De Tomaso Mangusta
One of the the more forgotten supercars is the DeTomaso Mangusta which was largely overshadowed by its successor the Pantera. Both cars shared the same mid-mounted V8 formula and became known for their American power wrapped in Italian style.
At the time, the Mangusta shard more with concept cars of the period than it’s contemporaries. This is especially true of the gullwing engine doors which only provided access to half the engine bay at a time. This unique touch was part of design originally intended by Giorgetto Giugiaro
Fortunately, the Mangusta was spared from US legislation and it’s sleek 43-inch high body remained intact worldwide. Futhermore the shape was unhindered from bumpers.
At the heart of every Mangusta is a Ford 302 that produces around 320 bhp.
De Tomaso Mangusta Pictures
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1967 – 1971 |
| built at | Italy |
| body stylist | Giorgetto Giugiaro |
| production | 401 |
| price $ | $ 11,150 |
| engine | FordV8 |
| position | Mid, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| block material | Cast Iron |
| valvetrain | OHV |
| displacement | 4949 cc / 302.0 in³ |
| bore | 101.6 mm / 4.0 in |
| stroke | 76.2 mm / 3.0 in |
| compression | 10.0:1 |
| power | 171.5 kw / 230.0 bhp @ 4800 rpm |
| specific output | 46.47 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 166.31 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 420.3 nm / 310.0 ft lbs @ 2800 rpm |
| body / frame | Steel & Aluminum |
| driven wheels | Mid Engine / RWD |
| front tires | 185-15 |
| rear tires | 225-15 |
| front brakes | Girling Discs |
| rear brakes | Girling Discs |
| front wheels | F 38.1 x 17.8 cm / 15.0 x 7.0 in |
| rear wheels | R 38.1 x 19.0 cm / 15.0 x 7.5 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion |
| curb weight | 1383 kg / 3049 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2499 mm / 98.4 in |
| front track | 1402 mm / 55.2 in |
| rear track | 1458 mm / 57.4 in |
| length | 4265 mm / 167.9 in |
| width | 1844 mm / 72.6 in |
| height | 1069 mm / 42.1 in |
| transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 2.42:1, 1.47:1, 1.09:1, 0.958:1, 0.846:1 |
| final drive | 4.22:1 |
| top speed | ~189.9 kph / 118.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~7.0 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~19.1 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~15.1 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1970 De Tomaso Mangusta 8MA1048 – sold for $324,500 Extremely Low-Mileage Example of a Design Icon. Desirable Early-Production Single-Headlight Mangusta. Largely Original, Well-Preserved Condition. Single Ownership for Almost 40 Years. Accompanied by Tool Roll and Parts Manual
Auction Source: The Pebble Beach Auctions 2015 by Gooding and Company
1968 De Tomaso Mangusta 8MA608 – sold for €235,200 The car offered here is one of the rare Mangustas in Italy, and it is being offered by a prominent De Tomaso enthusiast. It was first registered in Italy in 1968 and is believed to have been continuously owned in its home country since new. Amongst its former owners was Umberto Maggi, the long-time bassist of the Italian band Nomadi. Featured in the April 2014 issue of Ruoteclassiche magazine.
Auction Source: Villa Erba 2015 by RM Sothebys
1969 De Tomaso Mangusta 8MA824 – sold for €168,000 A legendary 1960s mid-engined supercar. Original paint, upholstery, and drivetrain. Formerly of Peter Kaus’s Rosso Bianco Museum. This is certainly one of a few De Tomasos of any type that still retain their original finishes. According to the owner, it is in good running order and is believed to be the only Mangusta fitted with six headlights by the factory.
Auction Source: 2015 Paris by RM Auctions
1969 De Tomaso Mangusta 8MA890 – sold for €268,800 A beautiful, muscular icon of the 1960s. The most desirable quad-light, early-production iteration. Equipped with the high-performance Ford 289 V-8. Freshly restored in its stunning original colour. Offered with its original jack and rare tool set.
Auction Source: 2014 Monaco by RM Auctions
1972 De Tomaso Mangusta 8MA998 – sold for €91,762
The Mangusta has been in the current vendor’s possession since 2008. Less than 400 kilometres (250 miles) have been covered since then and the car has benefited from routine maintenance including overhauling the brakes and a full service. An alluring combination of American muscle power and Italian grace, this beautiful Mangusta is offered with significant service history and invoices together with a copy of the original Mangusta handbook and parts list.
Auction Source: 2013 Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
1969 De Tomaso Mangusta Coupé 8MA542 – sold for €161,000 With careful ownership throughout its 43 years, the car also benefited from many years spent in the sunny and dry state of Arizona. On arrival in the UK the Mangusta underwent extensive servicing by Newlands Motors (there are bills on file totalling £12,000) and has covered fewer than 100 miles since securing its MoT.
Auction Source: 2012 Goodwood Revival Sale by Bonhams
1970 De Tomaso Mangusta – sold for $68,750
With single ownership from new, this Mangusta shows just 9,100 original miles and continues to benefit from proper, climate-controlled storage and professional care and maintenance. It remains almost entirely original, with the exception of some sympathetically retouched paintwork and a new set of tires. The Mangusta has recently also received a full mechanical service, including attention to both the braking and cooling systems. It is reported by the current owner to literally run and drive as a brand new car. In addition, it is offered with the original and complete tool roll, as well as a copy of the original parts manual.
A recent publication of England’s noted Classic & Sports Car magazine summed up the Mangusta experience best. “Getting into a Mangusta is a struggle, but it’s getting out that starts a battle with your heartstrings. This car will always demand respect, yet that challenge is partly why the Mangusta has such soul and quickly gets under your skin.”
Auction Source: 2009 RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey
