With only 27,225 documented miles on the clock, this Mangusta should look like it has just rolled off the production line. Unfortunately, this is far from the case, and this De Tomaso is going to require a full restoration. However, given the fact that it is one of only fifty “two headlights” versions built by De Tomaso, it certainly has rarity on its side. The Mangusta does appear to be complete, but to do this car justice it will really need to be stripped down to the last nut and bolt. If you feel like you are up to the challenge, the Mangusta is located in Germantown, Tennessee, and is listed for sale here on eBay.
From my desk, I’m sure that I can hear some of you shuddering at the prospect of undertaking a restoration of this magnitude, but I’ll give you something to think about while you contemplate it. The Mangusta is a hand-assembled car. Therefore, what human fingers put into place should be able to also be removed by human fingers. I know that’s probably cold comfort, but as Bing Crosby once said, “you’ve got to accentuate the positive.” It looks like someone has commenced a restoration at some point. The body and frame of the Mangusta are said to be original, rust-free, and the car has never suffered any accident damage. All of the panels are in primer, but if I were to undertake a restoration, I would probably strip these just for my own peace of mind. The car was originally finished in red, and in that shade, it would have been quite a sight. All of the original glass is present, and there is also a NOS windshield, still in the wrapping, which is included with the car. Some of the window rubbers and seals have perished, so these will need to be replaced. The original wheels are also fitted to the car, but these will need to be restored as well.
Under the hood is a 302ci Ford V8 engine, and in original form, it produced 230hp. The engine in this car underwent some upgrades in the late 1970s, with different cylinder heads, intake, and carburetor being fitted. However, the original components are present and will be included with the vehicle. Power from that V8 is then fed to the ground via a ZF Transaxle. Judging by external appearances, it would probably be a good idea to have all of these components checked and rebuilt as required. The owner has a significant pile of documentation that is included with the car, and this verifies the mileage claims, and also includes a significant number of invoices documenting every aspect of this car’s life. While it was marketed as a sports car, the Mangusta was really more of a boulevard cruiser. Weight distribution was not ideal, with the car being quite tail-heavy. The frame of the Mangusta is also prone to flexing, and the combination is not conducive to great handling. However, driven sensibly, they are said to be reasonable to drive.
When you have red paint, what better color for an interior than black? The interior is complete, and except for the seat covers, it is said to be original. In 1979, the seats were refinished in black leather, and judging by the photo, the leather has not survived that well. The Mangusta was also fitted with air conditioning, and due to a general lack of ventilation in these as standard, that would probably provide some welcome relief when the weather turned warm. There are some components that will require restoration, such as the shroud on the steering column, the seats, and the optional Ferrero wood/leather steering wheel, but the majority of the interior components should respond well to a thorough clean.
There are some of you that will look at this Mangusta restoration and throw it straight into the too hard basket. To be honest, I really don’t blame you, because restoration is going to be a large and quite expensive process. There are also some of you that will be critical of the car, as its inherent handling traits leave the Mangusta lacking as a true driver’s car. As a car that possesses “pose” value, it certainly doesn’t lack. It also doesn’t lack when it comes to rarity. De Tomaso only built 401 cars, and of these, only around 50 were the “two headlights” examples like this one. The estimate is that only about 250 cars are left in existence, but no-one is sure how many of the “two headlights” cars are left. Values for the Mangusta have increased by a steady 10% over the past 3-years, which is reasonable, but not outstanding. So a good Mangusta would appear to be a pretty reasonable long-term investment. Immaculate examples can fetch anywhere from $300,000 upwards. This particular car has a long way to go to reach those lofty prices, and it is also going to take a lot of time and money to get there. At the time of writing, bidding has reached $75,100, but the reserve hasn’t been met. I don’t know what the reserve is, but this is an auction that should be quite interesting to watch.
It would be interested to know how it got into such bad shape that it needed a full restoration with so few miles on it. For a car that is as rare as this 1 is it hard to believe somebody would just let it deteriorate to the condition that it requires a full restoration with a few miles on it. Of course not being rich enough to even consider a car like this I may not be able to grasp how people like that treat their property.32
The second owner effectively lost the car to a shady garage for 20 years.
CS Yep you are correct. I am selling the car.
Is that a jackshaft running along the intake? Is it for the AC compressor?
We need to know what that jackshaft is for…. I’ve been racking my brain far too long.
Somebody must know!
Estreater Yes you are correct. A/C compressor and the alternator depend on the Jack shaft.
Hi fjcappy, never having heard of a jackshaft, can you tell me what drives it? Thanks for any help, Mike.
