514

1969

Color = white

4-headlight European Mangusta model.

This was a barn find back in 2005 and has been in restoration ever since. According to information that I have been able to accumulate over the years this car started it restoration back in 1990 when after years of tear down and delays the project was abandon. Some work had already been completed but sitting for so many years had surface rust that needed immediate attention. My hopes were to complete the restoration, updating to make a reliable driver.

Knowing some of the misgivings of the Mangusta and learning more over the years my first project was on our rotisserie to deal with current rust and protect against future rust. The full floor pan had already been replaced, but without protection had surface rust. All rust was removed, sanded to bare metal, treated with rust inhibitors, three coats epoxy primer, three coats evercoat undercoating and topped with enamel to seal out moisture. The inner fender wells, engine compartment, door skins, interior floors, trunk, and firewall were also treated, primed and undercoated. During the process I have been taking pictures of before, during, and after almost all sections.

The body is very straight, I haven’t done much body work except to block sand and primer. The rear wings or engine cover will need some good body work. Only the earliest Mangusta’s came with steel wings all others were aluminum. Because these are steel they have rusted through in a couple of places and a proper repair would be to reskin a couple of small pieces. I have included a picture where one of these pieces has been cut out. This is a job for a good body man, not me. I have included many pictures showing body panels.

Engine

Only a very few early Mangusta’s came with the 289 cu.in. Ford H.P. The short story is that DeTomaso had made arrangements with Carroll Shelby to buy Ford Engines, the 289 V-8 used in the Cobra. It didn’t set well with Shelby when they announced the name Mangusta, (Mongoose) or Cobra killer. Shelby was p—– off so from that point on all Mangusta’s received stock 302 cu. in. engines.

This 289 has been completely reworked. Bored .030 oversize, TRW pistons and Rings, Crank turned .010 mains .010 rods. New crane mild hyd cam, new hyd lifters, HD push rods, Crane roller rockers, double roller chain and gears, original heads replaces with Edlebrock Aluminum Heads, Aluminum flywheel, clutch disc, pressure plate, t.o. bearing. All moving parts were professionally balanced by Arenson Machine Shop. Other additional engine items included are new pro comp Coil, new pro C.D.I. ignition system PC2015, new pro comp distributer, cap and rotor, HEI plug wires. New Ceramic coated Headers, New ANSA original Mufflers, New Aluminum Valve Covers, New 9qt ARPans oil pan (built especially for Mangusta), New Edlebrock high flow aluminum water pump. The original parts that came off engine also go with it, (complete heads, dist, coil, oil pan, carbuater, air filter.

Transmission

The transmission is a ZF 5speed, the trans looks like it might have bottomed out, very common as many others have also. The case was cracked, it’s my understanding from previous owner that it was sent to ZF repair shop, case welded, resealed and setup, safety wired ring gear, and has not been used since. I opened it up and everything looks excellent inside, like new. Turns very smooth and goes through gears as it should. The drive shafts or stub shaft have also been rebuilt and painted.

Suspension
Front suspension has been completely rebuilt, ball joints, bushings, shocks looked to have just been replaced (Monroe Adjustable) control arms and most other parts powder coated, springs tested and powder coated. see pics.

Rear Suspension has been completly gone through, powder coated, uprights powder coated all new bearings installed endplay checked and torqued. see pics.

Wheels and tires,

These are not the original wheels! I’ve been asked this a couple of times. Before I bought the car the owner deceided to change things around, to do so he had to change rear axles and front hubs to adapt to 6 pin knock off wheels, I believe they were looking for a period correct racing style. The wheels are from that exact period, these are wheels from the GT40 series. Halibrand Magnezim Wheels and Goodyear tires. Very hard to find and very expensive. This comes with the 4 wheels on the car and 1 spare, 5 wheels and tires total. I do not have the original Campy wheels. I have gone back and forth with this so I have an extra set of stock 4 lug axles and front hubs, it wouldn’t be very hard to switch back. I really like the wheels and have had the same coment from other owners.

