1969 De Tomaso Mangusta

De Tomaso built 401 Mangustas between 1967 and 1971, with a scant 250 thought to survive today. This Mangusta is available after almost four decades in the collection of a noted vintage racer from California’s Central Valley. It is a US-specification car distinguished by remarkable originality. The consignor, who purchased it from a friend in 1982, is believed to be the third owner, and he reports that he has driven this Mangusta regularly, both to local shows and on 500-mile tours. Still, just 47,000 miles showed on the odometer at the time of cataloguing.

A bare-metal respray was completed in 1990, and the paint has aged well. The interior remains beautifully preserved, displaying a gentle patina. The seats are a period-correct aftermarket replacement suitable for taller drivers. High-volume electric fans and custom exhaust headers have been installed; the original exhaust accompanies the sale, along with the original carburetor, an owner’s manual, and service invoices.

Winner of Best De Tomaso at the 1996 Concorso Italiano in Monterey, this Mangusta was treated to mechanical freshening in 2018. Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, built by Ghia, and standing just 42 inches tall, the Mangusta is the epitome of exotic. This example is most likely one of the best-preserved Mangustas in existence and as such presents a special opportunity for any collector of Italiana.