De Tomaso Mangusta (European Specification – Four Headlights)

Chassis no. 8MA1200 | Matching Numbers | Early First-Series Example

One of the most beautiful and charismatic mid-engined GT cars ever created.The De Tomaso Mangusta is widely regarded as one of the all-time great automotive designs, combining Italian sculpture with American V8 power. This particular example — chassis 8MA1200 — stands out as an early European-specification, four-headlight Mangusta, beautifully restored, extensively documented, and long recognised within the international De Tomaso community as one of the finest cars in existence.

Model & Historical Significance

The Mangusta marked a decisive turning point for De Tomaso. It was the company’s first true production GT, its first V8-powered model, and the car that placed Alejandro de Tomaso in direct competition with Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati.

Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro while at Ghia, the Mangusta’s dramatic low profile, flying-buttress rear deck, and twin gullwing engine covers have earned it legendary status. Many designers and historians consider it one of Giugiaro’s most daring and successful early works.

Produced between 1967 and 1971, the Mangusta was built in approximately 401 units, making it one of the rarest production Italian supercars of its era. Today, it is estimated that only 300–320 examples survive worldwide.

Chassis & Specification

• Chassis number: 8MA1200

• Early production, first-series car

• European specification

• Four fixed headlights (not U.S. retractable-headlamp model)

  
  

This configuration is among the most sought-after by collectors, both for purity of design and historical correctness.

Engine, Gearbox & Drivetrain

The Mangusta uses a race-inspired layout closely related to the Ford GT40 powertrain concept:

• Engine: Ford small-block V8

• Displacement: 289 or 302 cu. in. (4.7 or 5.0 L)

• Power output: approx. 305 hp at 6,100 rpm

• Engine numbers: BCB33238 / 302-018 (as documented)

• Gearbox: ZF 5-speed transaxle, no. 1350

• Matching numbers engine & gearbox

  
  

The combination of an American V8 with a ZF transaxle provides formidable performance, mechanical robustness, and a uniquely visceral driving experience — wrapped in Italian grand-touring elegance.

Chassis, Suspension & Brakes

• Central spine chassis derived from the earlier Vallelunga, enlarged for V8 use

• Fully independent suspension

• Four-wheel power disc brakes

• Original Campagnolo magnesium wheels (five wheels present, all in excellent condition)

The Mangusta’s engineering was advanced for its time and remains impressive even by modern standards.

Interior & Equipment

The Mangusta was conceived as a luxurious GT rather than a stripped-out sports car:

• Original interior: seat, dashboard, steering wheel, gearknow, etc

• Leather seats

• Power windows

• Full instrumentation

• Original radio still present

  
  

Despite its dramatic exterior, the cabin offers genuine comfort and usability.

Ownership & History Highlights

• 28 February 1971 – Sold new in Italy, registered in Rome with plate P49701-Roma

• Early 2000s – Underwent a ground-up restoration in Canada under ownerhsip of Clyde Kwok, Wingho Auto Classique (Montreal), an aerodynamics engineer

  • Restoration widely praised within the De Tomaso community

  • Considered at the time one of the finest Mangustas ever restored

• 10 August 2005 – Offered for sale in Québec, Canada

  • Mileage: approx. 48,000 km

  • Described as “Best in Show Concours Winner” and “one of the finest Mangustas available”

• 2007–2010 – Exported to Europe

• 2010 – Offered in the Netherlands, recently imported from Canada

• 2011 – Seen at European classic events and offered at Techno-Classica Essen

• 2012 – Sold via Anamera with approx. 38,557 km

• 2016 – Offered by Thiesen Automobiles, Germany

• 2018 (January) – Acquired by a Brussels-based collector for €340,000

  
  

This car has been followed, discussed, and admired publicly for over two decades, with consistent recognition of its quality.

Restoration Notes & Modifications

The early-2000s restoration was comprehensive and executed to a very high standard. A small number of period-style, non-reversible modifications were made for reliability and usability:

• Jack-shaft removed, compact alternator fitted

• Electronic ignition

• Rear lamps added (first as rear fog lamps, later converted to reverse lights for European regulations)

• Rear suspension cross-member modification for added rigidity

These changes are well-known, documented, and accepted within the De Tomaso community.

Current Condition

• Beautifully presented, straight body

• High-quality restoration holding up extremely well

• Original radio

• Five Campagnolo magnesium wheels in perfect condition

  
  

The car combines show-level presentation with genuine mechanical integrity.

Collectability & Market Position

The De Tomaso Mangusta is increasingly recognised as a severely undervalued supercar of its era. With iconic Giugiaro design, low production numbers, and a Ford-ZF drivetrain shared in philosophy with the GT40, it offers rarity, performance, and drama in equal measure.

Early European-spec, four-headlight examples such as this are among the most desirable Mangustas in existence.

A reference-quality De Tomaso Mangusta — dramatic, rare, and historically significant. Chassis 8MA1200 represents the perfect synthesis of Italian design and American muscle, preserved through a celebrated 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.