To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Monaco event, 10 - 11 May 2024.

• Desirable quad-headlight, European-spec chassis; one of only 401 examples produced between 1967 and 1971
• Powered by an upgraded Ford V-8 engine and five-speed ZF transaxle
• Completely restored under prior ownership; modified with custom exhaust, Brembo braking system with Wilwood lines, custom suspension, centre-lock Campagnolo alloy wheels, and competition-spec fire extinguisher system
• Delivered new to Italy; desirable equipped with Ferrero steering wheel, Vitaloni mirrors, power windows, air conditioning, and Bizzarrini-designed “gullwing” rear clamshell

The Mangusta was produced by De Tomaso from 1967 to 1971 and despite close links to the Ford Motor Company and access to mass production facilities, only 401 examples left the production line in Modena. It was De Tomaso’s first proper foray into the world of high-performance cars and one of the world’s first supercars, boasting in excess of 300 brake horsepower, a top speed pushing the other side of 250 km/h, and coachwork by none other than Bertone and later Ghia’s Giorgetto Giugiaro, including the gullwing engine cover that had been intended for Giotto Bizzarrini.

Styled by Giugiaro, the De Tomaso is the epitome of late-1960s design: a low-slung wedge boasting a quad-headlamp nose, vast haunches, and a tail peppered with slots and vents. The crowning glory is aluminium rear bodywork that hinges up—gullwing-style—to reveal the American-made power unit.

This attractive Mangusta is a European-specification example reportedly delivered new to Italy on New Year’s Eve in 1970 with the desirable quad-headlamp nose arrangement. It has resided in Barcelona with the consignor for nearly a decade, and at time of his purchase this Mangusta reportedly wore the factory shade of Avorio Safari.

Under the consignor’s purview, the car has been comprehensively restored to the current color combination of Rosso Corsa over black leather, and tastefully modified to suit his discerning penchant for increased performance and safety. As such, this Mangusta is currently powered by an upgraded Hi-Po Ford V-8 engine which is fed by a quarter of Weber carburettors and mated to a correct-type five-speed ZF transaxle.

Cosmetically, the car’s aggressive visage is enhanced by a pair of Vitaloni side mirrors, and staggered centre-lock Campagnolo alloy wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport rubber. The interior is highlighted by an air conditioning system, AM/FM radio, power windows, and a leather-wrapped De Tomaso-Ferrero steering wheel, which fronts the full suite of correct Veglia Borletti instrumentation which proudly features the De Tomaso logo. Furthermore, a competition-spec fire extinguisher system has been integrated as an additional safety measure.

The free-breathing custom exhaust system does nothing to diminish the Mangusta’s throaty bark, while a modern Brembo braking system with Wilwood lines, is set to work in-tandem with custom suspension for optimal handling dynamics during spirited drives.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mc24/.