Interior

The interior is Black Leather, the dash seems to be in good condition, no rips or cracks. All guages are italian and metric, no broken glass and very readable. The seats, door panels, and consul may be useable but I would think must be reupholstered. I was really amazed when we took the carpets out of the packing, they are in very good condition, there are many duplicate pieces which lead me to believe some might be new just sitting around for years. I would reuse much of it. Look at pics.

The windows are all in good condition, please look at pictures. One of the windows were cracked during moving. fortunately it is the window between the cabin and engine compartment. This is a flat piece of glass that any glass shop can cut out, I have saved the original for a template.

There are many extra parts and pieces that I have found over the years, everytime I would see something for sale I would buy it just in case. They all come with the car. Extra fuel tank, trunk compartment pieces, radiator pipes, power brake and master cylinder, ect. I have taken pictures of extra parts and parts that still need to be installed. Pictures of all weather striping and seals.

I have tried my best to describe all the hard work that has gone into this project, but I want everyone to understand that there is still much to be done. I’ve seen many Mangusta’s bought that needed complete restoration before they could get back on the road, much of this is already done.

Shipping I will do what ever I can to help with your shipping needs, If you live on the west coast or can take delivery on the west coast I will be available to deliver. I have truck and car trailer if that helps.

I do recommend that if you have a way to inspect the car or have a knowledgable person to inspect for you I will make myself available.

I do reserve the right to cancel this listing at any time due to being listed elsewhere.

Note, I have had many emails asking if this Mangusta just needed sanding and paint to be ready for the road. No it still has allot of work to be completed. I’m not trying to fool anyone, and I don’t want anyone to misunderstand.

Some of the items that need to be done, Cooling system parts are included but need to be installed, Airconditioning, wiring (underdash and wiring loom inplace) brake system not installed, door operation system, window regulator and electric windows (parts included), interior, all suspension alignment, clutch hydrolics, sheet metal work engine enclosure, fuel tank and plumbing (Tank included), body work on wings and locks. Speedo cable, shift linkage, insulation, and the list goes on. Yes, there has been allot of work done but still much more needs to be completed. Please understand this, I really want the buyer to be happy that they own such a rare and beautiful Mangusta. Ask all the questions before you bid I have returned many phone calls.

I bought this Mangusta back in 2005 completely disassembled sitting in a barn in Redding Ca. My idea was to just put it back together in good running condition but after doing some research I’ve decided to do a bit more.
Here is what I have done to date 4/05/2007.
1. Body and frame are now on rotisserie, media blasted frame and undercarriage, replaced floor pan, three coats of epoxy primer then two coats of 3M undercoating. Frame has three coats of epoxy primer, sanded and waiting for final paint.
2. Engine. 289 cu in The engine had been recently rebuilt, I was told less than 500 miles, I decided to tear down and look. It was done but not a good job. Engine is now completely redone. Bored .030 over, forged 10.5 to 1 pistons, forged crank and rods, Balanced, Com Cams Hyd cam, Crane roller rockers, Tru Roller chain and sprockets, Center Force clutch, pressure plate and Aluminum Fly wheel, Edlebrock Vic Aluminum Heads, Ford Cobra Aluminum intake, Holley carb. New ceramic coated Headers and Ansa Exhaust, New 10qt. oil pan, all pulleys and shaft powder coated.
3. Transmission, ZF 5 speed, was repaired and rebuilt.
4. Rear suspension, Uprights were machined for new updated sealed bearings and powder coated, stub shafts were machined and new bearings installed. All suspension has been powder coated, bushings replaced, hiem joints inspected and replaced as necessary. new springs and adjustable shocks, Brake calipers rebuilt and new pads, rotors turned, stainless steal brake hoses.
5. Front Suspension. New ball joints and bushings on shelf only.
This is where I am at today, I will update as time goes on.