SPECIFICATIONS
- Year1970
- MakeDeTomaso
- ModelMangusta
- Serial Number8MA1066
We are pleased to offer 1970 De Tomaso Mangusta s/n 8MA 1066 which has just finished a 4–year and 3,000 plus hour bare–tub–up restoration by the Montreal-based father-and-son team of Richard and Nicolas Grenon at Driving the Best. Mangusta s/n 8MA 1066 was in dry inside storage for thirty years and so is a rust free and damage free example. The restoration began in 2017 as a down-to-the-bare-tub-and-back-again project and is now finished in its original very light silver metallic paint, which accentuates the Giugiaro designed lines, over a mirror straight body, finished off with an all-new and extremely well done Cuoio leather seats, door panels, center console and kick panels, complimented with Cuoio carpets, protected by black throw-carpets and accented with a freshly covered black dash, all in their original colors. All-new black front compartment and engine compartment carpets were also installed. As part of the restoration all-new glass was ordered from Wilkinson Pantera, all chrome trim was re-plated and a updated A/C system with a modern rotary compressor and fittings were installed. As one of the last Mangustas built, s/n 8MA 1066 features pop-up headlights.
Power comes from the original and freshly rebuilt Ford 302 engine (number 8G12B), topped of with a new Holley 4-barrel carburetor, which runs extremely well, pulls strong to redline and is backed up with a bullet–proof ZF gearbox and as–new syncros that go into 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear cold, without a problem. The floor and frame were sand-blasted, treated to a rust-proof sealer and paint and the suspension has been fully rebuilt with all components plated or powder coated to better-than-new standards. The shocks and springs have been upgraded to a QA1 coil over suspension and the original Corte and Cosso shocks are included. The original Girling braking system has been fully rebuilt. Mangusta s/n 8MA 1066 is mounted on a set of refinished magnesium Campagnolo 15 x 7 front and 15 x 8 rear wheels fitted with a full set of new BF Goodrich Radial T/A 215/70 R 15 front and 255/70 R 15 rear tires with a matching spare Campagnolo wheel and BF Goodrich Radial T/A tire. A new ANSA exhaust makes all the right sounds while a larger radiator keeps everything cool.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Ghia and built by Ghia, the Mangusta debuted at the 1966 Turin Motor Show and entered production in 1967. Four wheel disc brakes, a fully independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, air conditioning and power windows were certainly ahead of other manufacturers at the time. Ford’s 4.9 liters 302 engine offered lots of performance while the center-hinged, two-section hood that opened like gullwing doors made for a strong styling statement. The car’s name, Mangusta, is Italian for the Mongoose, known for its quickness and its ability to fight and kill venomous snakes, particularly Cobras.
The Mangusta features a long, low hood line, a compact yet comfortable cabin and an abrupt cut-off Kamm tail rear—trademark styling of other late 1960s and 1970s mid-engined supercars such as the Lamborghini Miura and the Maserati Bora. Abundant power and torque were supplied thanks to an ultra-dependable, mid-mounted, 4.9-liter, 302 CID Ford engine. While the Mangusta was capable of the supercar performance levels of the Lamborghini Miura and the Maserati Bora, the Mangusta was also known for its effortless torque at both low and high speeds and ultra-low-cost maintenance. Thanks to a low center of gravity, decent weight distribution, minimal weight on the front end, a bullet-proof 5-speed ZF transaxle, a powerful clutch and adequate A/C, the Mangusta is user-friendly, easy to drive, predictable, balanced and forgiving. The lightweight small-block Ford 302 was mounted deep in the chassis, permitting the sweeping rear profile, while lots of rubber on the ground meant great handling.
As the 332rd of 402 Mangustas built, the Giugiaro design is unquestionably among the most attractive automotive designs of the golden–era of pre–bumper and pre–smog Italian exotics. Only 43–inches tall, the flowing body line and the centrally–hinged gullwing engine covers made a spectacular presentation. Fully restored, well sorted and highly detailed, this Mangusta is stunningly good looking and ready–to–go or to–show. Mechanically as new, this 1970 year model Mangusta avoids the smog pumps, side marker lights and ugly rubber bumpers which blemished other exotics of the later 1970s. As one of the last Mangusta’s built, Mangusta s/n 8MA 1066 has the more attractive pop-up headlights and has been updated with a well sorted all-new A/C system. We have several hundred photos which show the restoration in progress, e-mail us for copies. We also have several hundred pages of receipts which have not yet been scanned in
This is a great opportunity to acquire an obsessively detailed, absolutely rust free, fully-sorted and serviced Mangusta in fully restored mechanical and cosmetic condition. It is a structurally excellent example that makes a strong cosmetic impression and delivers exceptional performance, retaining the purity of the early 1970s cars. Because it is a 1970 year model, it is smog-exempt in the people’s smog-free Republic of California and most other states. This is a stunning Mangusta in a very elegant light silver metallic on Cuioio combo that offers a massive amount of bang for the buck and, thanks to a 3,000 hour plus obsessive restoration and detail, will not disappoint. Has only 25,123 total miles. Please click on the links to the walk-around video and the driving video. Priced to sell at $375,000 or best offer.
