1968 DeTomaso Mangusta

The first true production DeTomaso was the Mangusta, which was introduced in 1967. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and built by fabled Turin coachbuilder Ghia, of which Alejandro De Tomaso had become the president. The Mangusta hosted several unique design elements, the most remarkable of which might be the glass-topped engine cover with its centrally mounted hinge creating a gullwing effect. The engine is nestled forward toward the passenger compartment, with the transaxle and spare tire located beneath the glass hood and the whole situation creating a midengine layout for optimal balance.

The car was reportedly based on the Ford GT40 concept, as it featured an amidships V-8 engine, rear transaxle and a backbone chassis. Giugiaro’s muscular, wide-shouldered bodywork emphasized that the engine, which was visible under two clamshell-style rear windows, could propel the car from 0-60 MPH in 6.3 seconds, through the quarter-mile in 15 seconds at 94 MPH and to a claimed top speed of 155 MPH. Only 401 Mangustas were ever produced, making these cars extremely rare and sought after by collectors.

The car offered here is presented in the beautiful Rosso Aurora paint, which is complemented by a black interior. Being an earlier example, it is fitted with the desirable dual headlights. The car has been nicely restored and then used sparingly under previous ownership. Opening the rear clamshell doors reveals the U.S.-spec 302 CI Ford V-8, which left the factory with 230 HP and 310 lb-ft of torque, exhaling through dual Anda exhaust with quad chrome tips. Bolted to a 5-speed ZF 5DS-1, the limited-slip transaxle sends power through the half shafts to Campagnolo 15x8 rear (15x7 in front) wheels. Dual-circuit Girling disc brakes on all four corners help shed speed. This DeTomaso Mangusta has always been a unique, well-equipped sports car that offered exotic styling and respectable performance with a very limited production run.