If you know FromTomasoit’s probably because of Pantera. The mid-engine, rear-drive sports car was a wonderful combination of Italian design and Detroit muscle. The bodywork was from Carrozzeria Ghia, the powertrain was Ford’s V8. It was De Tomaso’s most popular car, with over 7,000 made from 1971 to 1992.
Until recently, I did not know the De Tomaso Mangusta. And that’s a shame because it’s a beautiful car that (as others have argued) argues that car design peaked in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Powered by a 296hp Ford V8 with bodywork by Giorgetto Giugiaro, it looks like a real supercar, complete with unusual Gullwing engine covers. “Mangusta” is Italian for mongoose, an animal known to kill cobras. A deal gone wrong with Carroll Shelby is the supposed reason for the name.
Here are the details of De Tomaso Mangusta via sparkling:
Years of construction: 1967-1971
Total output: 401
Engine: 4.7L-5.0L Ford V8
Power produced: 221hp-306hp
Torque produced: 300 lb-ft
Body design: Giorgetto Giugiaro
Unloaded weight : 2,612 pounds
Price new: $11,500
The version below is on sale classic pilot asking €298,500 ($324,350).
Now all you need is a mechanic who knows De TOmaso and some space in your garage…
Source: classic pilot
