1971 DeTomaso Mangusta
Presentation
This 1971 DeTomaso Mangusta is one of 401 examples manufactured during four years of production and is one of approximately 150 built for the European market. Chassis 8MA1276 was first registered in Germany and in 1975 was sold in Sweden, where it remained until being purchased by the seller in 2014. The car subsequently underwent a refurbishment by Concept et Restauration Bonnefoy that included body repairs, a repaint in burgundy, and the installation of a 302ci aluminum-block Ford V8 as well as rebuilds of the ZF five-speed manual transaxle and running gear. Features include power-assisted disc brakes, adjustable coilover independent suspension, 15” Campagnolo alloy wheels, fixed quad headlights, black leather interior upholstery with cloth seat inserts, air conditioning, and power windows. This Mangusta is now offered in Paris, France, with a copy of its factory build sheets, invoices from the refurbishment under current ownership totaling over €200k, its removed engine, and French registration.
Development of the Mangusta arose from the remnants of an ill-fated Can-Am design project initiated under a partnership between Alejandro de Tomaso and Carroll Shelby, the latter of whom retreated from the agreement before completion of the prototype. The P70 prototype’s underpinnings were instead used as the basis for DeTomaso’s second production car, which was named after the mongoose, a small carnivorous mammal known for preying on cobras. Featuring bodywork designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ghia over a backbone chassis, the Mangusta debuted at the 1966 Turin Motor Show before entering production the following year.
Originally finished in Grigio Argento, this example was stripped to bare metal and underwent bodywork before a repaint in its current shade of burgundy during work by Concept et Restauration Bonnefoy between 2022 and 2023. Brightwork was re-plated or polished during the project, and body seals were replaced. Features include fixed quad headlights, round side markers, a driver-side mirror, a mesh rear grille, quad exhaust outlets, and gullwing-style engine compartment doors, the latter of which incorporate rectangular glass panels, rear vents, quarter windows, and side louvers.
Campagnolo wheels are wrapped in staggered Pirelli Cinturato tires that were mounted in November 2025. Stopping is handled by power-assisted disc brakes that were overhauled during the refurbishment that was performed by RaceLab 1 in Magny-Cours, France, between 2019 and 2024, with work including replacement of the master cylinder and rebuilds of the calipers. The steering rack was also rebuilt during the project.
The door panels, dashboard, and other interior surfaces were re-trimmed during the refurbishment with the exception of the bucket seats, which retain black leather and cloth upholstery. Dynamat sound-insulation material was added during the project under replacement black carpeting. Additional features include a gated shifter, headrests, shoulder belts, a lockable glovebox, power windows, and air conditioning, the last of which was refreshed and updated during the refurbishment.
The Ferrero three-spoke steering wheel features a wood- and leather-trimmed rim and frames Veglia Borletti instrumentation including a 300-km/h speedometer and a tachometer with a 5,900-rpm redline. The five-digit odometer shows 44k kilometers (~27k miles), approximately 50 of which have been added since completion of the refurbishment. Auxiliary instruments include a clock and gauges monitoring oil pressure, oil temperature, amperage, coolant temperature, and fuel level.
Bids & Comments
J2W (The Seller) 7
Oct 1, 2026 · 15:46
@bigchachu I confirm the 10% importation into the USA. Here is the link and I have a separate confirmation from the broker: https://www.wcshipping.com/blog/what-duties-do-i-pay-today-on-classic-car-imports
Oct 1, 2026 · 15:40
These are just so awesome.
Having seen one some 40 odd years ago in a customer's garage in GA when i was there to pick up a VIP Espada, is still fresh in my mind.
Having seen one some 40 odd years ago in a customer's garage in GA when i was there to pick up a VIP Espada, is still fresh in my mind.
Oct 1, 2026 · 15:05
@J2W Sure, I found it online - CBP ruling, NY N352283, dated August 15, 2025. I also misspoke - it was a Ferrari 348 and not a 328.
J2W (The Seller)
Sep 30, 2026 · 22:08
@bigchachu Thank you for the clarification. Could you please share the CBP ruling number or link for the Ferrari 328? In parallel, I will seek written assessments from the two firms I mentioned, covering this Mangusta’s classification and the tariff rules applicable at entry. I will report back
Sep 29, 2026 · 11:59
Who can resist a beautiful Italian exotic with an American engine and fine transmission? GLWTA!
Sep 29, 2026 · 09:43
@J2W Sorry, certainly not trying to derail an auction for such a great car! Below is a summary of both conversations, and I was told there was a recent CBP ruling on a Ferrari 328 that codified the below. As always, others should do their own diligence and perhaps attempt to navigate the exemption route you outlined. - Normal HTS 8703 duty: 2.5%
- Because it's over 25 years old, it is exempt from the additional 25% Section 232 auto tariff under 9903.94.04. - BUT the EU reciprocal-tariff rules still apply. For EU goods whose normal duty is below 15%, an additional duty brings the aggregate tariff to 15%.
- Because it's over 25 years old, it is exempt from the additional 25% Section 232 auto tariff under 9903.94.04. - BUT the EU reciprocal-tariff rules still apply. For EU goods whose normal duty is below 15%, an additional duty brings the aggregate tariff to 15%.
