Having access to one of the 401 DeTomaso Mangustas makes you rare Italian royalty, but the opportunity at a true survivor barn find can crown you the king amongst kings. This 8,783 original mile car has had only had two owners, and the same one since 1970. The amazingly low mileage is the fodder for lost car tales, but it has been professionally resurrected and ready to be driven or collected…your choice. It’s an early serial numbered car, and it’s very original.
So how does a beautiful Italian-American only average less than 190 miles annually? It was sold new in California, and less than a year later it went to the second owner who moved it to Florida. The coupe was titled in FL, and was used on the road sparingly throughout the 1970s. In 1979, this exotic then went into long-term storage, although we have registration documentation for times when it was tucked away in other words, we believe the Mangusta was kept like a prized possession. The car was taken out of storage early in 2016, and it has been given a thorough and complete resurrection. Particular care was taken with keeping as much of the surviving components intact, and only changing those that were essential for driving (e.g. the four tires were replaced, but the original spare remains.) The gold paint highlights the truly precious metal that came from the mind of legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro during his time at Ghia. We believe this is the original paintjob, and just like Cindy Crawford, it looks so much more fantastic than we ever expected a 45+ year-old to be. Also like a supermodel, this Mangusta still has beautiful lines and the gaps that seem perfectly symmetrical. It’s so original even the iconic Campagnolo magnesium wheels haven’t had any work done.
You’ll really understand how special this survivor is when you open the door. Evidence of proper storage is everywhere, especially on the black leather buckets that feel nearly new. In fact, the only pieces that we can identify as replaced are a few areas of carpeting, but even the factory floor mats come with this time capsule. You’ll slip behind the real wood and leather wheel and marvel at the original dashboard. It’s then that you realize a full package of glowing Veglia gauges and toggle switches never go out of style. Neither do luxuries like power windows, the original AM/FM radio, or air conditioning. The often-lost engine covers are even included – an essential detail that separates first place from second at the concours.
Why are there gullwing doors for the engine compartment? Because fine china deserves a grand glass case. With the luggage cover removed, we are free to see the 302 cubic-inch Ford V8 in all its glory. The motor looks great with its twin snorkel intake and DeTomaso valve covers. What might be even more substantial viewed through gullwing windows is the ZF five-speed transaxle. This full powertain is original to the car and has been serviced, including new brake lines and fuel system, so that it’s ready to enjoy. Backing up this package is a race-inspired chassis, four-wheel disc brakes, and the grip of new BF Goodrich tires. Now we’ve got an interesting situation, because this might be the finest survivor Mangusta you’ll ever see. But with even with its rarity, it will be hard to resist taking this unique classic out for a drive.
This is a beautiful car with nearly half a century of a story to tell. It backs this up with plenty of documentation, including the original 1970 Florida title, January 1970 dealer invoice, many registration records, and an authentic DeTomaso Mangusta brochure. The original toolkit is even included in the sale! You already know how rare this classic supercar is, and the exceptional opportunity this is to obtain it. So call today or lose the best Mangusta survivor to your rival.
Price: Auction
More info: Listing has ended. Click to search on eBay for similar 1969 De Tomaso Mangusta (Affiliate link)
