This is a car that only true connoisseurs, as it tends to fly under the radar. When you mention De Tomaso, most people immediately think of the Pantera. Many are unaware of the other gems that existed. When you see one of the others on the street, that's where most people's knowledge ends. This De Tomaso is a Mangusta.
The Mangusta was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, a renowned Italian automotive designer. Its design was characterized by sharp lines, a sleek wedge-shaped body, and a distinctive front end.
The Mangusta was powered by a potent American V8 engine. Initially, it had a 4.7-liter Ford engine, and later, a more robust version with a 5.0-liter Ford V8 engine was offered. The 4.7-liter engine produced about 306 horsepower, while the 5.0-liter version offered an even more impressive 320 horsepower. This allowed the Mangusta to achieve impressive acceleration and high speeds.
One of the distinctive features of the Mangusta was its upward-opening hatches, similar to gull-wing doors, providing access to the engine bay. These features gave the car a futuristic and exotic appearance.
In total, around 401 De Tomaso Mangusta units were manufactured, making it a rare and highly sought-after collector's item. The Mangusta was eventually succeeded by the De Tomaso Pantera, which enjoyed even greater success and a longer production run.
Due to its rarity and unique design, well-preserved Mangustas hold significant collector value today and often command high prices at auctions. However, they are not as expensive as some other sports cars from that era. You can find very nice models for around $100,000.
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