I have had this car for nearly 40 years. It was a good driving, mechanically strong car with 25,270 miles when the decision was made to do a color change in 1986. The doors were dip stripped which revealed the need to rebuild the lower edge of the door, which has been done by a pro. I was going to replace the floor and rockers myself as these are very simple, but that is where progress ceased. I always knew the mangusta was a special car and wanted to devote enough time to do the job right, but of course the priorities of life and business intervened. So here it is; it is a tough decision to sell it. It is a complete car. I never did have the spare, jack or toolkit. The interior parts, although dirty from decades in storage, are in good shape, and could be cleaned and used as is. Wheels are in good shape and have the proper Detomaso logo lugs. A new set of repro caps is included. All glass and chrome is good. I am sure all of the hydraulics will need to be gone through, these are easily obtainable parts from common cars. The car is priced at $185k OBO. If there is specifically something you want a photo of let me know and I will try to accommodate. PM me here or call 870-423-2344 ask for Dave.
Ok I need some pictures, sorry for the quality Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Just saw one of these local to me a couple weeks ago and never saw one before. Had I know that projects were worth $$$ I would have tracked the owner down Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
The vin # is 8ma894. I have had a few inquiries as whether the #s match on the motor, but i really doubt if there is any reference anywhere except maybe in the debris of the detomaso factory as to engine casting # to vin#. I will try to get the date code on the engine. As far as originality, there are a couple of items that i know are not- i changed the muffler tips which were rectangular outlets to the twin tube borla tips years ago. There is a holley double pump on the engine, i would imagine it probably came with an autolite carb. Also the previous owner recovered the dash top with some kind of fake suede material, the original was leather. I don't have any history, but iirc the car was from michigan. i purchased the car from a guy in springfield, mo. My wife corrected me that we have only had it for 35 years.
Friggin awesome! $185K for a car that needs a ground up!! I'm going to be looking for the local owner high and low. I want that car!!
Congrats on the sale. If ever there was a car to restore, this one will bring great rewards. They ARE one of the most beautiful automobile designs ever, just head shaking gorgeous cars.
I have an orange car from California as 8MA894, OK here is the Nitti gritty. There are build sheets available, not easy but can be bought. The original block would not have a short VIN stamped on the rear flat spot. DeTomaso stamped the intake so you should find a 302/00105 (+/- range) . ZF should be in the 1250 (+/- range) (I wont give number out for now). Upholstery varies from car to car, some had mousehair dash others leather, some had mousehair tuck & roll headliner and others had a perforated leather, some had 2 piece seats others had one piece fiberglass bucket. Several variety of steering wheels also observed. Many parts are numbered to the car as you go thru it stamped or grease pencil. Congrats on the sale, Wish I was faster on the draw, Would have been fun to restore it. Denis
Some folks (like me) love a project. And, if doing a bulk of the work yourself, this is not even close to a $200k restoration. If all parts are present, I'd say more like $50-75K to do it justice. Of course that means your sweat equity at $1.00 per hour
Near impossible to find. Most restorations cut corners. By having it done yourself you can ensure it is done to the level you want.
