Rare 1969 De Tomaso Mangusta Up for Auction on Bring a Trailer

A rare 1969 De Tomaso Mangusta, a striking example of automotive design and history, has surfaced for auction on Bring a Trailer. This low-slung coupé, one of only 401 produced between 1967 and 1971, stands as a testament to De Tomaso’s ambitious foray into the sports car market.

The Mangusta’s creation is rooted in a failed collaboration with legendary automotive designer Carroll Shelby. In 1964, Alejandro de Tomaso and Shelby aimed to develop a race car, the P70, for the U.S. Road Racing Championship. The P70 was to combine the chassis of De Tomaso’s first street-legal model, the Vallelunga, with a powerful 427-cubic-inch Ford small-block V-8. However, production delays led Shelby to abandon the project and pivot to the Ford GT40.

Refusing to let the project die, De Tomaso reimagined the P70 as a road car, resulting in the Mangusta, named after the mongoose, an animal known for its ability to kill cobras. This name was a subtle nod to Shelby’s famous Cobra. The Mangusta featured a Shelby-tuned V-8 engine and a stunning wedge-shaped design by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who had recently left Bertone.

The example up for auction is finished in an elegant silver with a luxurious tan leather interior. Despite its cramped two-seat cabin, the Mangusta’s interior exudes a timeless allure. Under the gullwing-like engine bay doors lies a 302-cubic-inch V-8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor and Offenhauser intake manifold, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. This setup delivers 230 horsepower to the rear wheels, promising an exhilarating drive.

With only 24,000 miles on the odometer, this Mangusta is in excellent condition. It underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2012 and has been meticulously serviced over the past two years, ensuring it remains in peak running order.

As of now, bidding has reached $175,000, significantly surpassing its original $11,500 sticker price and reflecting the high value collectors place on this rare model. The auction is set to close on Friday, May 24, and the final price is expected to climb even higher.

This 1969 De Tomaso Mangusta represents a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of automotive history, blending exceptional design with a storied past.