Here’s one you don’t see every day. A Qvale Mangusta, an Italian-built sports car that only saw 284 copies made between 1999 and 2002. This example from 2001 has more than 134,000 miles, received some body damage and the repairs have not been done. Located in Jordan, New York, this rarity is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $15,000. Hats off to Rocco B. for this interesting tip!
At first glance, the Mangusta looks a bit similar to the Ford Mustangs and Probes of the same era. It was developed from the De Tomaso Biguá concept car (1996 Geneva Motor Show) and named the De Tomaso Mangusta for the car De Tomaso built in 1967-71. After De Tomaso bailed out, the cars wore Qvale badging. The design employed a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a Ford 4.6-liter DOHC modular V8 engine under the hood. Examples with 5-speed manual transmissions had those supplied by BorgWarner (4-speed automatics came from General Motors, an interesting arrangement).
We don’t know any of the background on the seller’s car as it appears to be offered by a dealer. Given the amount of dust, we doubt it has been used much recently and no mention is made if the sports car is in running condition. Being a Ford powerplant, that would make any mechanical repairs easier. Not so easy to fix is the damage the rear end suffered in a not-so-minor traffic accident. Where do you source body pieces for an Italian car that had less than 300 copies made more than 20 years ago?
Inside the car, the leather interior looks okay except for parts of both front bucket seats. On an interesting note, the Mangusta uses a unique roof mechanism referred to as the “roto-top” which was inspired by the folding roof of the TVR Griffith. The roto-top has a center removable panel (like a Targa) that also allows the rear section to electrically rotate (on a forward pivot) out of sight into a cavity behind the seats. Thus, the car ends up being a convertible. We don’t know how well this contraption works on the seller’s car.
Kjell Qvale, however, remains a legend among M.G. enthusiasts, enlisting the accomplished fabricator and designer Joe Huffaker to produce a series of BMC-powered race cars such as the Genie, including an M.G.- and BMC-backed run at the Indianapolis 500. Following his experience with the elegant, gentlemanly Jensen Interceptor, powered by a meaty Chrysler, Qvale bought the Jensen plant in England and, in 1974, hooked up with Donald Healey, of Austin-Healey fame, whose contract with BMC was over. For two years beginning in 1973, they collaborated on the Jensen-Healey, a “modern” British roadster, with Lotus twin-cam power, aimed at the American market. Recently, there was the Ford-powered Mangusta roadster.
Did you know that Mangusta letters rearranged can spell “A Mustang”?
Or “Maus Angst”
I always think of the race cars. Never saw a street variant until I started hanging out here. Nice color combo.
I’m mildly interested in this vehicle. I’d like to see the original FB post, but can’t get it even when I say I’m in Jordan, NY
Phil, i had the listing saved, but it is gone now.
Man 10 years ago 15k bought you a decent one if you didn’t have a color preference. Coulda shoulda
Let’s see: Car should sell in good condition for around $22,000. BUT: Top does not work, no bumper or parts to be found, fiberglass work, entire paint job minimally, re-do the seats, redo the rubber and replace all dated tires, tune engine…..almost forgot….everything has 135, 000 miles on it!!! LAST, it has a “salvage “title or branded title making it in perfect condition about 25 % less in value! DO THE MATH and tell me what this is worth as is presented????
Whoa, this thing has a 32-valve “Cobra” engine in it…the same engine that powered the Marauder and the Mark VIII, as well as the Cobra Mustangs back then. This engine will run 300K with minimal maintenance and that is not an exaggeration. These things must be rocketships. Talk about an Italian exotic that would actually be easy and cheap to maintain? This is it!
IMHO..one of the ugliest BITSA designs(bits of this ..bits of that) ever put together..now wonder they sold so few..a tragic use of the “Mangusta” name..the original car was a beaut!
A very hard car to sell when I put mine up. Got $15gs and it was clean and ready. Car will bottom out at moderate speed and shear off the oil drain plug. Brakes will streak and squeal unless edges are chamfered adequately. Build quality is good except for the zip ties you will find. Looks great if you like a fish face. Crack pipe price although supply is waning. This might be the worst one available. Auto got 20 less hp than stick-
DD
We had one towed into our Lincoln dealership many years back. It had no keys, just a note to cut and program a new set. But the “owner” wouldn’t give details or come in to sign a work order with proof of ownership. He eventually towed it back out without showing up.
This one will never be repaired without any source of parts. Sad.
Say what you want about these, i had two, a red one with under 9k miles, did many car shows with them and had a blast, but like most things, sold them and moved on, with the miles and condition the seller is asking way too much, years ago when i was in the online club there was a guy that had all the parts, but no idea now.
Will the real Mangusta please show up! I’ve’ driven and worked on the older Magustas. This one is a joke compare to past Magustas. Good thing Corvette or Mustang didn’t follow Mangusta design ideas.