 After a period of recovery, de Tomaso asked Casarini (whom he considered a trusted friend) what should be done with the De Tomaso company.Casarini suggested that De Tomaso make "an Italian TVR", pointing out the positive design elements that made the Griffith attractive.Alejandro de Tomaso negotiated with the Maserati chairman to release Casarini to De Tomaso, so that work on the design could begin.