The 1960s marked an era of unprecedented automotive innovation, where designers and engineers worked tirelessly to push the boundaries of speed, performance, and style. Among the iconic cars of the decade, the 1968 De Tomaso Mangusta stands out as an exceptional example of Italian design fused with American muscle. This car, created by Argentine-Italian entrepreneur Alejandro De Tomaso, was not just a rival to some of the most iconic sports cars of the time; it was a revolutionary blend of performance and aesthetic appeal. The Mangusta continues to captivate car enthusiasts worldwide, and the 1968 model, in particular, has left a lasting legacy in the world of classic cars.
Introduction: The Legacy of the De Tomaso Mangusta
The De Tomaso Mangusta was not merely a car; it was a symbol of innovation and ambition. Alejandro De Tomaso’s vision for the Mangusta was bold: to compete with the likes of the Shelby Cobra and Lamborghini Miura. De Tomaso, whose previous creations had already made a mark on the automotive world, knew that to stand out in the competitive world of sports cars, he needed to combine the best of Italian design and American engineering. The Mangusta was born out of that vision—a car that had the elegance and craftsmanship of Italy, but the raw power of an American V8 engine.
Video
Check out the video to discover the fearsome Italian supercar time forgot – the DeTomaso Mangusta!
The Birth of the De Tomaso Mangusta
The De Tomaso Mangusta was unveiled at the 1966 Turin Motor Show and quickly captured the attention of automotive enthusiasts. The car was named after the mongoose, an animal known for its agility and ability to take on a cobra, making it a fitting choice for De Tomaso’s rivalry with Shelby.
Interestingly, Carroll Shelby, the man behind the iconic Cobra, had originally been involved in the P70 project, which would eventually lead to the creation of the Mangusta. However, the partnership between Shelby and De Tomaso fell through, and De Tomaso proceeded independently with the development of the Mangusta.
The 1968 De Tomaso Mangusta featured a design by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, who was working with the coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia at the time. The design of the Mangusta was bold, with sharp, angular lines and a low, wide stance that gave it an aggressive yet refined look. The car was a perfect representation of De Tomaso’s vision—striking, powerful, and ready to take on the best.
The 1968 De Tomaso Mangusta: A Closer Look
The 1968 Mangusta was the epitome of Italian styling. Its most notable feature was the unique gullwing-style engine covers, which allowed access to the engine and luggage compartment from both sides of the car. This striking design element not only served a functional purpose but also enhanced the car’s overall aesthetic appeal.
The 1968 model also featured the dual headlight arrangement, which set it apart from other sports cars of the era. The car’s low profile, paired with its aggressive design, made it a visual masterpiece that captured the imagination of car enthusiasts everywhere.
Engineering and Performance: The Heart of the 1968 Mangusta
Under the sleek Italian coachwork, the 1968 De Tomaso Mangusta was powered by an American muscle engine: the Ford V8. Early models were equipped with a 289 cubic-inch (4.7-liter) HiPo engine, producing around 306 horsepower. Later models were fitted with a larger 302 cubic-inch (5.0-liter) V8, producing between 230 and 330 horsepower, depending on the specific version. This combination of Italian design and American power gave the Mangusta impressive performance figures for its time.
With a top speed of approximately 155 mph (250 km/h) and acceleration from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in under 6 seconds, the Mangusta was a force to be reckoned with. However, while the car’s performance was exceptional, its handling received mixed reviews. The Mangusta had a rearward weight bias, which made it challenging to handle at the car’s limits. Drivers who mastered the car could push it to its full potential, but those less experienced with its handling characteristics could find themselves in trouble.
Styling Evolution and Giugiaro’s Influence
Giorgetto Giugiaro’s design work on the Mangusta cemented his reputation as one of the greatest automotive designers of all time. His sharp, angular lines and the car’s low, wide stance were revolutionary at the time, setting the Mangusta apart from its contemporaries. The gullwing-style engine covers and the bold rear design were not only functional but also visually stunning, making the car instantly recognizable.
Giugiaro’s influence on the Mangusta’s design was significant, as he was responsible for many of the car’s key styling features. His work on the Mangusta would later be echoed in his designs for other iconic cars, such as the Maserati Ghibli and the Fiat Dino.
The Legacy of the 1968 De Tomaso Mangusta
The 1968 De Tomaso Mangusta may not have reached the same levels of fame as the Ferrari 250 GTO or Lamborghini Miura, but it remains a highly sought-after classic today. Its blend of Italian styling and American muscle, along with its limited production—only 401 units were made between 1967 and 1971—has made it a prized possession for collectors. The Mangusta’s rarity and striking design ensure that it holds a special place in automotive history.
The car’s legacy extends beyond its production years. The Mangusta’s influence can be seen in later De Tomaso models, most notably the Pantera. The Mangusta set the stage for the Pantera’s success, which would go on to become one of De Tomaso’s most famous and enduring creations. The Mangusta’s success, however limited in terms of production numbers, demonstrated that De Tomaso could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the greatest names in automotive design.
The De Tomaso Mangusta’s Enduring Popularity
Today, the De Tomaso Mangusta is a highly collectible classic. Its combination of Italian design and American engineering has made it a favorite among automotive enthusiasts, and it regularly changes hands for sums well into the six figures. The car’s appeal lies not only in its stunning looks but also in its performance, rarity, and the unique fusion of two cultures that created it.
Collectors and car enthusiasts alike admire the Mangusta for its bold styling and performance, and it has become a symbol of the golden era of sports car design. Whether on display at a classic car show or tearing down a winding road, the Mangusta continues to turn heads and inspire admiration.
Video
Watch the video to see the 1971 De Tomaso Pantera featured on Jay Leno’s Garage!
Conclusion: A Timeless Classic in the World of Sports Cars
The 1968 De Tomaso Mangusta is more than just a sports car; it’s a testament to the vision of Alejandro De Tomaso and the brilliance of Giorgetto Giugiaro. With its bold styling, powerful engine, and limited production, the Mangusta remains an icon in the world of classic cars. Its legacy continues to thrive, as collectors and enthusiasts continue to appreciate its unique blend of Italian craftsmanship and American muscle. The Mangusta may have been designed to compete with the likes of the Shelby Cobra, but in doing so, it carved out its own place in the annals of automotive history.
