1969 De Tomaso Mangusta

Details

Penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro the De Tomaso Mangusta is one of the most stunning cars built in that wonderful era of the mid to late 1960’s that gave us cars like the Lamborghini Miura, Ferrari Daytona and Maserati Ghibli.

The Mangusta, which is Italian for Mongoose, was so named after the animal capable of killing Cobras. It is perhaps no coincidence that Alejandro De Tomaso was friends with Carrol Shelby!

In total only 401 Mangustas were built between 1967 and 1971 and of these cars it is understood that only circa 250 survive today.

In recent times the world has awoken to this stunning supercar and they are now sought after by collectors and enthusiasts the world over.

We are delighted to offer a 1969 De Tomaso Mangusta that is presented in the stunning colour combination of red with a tan interior. This car, which is the more desirable dual headlight model,  has just completed a long term restoration and is now offered for sale.

As with any Mangusatas this car has an incredible presence and it would be welcome at any concours d’elegance or classic car show anywhere in the world. The unique gullwing doors that cover the engine bay are its trade mark, however, it’s not just about the looks! Turn the key and the V8 burst into life and settles to an idle with a rumble that you know means business. Then you drive it and the engine just explodes with an incredible growl that would wake the dead!

The build quality of the Mangustas was never great, however, the panel gaps on this car are excellent. The fresh paint work is simply stunning which sets the car off beautifully. The interior (which looks to be unmolested and incredibly original), all of the glass and brightwork/chrome are also in excellent condition as are the Campagnolo magnesium wheels.

This particular example is chassis number 8MA962 and it was manufactured in September 1969. It is understood to have been sold new into the USA and an unused 1970 Michigan registration plate 532D57 accompanies the car. Interestingly “Chrysler Corp Used Vehicle Sales 6501 Lynch Rd” is written in ink pen on the back of the plate. The history file confirms that the car was owned by a Mr David Long Jr from Michigan back in 1971 as there is insurance documentation for the car in his name dated 1 June 1971 on file. Mr Long was an engineer and former executive with Chrysler Corporation where he worked from 1952 – 1980, so it is highly likely Mr Long may well have been the cars first owner. He passed away in 1999 and the car was sold from his estate and imported into Australia some fourteen years ago. The car was then sold partly restored to the current owner in 2013 who completed the restoration.

It is understood that Mr Long disassembled the car to analyse and understand it from an engineering perspective and it is believed that it sat this way for much of life. There are folders and folders of information on file with hand written notes about every aspect of the car. Given this information it is very likely the indicated mileage of 9,729 miles is genuine.

The overall presentation of this car is simply stunning, however, it’s not just a piece of art! Everything works as it should and the car is ready to enjoy on the open road.

Please note that the car ‘as photographed’ was 99% complete, however, it still needs the following (which will be completed prior to sale):

– the “De Tomaso” and “Mangusta” rear badges to be fitted
– the correct and very rare Mangusta air cleaner is to be fitted
– there is a vent missing on the dash which will be found and fitted
– there are openings on the dash for a speaker which need to be addressed

A thick history file will accompany the car.