1970 DeTomaso Mangusta GT Coupe

Alejandro de Tomaso, born in Argentina, produced his first car in 1963, the Vallelunga. It was a mid-engine, coupe wearing coachwork by Ghia and powered by a Ford engine. In total, there were about 52 examples produced. A few years later, in 1967, de Tomaso developed the Vallelunga into the Ford V8-powered Mangusta, helped by Carroll Shelby. The design was courtesy of Giorgio Giugiaro and bodies built by Ghia. The Mangusta followed the concept of Eric Broadley's Lola MK6, which would evolve into the legendary Ford GT40.

The Mangusta was powered by a Ford engine placed mid-ship, with a rear transaxle and a backbone chassis. The 302 cubic-inch Ford V8 engine is visible under two almost horizontal clamshell rear windows and delivers 230 horsepower. The car can race from zero-to-sixty in 6.3 seconds and through a quarter-mile in 15 seconds. The top speed is 155 mph.

This example is finished in red and has a black leather interior. It has been carefully maintained in a climate-controlled garage in Hawaii. It is one of only about 400 Mangustas built between 1967 and 1971.

In 2010, the car was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $90,000 - $120,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $110,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010