1972 De Tomaso Mangusta (by Ghia)
The striking 1972 De Tomaso Mangusta stands as a rare Italian sports car creation from Argentinian racing driver Alejandro de Tomaso. Its main highlight was center-hinged, two-section hood panels that opened like gullwing doors, covering both engine and luggage compartments. Production ran from 1967 to 1971, with only 401 examples built total – approximately 150 for Europe and the remainder for North America.
European models featured the more powerful Ford 289 cubic inch V8 connected to a five-speed ZF dogleg pattern gearbox. With a wheelbase of 98 inches and overall length of 168 inches, these cars could reach a top speed of 155 mph. The name “Mangusta,” Italian for mongoose, was chosen as a jab at the Shelby Cobra.
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