Vehicle Description
Having access to one of the 401 DeTomaso Mangustas makes you rare
Italian royalty, but the opportunity at a true survivor barn find
can crown you the king amongst kings. This 8,783 original mile car
has had only had two owners, and the same one since 1970. The
amazingly low mileage is the fodder for lost car tales, but it has
been professionally resurrected and ready to be driven or
collected...your choice. It's an early serial numbered car, and
it's very original.
So how does a beautiful Italian-American only average less than 190
miles annually? It was sold new in California, and less than a year
later it went to the second owner who moved it to Florida. The
coupe was titled in FL, and was used on the road sparingly
throughout the 1970s. In 1979, this exotic then went into long-term
storage, although we have registration documentation for times when
it was tucked away - in other words, we believe the Mangusta was
kept like a prized possession. The car was taken out of storage
early in 2016, and it has been given a thorough and complete
resurrection. Particular care was taken with keeping as much of the
surviving components intact, and only changing those that were
essential for driving (e.g. the four tires were replaced, but the
original spare remains.) The gold paint highlights the truly
precious metal that came from the mind of legendary designer
Giorgetto Giugiaro during his time at Ghia. We believe this is the
original paintjob, and just like Cindy Crawford, it looks so much
more fantastic than we ever expected a 45+ year-old to be. Also
like a supermodel, this Mangusta still has beautiful lines and the
gaps that seem perfectly symmetrical. It's so original even the
iconic Campagnolo magnesium wheels haven't had any work done.
You'll really understand how special this survivor is when you open
the door. Evidence of proper storage is everywhere, especially on
the black leather buckets that feel nearly new. In fact, the only
pieces that we can identify as replaced are a few areas of
carpeting, but even the factory floor mats come with this time
capsule. You'll slip behind the real wood and leather wheel and
marvel at the original dashboard. It's then that you realize a full
package of glowing Veglia gauges and toggle switches never go out
of style. Neither do luxuries like power windows, the original
AM/FM radio, or air conditioning. The often-lost engine covers are
even included - an essential detail that separates first place from
second at the concours.
Why are there gullwing doors for the engine compartment? Because
fine china deserves a grand glass case. With the luggage cover
removed, we are free to see the 302 cubic-inch Ford V8 in all its
glory. The motor looks great with its twin snorkel intake and
DeTomaso valve covers. What might be even more substantial viewed
through gullwing windows is the ZF five-speed transaxle. This full
powertain is original to the car and has been serviced, including
new brake lines and fuel system, so that it's ready to enjoy.
Backing up this package is a race-inspired chassis, four-wheel disc
brakes, and the grip of new BF Goodrich tires. Now we've got an
interesting situation, because this might be the finest survivor
Mangusta you'll ever see. But with even with its rarity, it will be
hard to resist taking this unique classic out for a drive.
This is a beautiful car with nearly half a century of a story to
tell. It backs this up with plenty of documentation, including the
original 1970 Florida title, January 1970 dealer invoice, many
registration records, and an authentic DeTomaso Mangusta brochure.
The original toolkit is even included in the sale! You already know
how rare this classic supercar is, and the exceptional opportunity
this is to obtain it. So call today or lose the best Mangusta
survivor to your rival.