De Tomaso Mangusta (Italian for “mongoose” the only predator of cobras to be found in nature) was probably born with the ambition of killing the extraordinary success of Shelby’s Cobras, followed by the outright dominance of the Ford GT40 in sports prototype racing.
Its styling was penned by the great Giorgetto Giugiaro, and it was built by Ghia of Turin. Everything needed to be a star was there. Mangusta was more subtle, streamlined and elegant but no less aggressive in appearance and performances than the Ford. In total just 401 examples produced, OHV Ford V-8 Engine, 5-Speed Manual Transaxle, 4-Wheel Independent Suspension, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes.
Credits: Bonhams
