De Tomaso Mangusta
The 1967 De Tomaso Mangusta (Italian for 'Mongoose') was a significant step in Alejandro de Tomaso's ambition to create a world-class sports car combining American V8 power with Italian design and engineering. Named after the mongoose, the natural predator of the cobra (a deliberate provocation toward Carroll Shelby), the Mangusta was an exotic, mid-engine machine that announced De Tomaso's arrival on the international sports car stage.
The Mangusta was powered by a Ford 289 cubic inch (4,728cc) V8 engine, the same basic unit used in the Shelby Cobra and early Ford Mustang. In De Tomaso specification, the engine produced approximately 230 horsepower, fed through a ZF five-speed manual transaxle. The mid-engine layout provided excellent weight distribution, though the engine's rearward position created a rear-heavy bias.
Giorgetto Giugiaro designed the body, creating one of his most striking compositions. The car featured a low, wedge-shaped profile, pop-up headlights, and the Mangusta's most distinctive feature: twin gullwing-style engine covers that opened upward from the center to reveal the Ford V8 in all its glory. This dramatic feature became the car's visual signature and made routine maintenance theatrically accessible.
The chassis was a backbone design similar in concept to the Vallelunga but substantially reinforced to handle the V8's greater power and torque. The structure featured a central steel spine with tubular subframes at each end supporting the suspension. All four corners used independent suspension with double wishbones and coil springs, with disc brakes throughout.
The Mangusta's driving character was defined by the contrast between its sophisticated chassis and its powerful but uncomplicated American V8. The engine provided strong, linear acceleration with a characteristically American V8 exhaust note, while the Italian chassis delivered sharp, responsive handling. The rear weight bias could make the car challenging at the limit, requiring skill and respect from the driver.
De Tomaso produced approximately 401 Mangustas between 1967 and 1971, with production winding down as the larger, more refined Pantera entered production. Today, the Mangusta is recognized as one of the most beautiful and interesting Italian sports cars of the late 1960s. Its combination of Giugiaro design, American V8 power, and mid-engine exotic character has made it increasingly valuable among collectors.
Verify authenticity through De Tomaso registries. The backbone chassis should be carefully inspected for corrosion. The Ford V8 is relatively easy to maintain, but the ZF transaxle is expensive to rebuild. Check the gullwing engine covers for proper alignment and hinge condition. Fiberglass body panel fit can vary significantly. The rear-heavy weight distribution should be considered — test drive carefully.
Approximately 401 Mangustas were produced at De Tomaso's facility in Modena between 1967 and 1971. The Ford 289 V8 was replaced by the 302 in later production. Bodies were designed by Giugiaro and built by Ghia.