The 1970 De Tomaso Mangusta stands as a provocative mid-engine marvel, born from a period of intense rivalry and creative explosion in the automotive world. Named “Mangusta”, the Italian word for mongoose, as a direct jab at the Shelby Cobra, it was Alejandro de Tomaso’s mission to out-style and out-maneuver the competition. Combining the unapologetic reliability of American small-block power with the avant-garde coachwork of Carrozzeria Ghia, the Mangusta remains one of the most exotic and polarizing silhouettes of the 1960s and 70s.
The Geometry of the Silver-Age Supercar
The visual drama of this Mangusta is defined by Giorgetto Giugiaro’s low-slung, needle-sharp profile, finished in an imposing Black that emphasizes its wide, aggressive footprint. This specific chassis features the highly desirable quad-headlamp configuration, a front-end treatment that arguably offers the most balanced look of the entire production run. The car’s signature flourish remains the center-hinged, gullwing-style engine covers, which open to reveal the mechanical heart and storage compartments with unparalleled theater. Rolling on staggered Campagnolo wheels (15×7 front, 15×8 rear), the car retains a period-correct stance that is both elegant and intimidating.
Saddle Leather and Gated Precision
Inside, the cabin is a time capsule of Italian grand touring luxury, draped in its original saddle leather that has aged with remarkable character. The interior ergonomics reflect the car’s competition-inspired roots, positioning the driver low and deep within the chassis for a visceral connection to the road. The centerpiece of the cockpit is the classic gated shifter for the ZF five-speed manual transmission, offering a tactile, mechanical clank with every gear change. While the Mangusta was known for its snug quarters, this example’s excellent interior condition provides a surprisingly refined environment for high-speed continental crossing.
A Torque-Heavy American Heartbeat
Underneath the dramatic Italian skin lies a later-production Ford 302-cubic inch V-8, a choice that ensures this supercar is as maintainable as it is fast. The engine delivers a broad, lazy torque curve that makes the Mangusta an effortless cruiser, yet it remains capable of a 155 mph top speed when the four-barrel carburetor is fully opened. Power is managed via a limited-slip differential and brought to a halt by dual-circuit Girling disc brakes, providing a level of confidence-inspiring stopping power rare for the era. The Ford-sourced powertrain produces 230 hp/233 PS and 310 lb-ft/420 Nm.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.0L Ford 302 V-8 |
| Curb Weight | Estimated |
| 0-60 mph | Under 6 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph |
The Rarity of a 401-Unit Legacy
With an asking price of $399,900, this 1970 De Tomaso Mangusta represents a high-level entry into a very exclusive club, as only 401 examples were ever handcrafted. Marketed as a #3+ “high-level driver,” it offers the perfect balance for the enthusiast who wishes to actually use their investment rather than letting it sit static on a lawn. While the older restoration remains very presentable, its honest condition and lack of prior damage make it a prime candidate for continued preservation or a future high-level freshening. Its status as an early Giugiaro masterpiece ensures it will always have a seat at the table in the world’s most prestigious concours events.
The Collector’s Driver
This chassis has been treated to a life of consistent mechanical care, currently showing 15,017 miles on the odometer. It remains an exceptionally original machine, still carrying its factory-issued jack and tool kit, items often lost to time in lesser examples. As a quad-headlamp, 302-powered car, it sits in the sweet spot of Mangusta collectibility, offering more modern engine internals and the most iconic styling cues. For the collector who values a “no-stories” car with a straight body and a well-sorted mechanical soul, this Mongoose is ready to strike at a moment’s notice.
A Brutalist Masterpiece for the Modern Era
The 1970 De Tomaso Mangusta is a raw, unapologetic statement of intent that continues to captivate designers and drivers alike. It represents a brief, beautiful window where Italian style was allowed to be as wild as the American V-8s that powered it. This example, with its stunning saddle interior and legendary gullwing covers, is a rolling sculpture that demands attention in any collection. It is the definitive “mongoose,” a fierce, rare, and mechanically robust alternative to the more common exotics of the 1970s.
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Source: motorcarclassics.com
