Alejandro de Tomaso, an Argentine racing driver, met and married Elizabeth ‘Isabelle’ Haskell, the heiress to General Motors founder William C. Durant. Both shared a passion for racing and cars.
Isabelle, an accomplished racing driver, moved to Europe to compete against the world’s best, leaving behind the constraints of racing only against women in the US.
The couple founded De Tomaso Automobili S.p.A., which created exotic sports cars and Formula One vehicles.
In 1966, the De Tomaso Mangusta, designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, debuted at the Turin Motor Show.
It featured an American V8 engine encased in sleek Italian bodywork, establishing the De Tomaso brand’s identity.
1967, the Mangusta entered production, with around 401 cars built until 1971.
Approximately 150 were made for Europe, and the rest for the US market.
The Mangusta’s low, wide stance and unique gullwing doors over the rear engine bay made it one of the most striking cars of its era.
Powered by a Ford V8 engine, the Mangusta could reach a top speed of 155 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its time.
However, its rear-heavy weight distribution led to challenging handling dynamics.
Despite its tricky handling, the Mangusta’s rarity and stunning design have made it a highly sought-after collector’s item today, often fetching six-figure sums at auctions.
Mangusta’s iconic status is further solidified by its appearance in films and television, making it a true cult classic.
In 1971, the De Tomaso Pantera replaced the Mangusta, which offered better handling and became more commercially successful.
The De Tomaso Mangusta remains a symbol of 1960s automotive glamour, combining Italian design with American muscle, and continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts with its unique charm and history.
The Mangusta, which means ‘Mongoose’ in Italian
The name was a cheeky jab at the Cobra, as a mongoose is one of the few animals that can kill a cobra. This likely referenced De Tomaso’s rivalry with Shelby’s Cobra.
