The Mangusta: A Rare and Gorgeous Italian Exotic Car
The Mangusta, a rare and gorgeous Italian exotic car, has recently sold for $433K, making it a hot topic in the automotive world. This car is a true gem, and its sale has sparked interest in its history and unique features. In this article, I will delve into the story of the Mangusta, its design, and its impact on the automotive industry.
The Mangusta's Genesis
The Mangusta's story begins with Alejandro DeTomaso, an Argentinean racing enthusiast who moved to Italy in the mid-1950s. He started his own company, DeTomaso Automobili, and initially focused on racing cars. However, after a few years of mixed results, he pivoted to building road cars. The first effort was the Vallelunga, a fiberglass-bodied coupe designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and produced by Ghia. The Vallelunga was a success, and its key ingredients, including the chassis, Ford engine, and Giugiaro's design, would carry over to the Mangusta.
The Mangusta's Design
The Mangusta was born out of a partnership with Carroll Shelby in 1965, but the collaboration fell apart before it got off the ground. DeTomaso was left with a chassis made to swallow a V-8 engine, and he soon got to work on his Cobra killer. The Mangusta's design was already in hand, thanks to Giugiaro, who had created a 43-inch-high exotic mid-engine fiberglass body for Iso. The car's showpiece feature was its centrally hinged gullwing engine covers, which allowed access to the small-block Ford engine beneath. The Mangusta's chassis was never quite up to its billing, and handling could be tricky as you approached the limit.
The Mangusta's Impact
The Mangusta is considered one of Giugiaro's finest designs, even if it wasn't originally intended for DeTomaso. It represents a unique blend of Italian style and American engineering. The car's rarity, with only 401 built, adds to its allure. Mangustas don't show up for sale all that often, and this particular example, with its dark blue color and gunmetal Campagnolo magnesium wheels, is a stunning addition to any collection.
The Mangusta's Sale
The Mangusta that sold for $433K was owned by the same seller since 2003. In their care, the car had its red leather upholstery redone in 2005, and the headliner and bulkhead trimmed to match five years ago. The engine was rebuilt in 2006 with aluminum heads and upgraded internals, and many ancillary bits have been installed to aid ease of use or for pure badassery. The floorpans were replaced in 2017, and the A/C has been converted to R134a. The odometer shows 55,000 miles, with just 6,000 of those coming under the seller's tenure.
In my opinion, the Mangusta is a true gem that represents one of Giugiaro's finest designs. Its rarity and unique features make it a desirable addition to any collection. The sale of this particular example for $433K is a testament to its allure and the enduring appeal of Italian exotic cars. Personally, I think the Mangusta is a car that deserves more recognition and appreciation, and its sale has sparked a renewed interest in its story and legacy.
