04/03/2026
In the mid-1960s, when the scent of gasoline and ambition hung heavily in the air, Italian industrialist Alejandro de Tomaso was on the verge of unveiling his new sports car to the world: the De Tomaso Mangusta. Low, sharply styled, and featuring two distinctive engine hatches that opened like wings, the Mangusta was everything De Tomaso wanted it to represent — elegance with a biting edge.
But behind the design lay a story of collaboration and conflict with American racer and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby.
In the mid-1960s, Shelby was searching for a new mid-engined sports car to follow up on the success of his AC Cobra. He saw potential in De Tomaso’s early prototype, the P70. The deal seemed simple: Italian flair combined with American V8 power. However, while Shelby pushed for speed and pragmatism, De Tomaso focused on design, prestige, and control.
The partnership soon began to clash. Shelby lost patience with delays and changing plans, while De Tomaso refused to be rushed. What started as a joint project ended in silence and frustration. Shelby walked away and directed his energy elsewhere, while De Tomaso continued developing the concept into the Mangusta.
The name “Mangusta” — Italian for mongoose — was no coincidence. The animal is known as the natural enemy of the cobra. Many saw it as a playful, perhaps even pointed, reference to Shelby’s famous Cobra. Whether it was revenge, humor, or pure marketing, the message was clear: De Tomaso would follow his own path.
Thus, the Mangusta became more than just a sports car; it became a symbol of pride and determination — an Italian exotic with an American heart, born from a partnership that did not endure, yet still made history.
We currently have 2 of the 401 examples ever built in our workshop.
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