Alejandro De Tomaso was not only a talented racer, he was a man with a vision which included building his own high performance automobile. His dream was facilitated by his fortunate marriage to Isabelle Haskell, a lady who combined driving talent with the resources of a successful entrepreneurial family. The Mangusta was De Tomaso’s second production automobile after the Vallelunga. Its design, by Giorgetto Giugiaro, was dynamic, clean and refreshingly free of added-on tabs, intakes, wings and spoilers. It featured unique center hinged rear body panels that covered the complete back of the car and mid-mounted engine, a backbone chassis, fully independent suspension and power from a small block Ford V-8 from that was coupled to a ZF 5-speed transaxle. The earliest cars were fitted with the hi-po 289 V8 rated at 306 horsepower, while most of the production was fitted with a 302 V8 rated at 221 horsepower. The purest and most innovative of De Tomaso Automobili’s products, the Mangusta had a short life from 1965 to 1970, during which only some 400 examples were produced.

This 1967 De Tomaso Mangusta, chassis 508, is one of the earliest cars, and as such is fitted with the coveted 298 hi-po engine. A highly original and clean California example, it is finished in a metallic burgundy with a beige leather interior and has its original wheels and the more desirable open quad headlights indicative of early examples. It is also impressively equipped on the inside with power windows, air conditioning, a three-spoke Ferraro steering wheel and a later Panasonic stereo in the dash. Included in the glovebox is the original owner’s manual along with a letter from Alejandro De Tomaso congratulating the new Mangusta owner and outlining the technical aspects of the car and engine. Showing just 77, 360 miles,It is a fast, incredibly rare and highly collectible car that is made all the more desirable by its honest, carefully preserved and beautiful condition.

For more information on finding a classic De Tomaso or on our Consignment Program, contact us today. We are able to cater to the buyer’s individual needs with respect to financing, long and short-term storage, trades-ins, shipping, mechanical and cosmetic preparation.

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