Estimate: €280,000 - €300,000/£240,000 - £250,000
Chassis no. 8MA1200
• Desirable European four-headlight specification
• Delivered new in Italy
• Matching numbers engine and gearbox
• Professionally restored in the early 2000s
One of the very first supercars, the Mangusta effectively established De Tomaso as a serious automobile manufacturer and a worthy rival for Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. Originally a constructor of racing cars, De Tomaso did not build its first road car - the Vallelunga - until 1965. A pretty, mid-engined coupé powered by a 1.5-litre Ford four-cylinder engine, the Vallelunga was built in small numbers and was not a success, but did contribute its short-wheelbase, backbone chassis - albeit extensively re-engineered - to the Mangusta.
Introduced in 1967, the Mangusta (mongoose) was powered by a mid-mounted 289ci (4.7-litre) Ford V8 engine. Also used to power Ford's GT40 Le Mans challenger, the iconic '289' produced 306bhp as installed in the Mangusta, which also used the GT40's early-type ZF transaxle. Later Mangusta production used the Ford 302ci (5.0-litre) engine together with a later-type ZF transmission. Carrozzeria Ghia's Giorgetto Giugiaro contributed the striking coachwork featuring 'gull wing' engine covers, which had been intended for Giotto Bizzarrini. There is much in Giugiaro's design that echoes his work when designing the Maserati Ghibli, Iso Grifo, Ferrari 250 Berlinetta Bertone and, of course, the timeless Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT. With 300-or-so horsepower on tap in its original form, the aerodynamic Mangusta was good for a top speed in the region of 155mph. All-round disc brakes helped restrain this outstanding performance.
De Tomaso enjoyed close links with the Ford Motor Company at that time and the American firm helped put the Mangusta into larger scale production than would otherwise have been possible. Nevertheless, only 401 examples were made between 1967 and 1972 compared with 765 examples of the contemporary Lamborghini Miura, and any Mangusta is extremely rare. The three marque registries estimate that there are only some 250 Mangustas remaining worldwide.
This particular example - chassis number '8MA1200' – was built to European specification with four fixed headlights (not the USA's retractable headlamps) and as such is the most sought-after by collectors. Beautifully restored and extensively documented, it is recognised within the international De Tomaso community as one of the finest in existence. This car's interior features its original leather seats, dashboard, steering wheel, gear knob, etc in addition to power windows, full instrumentation and the original radio.
Chassis number '8MA1200' was produced on 28th February 1971 and sold new in Italy, registered in Rome as 'P49701-Roma'. In the early 2000s the Mangusta underwent a ground-upwards restoration in Canada by Wingho Auto Classique (Montreal). The restoration was widely praised within the De Tomaso community.
On 10th August 2005 the car was offered for sale in Québec, Canada. At that time, it was described as a 'Best in Show Concours Winner' and 'one of the finest Mangustas available'. At some time between 2007 and 2010 the car was exported to Europe, and in 2010 was offered for sale in the Netherlands, recently imported from Canada. In 2011 the Mangusta was seen at various European classic events and was offered for sale at Techno-Classica Essen. In 2012 the car was sold via Anamera and in 2016 was offered by Thiesen Automobiles, Germany. In January 2018 the car was acquired by a Brussels-based collector. This car has been followed, discussed, and admired publicly for over two decades, with consistent recognition of its quality. The body is straight and beautifully presented.
Holding up extremely well, the early-2000s restoration was comprehensive and executed to a very high standard. A small number of modifications were made for enhanced reliability and usability:
• Jack-shaft removed, compact alternator fitted
• Electronic ignition fitted
• Rear lamps added (first as fog lamps, later converted to reversing lights for European regulations)
• Rear suspension cross-member modification for added rigidity
These documented changes are well-known and accepted within the De Tomaso community.
A reference-quality De Tomaso Mangusta, '8MA1200' represents the perfect synthesis of Italian design and American muscle, preserved through a exacting restoration and decades of knowledgeable ownership. One of the most compelling and beautiful mid-engined GT cars of the late 1960s, and a cornerstone piece for any serious collector.
Auction - 11 October 2026, 14:00 CEST - |Knokke-Heist, Le Zoute
