s finest coachbuilders. And while the technology platform is modern—built on an existing EV “skateboard” chassis—the philosophy is undeniably old-world.
Female-Led, Artisan-Made
Founded by MIT engineer Kristie D’Ambrosio-Correll and her husband Eric, Dacora is the first American ultra-luxury EV brand led by a woman, proudly using American components and manufacturing talent to revive a nearly lost tradition.
Price, Production & Perspective
With a base price of $500,000 and a $50,000 reservation fee, the car has already exceeded expected demand for its first production run. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2026 from the Hudson Valley facility.
Final Thoughts
Dacora is bold, beautiful, and unapologetically bespoke. The rumored involvement of Pininfarina adds Italian magic—though official confirmation is still missing. But for all its grace and detail, we can’t help but mourn the absence of a combustion engine in a car so clearly inspired by the era of roaring V12s and long Sunday drives.
In a world shifting electric, Dacora may be the most elegant EV yet. Still, for those of us who live for the mechanical soul of a coachbuilt car, it’s a beautiful shape missing its voice.
