De Tomaso Mangusta, 1970
€280,120 | Sold • French title in process • European version • Almost €200,000 spent on restoration and upgrades • Exceptionnal condition • Only 401 examples manufactured As stated on its factory production sheet, this Mangusta was sold new in Europe to a Mr. Schultz in 1971. After going back to the factory for a service in January 1972 (as indicated in the file), it was sold in Sweden in 1975, where it remained until the mid-2010s. In 2014, its current owner (a connoisseur and collector of De Tomaso cars) was able to acquire it. He then proceeded to carry out a full and high-quality restoration, making modifications to correct the car's original defects and adapt it to modern driving conditions. With the aim of transforming the car's performance, the first step was to remove the original matching-numbers Ford V8 302 engine (and keep it alongside the car) and then replace it with an equivalent Ford V8 with an aluminium block, custom-designed by a former Oreca engine specialist. Power increases from 306 hp and 40 Nm to 431 hp and 57 Nm. Thus equipped, the car weighs only about 1,100 kg while improving the original weight distribution. While aluminium provides better cooling, attention to detail has continued with a high-end ceramic treatment of the exhausts to limit heat radiation. The car has been greatly improved, becoming the most powerful in its class at the time. Comfort has also been enhanced with modern thermal/acoustic insulation and powerful air conditioning. All this has been achieved while strictly respecting the original appearance, making the car both a concours d'elegance contender and a successful supercar. The bodywork was restored by Concept et Restauration Bonnefoy, whose quality of work needs no introduction; it was painted in its superb colour, in accordance with the colours offered for this model in period. The running gear was restored and the upholstery was redone while preserving components that could be saved in order to maintain a certain patina. An extensive file of invoices is included with this superb example, which is certainly one of the most beautiful and undoubtedly one of the best performing models available on the market, thanks to the contribution of France's leading specialists and their in-depth knowledge of the model. Its user-friendliness and comfort conceal its beastly performance. Strictly speaking, this is the culmination of De Tomaso and Giugiaro's project: the Mangusta's sublime design, combined with high-performance engineering, a balanced chassis and superior comfort on board. A synthesis that you will only find in this example. Please note the French title is in process and will be delivered as soon as possible after the sale to the buyer. Please note that the cast iron engine that comes with the car must be collected by the buyer at their own expense from the owner. Photos © Kevin Van Campenhout https://www.artcurial.com/en/sales/6446/lots/51-a
