1968 De Tomaso Mangusta

Make

De Tomaso

Model

Mangusta

Year

1968

Listed price

$229,990

Location

Syracuse

Transmission

Automatic

Mileage

0 miles

The De Tomaso Mangusta, named after the mongoose, the only animal capable of killing a cobra – a not-so-subtle jab at Carroll Shelby and his AC Cobra – was Alejandro de Tomaso's audacious bid to enter the supercar pantheon. Unveiled in 1967, it was a striking evolution of the Vallelunga chassis, penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Ghia. Its most iconic feature was arguably the gullwing engine cover, a dramatic flourish that showcased the mid-mounted Ford V8. Only 401 examples were produced between 1967 and 1971, making each Mangusta a rare and exotic sight, a testament to Italian design flair blended with American muscle. It paved the way for the more commercially successful Pantera, but the Mangusta remains the more enigmatic and visually arresting of the two. This 1968 De Tomaso Mangusta, chassis 8MA750, is one of those exceptionally rare machines, showing 22,384 miles on the odometer. It presents in a vibrant red finish, a fitting hue for its dramatic lines. Notably, this example spent three decades in storage after being acquired by an owner in 1989, only to be meticulously recommissioned between 2020 and 2022. Power comes from a replacement 351ci Ford Cleveland V8, sourced from a later Pantera and fed by a Holley four-barrel carburetor, paired with the original ZF five-speed manual transaxle. The car rides on 15-inch Campagnolo alloy wheels, and features include power-assisted disc brakes, adjustable coilover independent suspension, fixed quad headlights, and a black leather interior with power windows. This Mangusta represents a unique opportunity to acquire a legendary Italian-American hybrid, recently brought back to life and ready for its next chapter.