1968 De Tomaso Mangusta For Sale - One Of Only 401 Mangusta's Ever Built

LMC is very proud to offer for sale this 1968 De Tomaso Mangusta

  The first true production De Tomaso was the Mangusta, which was introduced in 1967. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and built by Turin coachbuilder Ghia, of which 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 mid engine layout for optimal balance. 

   Reportedly based on the Ford GT40 concept, as it featured a mid-ship V-8 engine, rear transaxle, and backbone chassis. Giugiaro’s muscular, wide-shouldered bodywork emphasized that the engine, which 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 complemented by a Black interior. Being an earlier example it is fitted with 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 wheels (15x7 in front) wheels. Dual-circuit Girling disc brakes on all four corners help shed speed.

 The De Tomaso Mangusta has always been a unique, well-equipped sports car that offered exotic styling, respectable performance with a very limited production run.