When we think of DeTomaso, many of us would immediately associate the brand with the Pantera (and for good reason.) The Pantera was the car that seemingly everyone wanted, from die-hard muscle car fans to shoppers who might otherwise be spotted at the Lamborghini dealership. It also was produced in relatively large numbers for an exotic car and even to this day, you can usually find a handful for sale at a given time. Not so with the Mangusta, which was produced in far more limited quantities and often trades hands at a much higher level than your average Pantera. This Mangusta was recently restored by Wayne Carini’s F40 Restorations and is listed here on Mecum.com where it will go for auction in January at the Kissimmee showcase.
The Mangusta has a fascinating history involving a failed business deal between Alejandro de Tomaso and Carroll Shelby, who had a deal on the books to help build an SCCA-approved design with 7.0L V8 provided by de Tomaso for use in Can-Am series racing. The deal went sour with the engines not delivered on time and Shelby backing out, taking his talents to Ford Motor Company to develop the game-changing GT40. It’s amazing how much drama is wrapped up in Ford’s iconic supercar, from the bridges burnt at DeTomaso to the rivalry with Ferrari. It seems like a soap opera on four wheels. Regardless, the Mangusta came to life afterwards, using high-performance Ford 289 and 302 engines.
This is a later Magusta which came with the 302 that lost a few horsepower to the 289. DeTomaso interiors always serve as a distinct reminder that these cars were indeed a cross between Italian exotica and a brawny muscle car. The cabin was finished to a very high level, and this one obviously presents even better as a result of having been recently restored by the famed Carini shop. The design was commissioned by none other than Giorgetto Guigiaro, which explains why it’s such a show stopper, and the restoration was ordered by David Robinson of “The Cars” band fame. A gorgeous Ferrero steering wheel is a centerpiece of the driver-oriented cockpit, and the gearbox is a 5-speed ZF manual transmission.
The Mangusta was not without its detractions, which included a cramped cockpit and twitchy handling. I will say, having spent time in other vintage Italian sports cars of this era, you have to prepare yourself for the experience of making some compromises for the chance to drive such a limited-production 70s supercar. The Mangusta strikes me as more a centerpiece to a collection rather than a car you seek out to drive every day, especially with those dramatic gullwing engine covers. And given how few were made, you likely already know not to sit on your hands when the January auction rolls around given how sporadically the Mangusta comes up for grabs, especially in restored form. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Araknid78 for the find.
A Carini restoration? I guess it’s not going to be a “Thursday” car, at the auction.
A dream…
I can’t believe Wayne Carini put that steering wheel on it, looks completely out of place!
He put it back on since it’s original.
I agree… don’t argue with Wayne
You are treading on thin ice when you question Wayne Carini.
This guy is always wanting to keep things as original as possible, and I’m definitely in his corner when he thinks something is best for an older car…. and I’m older than Wayne.
guess you have not seen to many of these.
It’s the OEM steering wheel.
Twitchy handling is an understatement. This car will flip from understeer to oversteer in the blink of an eye. Cramped cockpit I suggest you take a good look at where the top of the windshield is compared to the driver’s forehead. This is the most beautiful BAD DESIGN I think that has ever been made. It is such a stunning look but has so many design flaws that I agree with the author that it is a show piece or at least should be. Sculpture on four wheels. It will bring a high price and will be admired by all just do not drive it much.
And by saying it is tight and uncomfortable by a man that drives a Lotus Europa, and Esprit and they are considered tight by most.
I restored one years ago with a friend who owns a restoration shop in Northeast. The car was a mess with bondo as thick as 3/16ths on top of the passenger side fender. Parts were ordered from Italy and we ended up using a English wheel to fabricate one part. Your correct about the windshield and your forehead. Uncomfortable driving position in stock configuration. My Pantera was a much nicer vehicle in many ways. It took over three years to complete the restoration. A beautiful example once completed.
This is the one he restored on his show, that belonged to the drummer for the group The Cars. Many years ago i looked at one on a car lot, they wanted $11k for it, i had no money but i got to sit in it. I heard they drive and handle like crap.
I thought it looked familiar. I recall Wayne kept trying to talk him out of painting it this Ferrari color. Even to the point of painting it the color he (Wayne) liked.
I cheered when David Robinson poo-pooed Wayne’s choice.
This type of car holds nothing for me, and I’m not trying to debase anyone who likes them, everyone to their own taste. I’ve always been pretty conservative with the cars I’ve owned, the only exception was my first one (65 Impala SS). Some people drool for a Vette, I prefer a well equipped pickup, but a nice family sedan for the wife and kids. My fascination for cars go back to the “oldies” since I always felt those cars had character (which fits me, since most people think I’m a character… LOL)…
I call BS on the barn find aspect of this story……… Found it on the F40 site and somehow called it a barn find???? The car was pretty nice before Wayne started on it……so hardly barn find.
I owned a “carport find” for 25 years or so…..wife and I put 25K VERY comfortable miles on it. While it may have handling flaws trying to drive it like a track car, which it isn’t, at GT speeds on the roads, it tracked very well and was most comfortable and quiet.
I built a 331 for it, as the original engine was long gone, and it really made the car a hoot to drive! Yes, head is close to the windscreen up top, but I’m 5’8″ ish and found it no challenge once you got over the proximity to your noggin.
I found it a MUCH more comfortable car than the Pantera, which has horrible 2 piece seats (some Goose’s came with them too….) once the foam gives up, and we did cruises to Vegas and Phoenix from the SF Bay area no problems…….
I sold the car. Hated it do it, but wasn’t atune to driving with Bay Area imports……ugh. Was like having someone take a swing at your 401K account every time I took it out for a drive!!!
One of the easiest cars I’ve ever had to work on also! Maintenance parts were “borrowed” from others…..Girling for brakes, Fiat for lamps, Ford for engine…… Just don’t bust any glass!!!
Some peoples comments should be limited and not in a post like this when they have no idea of what is going on. Yes this was not a perfect car but standing back and looking at it, it very much is a perfect car. Besides what has been written above the wheels were four bolt and a sports car like this needed five plus the brakes are very lacking for stopping power, Chip Foose on You Tube made a drawing of the Mangusta and in the drawing he lowered it a little, added different wheels, moved the front side fender marker back a few inches. Then he colored it with a more aggressive color.
Another tidbit, have you seen the book “BELLA MANGUSTA” BY DICK RUZZIN?It is the story about a GM exec buying a new MAGUSTA to drive and had a small block Chevy engine installed there at the factory. This was to analyze the car for maybe improvements in the Corvette. The book is loaded with pictures and mine has drool marks on every page.
I forgot to mention there was only 401 cars made. I have seen one of these cars in my life but I have pictures and diecast models.
always liked the looks…..as a kid I had a small diecast Mangusta [white] that the body separated from the chassis.
I often wonder where that toy ended up, the closest I will ever get to owning one, lol
I still have mine! One owner! 50 years! 😉
Regardless of its shortcomings this car has too much cool factor to not love it! It’s always been one of those if I ever won the lottery I would buy one. It’s truly a rolling piece of artwork.
Someone will own this car for what it is, and have no concerns for what it is not. It will never see an autox or a track day, it will never be used for a trip to the grocery store.
Hammered Sold for $418,000