Truthfully I had not either until schooled by the many Mangusta fans I have encountered during the sale process on this car. Definition below, but its a shaft running through bearings that transfers the rotation of motor allowing accessories such as AC and Alternator to be located at the back of the motor where there is more room. I guess its used in machinery all of the time. Obviously I am no engineer.
Jackshaft – Wikipedia:
A jackshaft, also called a countershaft, is a common mechanical design component used to transfer or synchronize rotational force in a machine. A jackshaft is often just a short stub with supporting bearings on the ends and two pulleys, gears, or cranks attached to it.
Love the car and would be happy to take on the challenge – rust free is a big plus in my book. I’m still in the middle of my 912 assembly project ( bought it in pieces like this car) – yes there are missing pieces and challenges deep in the engine – learned to rebuild a gearbox. Wonderful pastime and great learning – unfortunately as many others – this one is out of my range. Hope it goes to a good home.
From experience, I know you had better be able to do a lot of this restoration work yourself — and do it in a quality fashion. If you were to send this car out to have it ‘professionally’ done it would take at least $250k for the full complete disassembly/restore/reassembly as described in the write-up.
They are beautiful designs though!
I have never owned one but I have been next to one and spent a long time talking to the owner. The handling is far worse than mentioned by the article above. The frame flex and engine power can snap from oversteer to understeer with a very minor movement of the throttle. The is especially true in wet weather. The braking is not much better. I do not know about other cars but his car had to have the balancing valve adjusted.
That is bad but the interior is worse. Take a good look at the space between the back of the windshield and the front of the seat where your head would rest. Far closer than you would normally be comfortable with. The dash is bland at best and vision to the rear is mixed at best. The center spine makes a normal location for a rear view mirror pointless.
All that being said this is one of the most beautiful cars ever made. As a piece of sculpture it is nearly perfect. I am not certain I would ever want to own one but I think a few should be put in perfect condition and put in museums to show how beautiful a car can be. I like the Pantara, I love the Ferrari246 Dino and P-4 Ferrari but this one is right near the top of a very short list.
Bidding hit $100K and still not the reserve. Looks to me it went thru a flood YIKES
It’s not been in a flood. Heck it’s barely seen rain sitting where it has for all these years.
so whats the reason to restore?
With my current staus my iphone screen will be as close as i get to something like this, its too bad low miles doesn’t always equate to mint condition, mother nature time and gravity all get a say. Great site it shows me that my turn is coming up, i keep having this vision of an old man demanding 2500 firm for his 66 belvedere its in his cellar, he starts it once a month and he hasnt taken it to church since 1977. Factory hubcaps and a column shift auto , and its green, you know the rest
@433Jeff is that your dream or just a comment on how survivor cars come out of the woodwork? If it is the latter, I know of a 1966 Biscayne, factory hubcaps, column shift 3spd in original green for $2500. You may be a Mopar guy though.
How much fun it would be to assemble this puzzle just to inventory the missing pieces? Then enjoy a long gaze upon its good looks.
If these handle so poorly, would it be bad to strengthen the frame, update the suspension and brakes, while hot rodding the engine? Maybe some vintage air to help with the interior temp issue. Keep the exterior stock of course. Would the purists and valuators kill you with these upgrades so one can actually drive the heck out of this beauty?
Whoa! Major project! I imagine parts are expensive and are they available in U.S.? Unless U have done a restoration of this magnitude, the undertaking of such a task would be overwhelming! I pass!
I can smell the mold..
One thing I have read about the Mangusta is that you should NEVER drive one over a “speed bump, ” as doing so could cause the flywheel to make contact with the pavement. Too bad the function doesn’t live up to the form ! I saw a DeTomaso that was designed for racing in the ARRC series at SEMA a couple of years back- stunningly beautiful ! As I was told, the car never made it to the track, due to rule changes and the Can-Am series rendering it uncompetitive. I may be incorrect, but I think Peter Brock may either own the car or have a connection with it.
The ultimate garage toy, as to whether someone is capable of restoring it, Just remember that line in the Eastwood/Dirty Harry movie….” A mans got to know his limitations!”.
Hats off to whoever completes this one and I love to see people take on a challenge.
For the naysayers,, Its only time and money, Suck it up buttercup!
Thank you Sluggo as always your spot on….
It’s really a pretty simple car. The biggest problem is finding which company De Tamaso bsourced the parts from.. Items such as screws, bolts, brackets, brake pads, all came from other cars. Heck most everything was from other cars. I have had some amazing conversations with a Gentleman in Northern California that knows these cars. He has figured out many of these part interchange riddles. .
too much work
It sold back in February. It has left the US and is in the hands of a very competent car guy,. Should be done in a short while.