J2W (The Seller)
Sep 29, 2026 · 06:42
@bigchachu why HTSUS 9903.94.04 would not apply to a 1971 EU-origin passenger vehicle. CBP expressly provides a 0% Section 232 rate for vehicles manufactured at least 25 years before the year of entry. Since July 24, 2026, HTSUS 9903.05.39 appears to bring EU goods with a Column 1 rate below 10% to a combined 10%, which would suggest a 10% total duty maximum. See West Coast Shipping and Allied Customs Brokerage. Meeks, Sheppard, Leo and Pillsbury seem to have obtained exemptions for some cars
Sep 28, 2026 · 20:26
As a follow-up to my earlier comment, I spoke with 2 customs brokers today and both contend all Euro imports, regardless of age, are now subject to a 15% tax.
Sep 28, 2026 · 15:44
what mammal willingly terrorizes, and can defeat, a Cobra?
Sep 28, 2026 · 14:01
"Mangoooosta!" Even uttering the car's name invokes chills! GLWTA!!!!
Sep 28, 2026 · 07:04
@J2W
Interpretation:
“The De Tomaso Mangusta’s suspension geometry offers surgical precision on smooth surfaces thanks to solutions derived from racing. He also noted that the dynamic handling was influenced by the very pronounced weight distribution over the rear axle, varying from 56% to over 60% depending on the version. Finally, the vehicle’s stability at speeds reaching 250 km/h remained remarkable in a straight line, while describing the overall mid-rear engine architecture as an appealing experiment.”
Interpretation:
“The De Tomaso Mangusta’s suspension geometry offers surgical precision on smooth surfaces thanks to solutions derived from racing. He also noted that the dynamic handling was influenced by the very pronounced weight distribution over the rear axle, varying from 56% to over 60% depending on the version. Finally, the vehicle’s stability at speeds reaching 250 km/h remained remarkable in a straight line, while describing the overall mid-rear engine architecture as an appealing experiment.”
J2W (The Seller)
Sep 28, 2026 · 03:19
@theOMDude and sorry the article was first published in Autocar, so you may find it in English
J2W (The Seller)
Sep 28, 2026 · 03:06
@theOMDude here is an extract from the article originaly published in French: "la géométrie des suspensions de la De Tomaso Mangusta offre une précision chirurgicale sur chaussée lisse grâce à des solutions dérivées de la course. Il a également noté que le comportement dynamique était influencé par la répartition des masses très marquée sur l'essieu arrière, variant de 56 % à plus de 60 % selon les versions. Enfin, la stabilité du véhicule à des vitesses atteignant 250 km/h demeurait remarquable en ligne droite, tout en qualifiant l'architecture générale de moteur central-arrière de tentative séduisante
J2W (The Seller)
Sep 28, 2026 · 01:08
@phavriluk 85KG shaved in the right place
Sep 28, 2026 · 00:53
@J2W. Was that the Road & Track Road Test? I believe that was the first magazine road test to publish a skidpad G-force stat.
J2W (The Seller)
Sep 28, 2026 · 00:46
@theOMDude Indeed with original set up the bell housing is stressed! but here the car seats high enough to roll over bumps without concern
J2W (The Seller)
Sep 28, 2026 · 00:28
@jhonnyb11 yes aluminium engine (yet conform to original) shaves weight (-85kg) all togehter but most importantly it greatly improved front/rear weight balance, one issue discussed when car was launched. The Mangusta is one the most underated car for its handling. Just need the proper driver (see Paul Frere's review). Aluminium also helps cooling
Sep 28, 2026 · 00:22
To the next custodian (assuming it meets reserve), my dad insured his as a “Ford Mangusta.” I’m not sure how that worked out when it got T-boned by some distracted driver in a parking lot. These are VERY low cars.
J2W (The Seller)
Sep 27, 2026 · 23:38
@bigchachu For a 1971 Mangusta, the additional Section 232 automotive tariff does not apply: vehicles over 25 years old are expressly exempt under HTSUS 9903.94.04. More interestingly, a rare, historically significant car may qualify for duty-free importation under HTSUS 9705.10.00. European-spec Mangusta is one of approximately 150 produced, with its original engine and complete documented history from factory. Worth exploring this classification with a US customs broker and obtaining a CBP binding ruling.
Sep 27, 2026 · 18:50
Q for someone who has actually imported a car from the EU recently - is the rate on classics up to 12.5% as well or does the legacy 2.5% stand?
Sep 27, 2026 · 16:32
Magnifico!
Sep 27, 2026 · 15:34
Dad’s was Fly Yellow. Sexiest-looking car ever. How does that willowy chassis handle all that power?
Sep 27, 2026 · 12:14
This Resto is just beautiful. All aluminum engine must help handling big time. GL
Sep 27, 2026 · 10:55
@YaRight Yes, production of the two overlapped for less than a year, from late 1970 to mid 1971.
Sep 26, 2026 · 09:03
Since this is a 1971, were they produced concurrently with the Pantera? I thought the Pantera was the successor to the Mangusta? Spectacular build!
Sep 26, 2026 · 04:39
Curiosity question: Any idea how much weight was saved by the engine swap?
rmessner
Bid
Sep 26, 2026 · 04:31
Bid in the amount of $100,000
Sep 26, 2026 · 04:19
WOW!!!! DRIVING DOWN THE CHAMS IN PARIS MUST BE A DELIGHTj
Sep 26, 2026 · 03:05
Love how simple but expressive the front view is - four round lights and a square-ish mesh grille and that's it.
Sep 25, 2026 · 15:50
Tres Bien !!! Beautiful Mangusta! Worth the effort of a foreign purchase and all that entails! GLWTA
jcole
Bid
Sep 25, 2026 · 15:34
Bid in the amount of $25,000
Sep 25, 2026 · 15:05
This burgundy Mangusta is magnifique. What a superb offering. V. cool. GLWTA!
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