1196

This is a 1970 build date 4-headlight variant Mangusta model.

Color = Red

Version: Mangusta Speciale
Chassis: 8MA 1196
Engine: TBC
Headlights: Four
Year built: 1969
Exterior: Orange & Black
Interior: Black
First owner: Eugene Bordinat, USA

History:
Originally built for Eugene Bordinat, auto design magnate for the Ford Motor Company. Bordinat served as Ford’s Vice President of Styling for over thirty years and is especially remembered for the incredibly successful Mustang. While developing Pantera prototypes together at Ghia’s studio in Italy, Bordinat and Alejandro De Tomaso personally supervised the bespoke enhancements and building of this particular vehicle. The unique modifications carried out by Ghia included an integral wraparound chin spoiler, a black vinyl-padded nose band and unique front and rear grille treatments.

Other features included streamlined exterior mirrors, heated rear windows, deep-pile interior carpet, Michelin XWX tyres and a custom collapsible spare. Imported into the US by Bordinat himself and cherished throughout his life, it was known to be proudly driven with gloved hands to his design studio in Dearborn, Michigan, only on the most perfect of days. Originally finished in a stunning two-tone orange and black paint scheme, at some stage this was replaced in favour of red. Although started regularly since 1982, 8MA 1196 was barely been driven at all over the next 23 years. After the death of Mr Bordinat in 1987, it resided in the collection of two owners, before being offered by PI Motorsports at 3168 miles.

We are very honored to be able to offer this most important Mangusta. This car is in the same league as the one-off Mangusta Spider and the prototipo in exclusitivity. In addition, the original owner was Mr. Eugene Bordinat, Jr. Mr. Bordinat was the world famous auto design magnate for Ford Motor Company and this was his prize possession. Mr. Bordinat served as the Vice President of Styling – Worldwide for Ford and was so employed for over thirty years. He was responsible for the design of all Ford and Lincoln Mercury vehicles; but is especially remembered for his design of the elegant Town Car, the Mustang, and incredibly successful Lincoln Mark Series.
This two owner vehicle was imported into the US by Mr. Bordinat himself and cherished throughout his life. It was known to be proudly driven with gloved hands to his design studio in Dearborn, Michigan only on the most perfect of days.
While developing Pantera prototypes together at Ghia Studios in Italy; both Mr. Bordinat and Alejandro DeTomaso personally supervised the Ghia Studio custom prototype redesigning, and building of this particular vehicle. This was during the time period of Ford’s courtship of DeTomaso by Mr. Bordinat on Ford’s behalf, leading to the eventual Pantera program.
This unique car is different in many respects from a stock Mangusta. A Ghia factory photo of this car appears on page 42 of Matt Stone’s Pantera Buyer’s Guide.

The unique features found on this Mangusta include:

Factory installed, integral front fender air spoiler

Completely newly designed front and rear grills

Integral streamlined black vinyl padded front nose guard

Sleek, exterior door mirrors

Upgraded interior cockpit carpet

Michelin XWX tires

Custom collapsible spare

Rear wing glass defoggers

Enhanced, brilliant, Ferrari red paint

This car was garaged since the death of Mr. Bordinat in 1987. The vehicle was barely driven at all after 1982. At that time this car was rated at 97 points out of 100 and felt to be in prime condition. The car has since obviously aged. After Mr. Bordinat’s death, the car was moved to California where it was garaged until the sale, six years ago to its present collector owner. The mileage shown is believed to be original. This car would not ordinarily be offered for sale to the public in that it was a prototype. The original vanity license plates are still on the car. The car has been started regularly but not seen any significant street use. This is a very special, museum type car that would be suitable for display at Pebble Beach or other shows due to its important history.

The car is not perfect and has not been restored, however, with very modest work, the car could be brought up to like new condition.

Pricing  $85,995.95