The Fearsome Italian Supercar Time Forgot - DeTomaso Mangusta

Today I drive one of Italy's rarest and most alluring cars.. I first saw it in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill and have been obsessed with it ever since. It was built to take on Carrol Shelby's Cobra and has an intimidating reputation as a bit of a beast to drive.

[@rogerking7258]

I had a Mangusta in the late 1960s and it was my favourite car. Stunning looking beast, but I don't know about the handling - mine was made by Dinky!

[@marks-the-spot]

I still have the Dinky Toys Ford GT, white with narrow blue stripes, from nearly 60 years ago sitting on my desk! Unfortunately the little headlight jewels are long gone.

[@milosbrajkovic9855]

I had a Miura in the late 1960s, mine was made by Mebetoys!

[@gilesflower]

I've never seen a real one with pink paintwork and yellow windows!

[@blisterbrain]

I had the Corgi version, with the removable chassis and engine. Its extra-springy suspension made it fun to push around!

[@chrisreed3929]

@@blisterbrain Thank you for reminding me it was Corgi. I had that one as well, loved it, and as close as I am going to get to the real thing.

[@gregoryjames165]

The De Tomaso Mangusta!! One of Giugiaro's most beautiful designs.

[@johnbraithwaite8796]

Thank you everyone for your kind comments about my Mangusta. And thank you to Jack too. We had a good day together and l think Jack was very pleasantly surprised! I have owned it for nearly 40 years. Apart from being lucky to own several Ferrari V12s l also owned a Miura for over 20 years. But guess which car l have kept as being so very special! It is like a favourite overcoat and l hope never to part with it.

[@Number27]

Thank you John, was great to meet you and drive this fabulous car!

[@andrewfwallace4582]

Johnbraithwaite8796 Thank you for sharing with Jack and all of us your beautiful car.

[@benzinapaul7416]

Thank you for being so kind to lend Jack your car, I knew straight away it was yours having read many articles featuring it in classic car mags. You may know but was there a collector on the Fylde coast in Lancashire who had a Mangusta, I only ask as that's the area I'm from and I remember seeing one at a local Italian car specialist where he sent it for it's annual service and check over. I seem to remember being it white but not sure, the owner also had a Bora and a Stratos Stradale along with several other 60s/70s Italian exotica. Lovely car and thanks again

[@nasserrafek9579]

I still have the magazine article on your Mangusta, Ferrari 330(?)and Muira !! Time flies.

[@johnbraithwaite8796]

@@nasserrafek9579 250 Lusso. Wife, mistress and friend. Auto Italia!

[@aveedub7403]

This had to be one of the most amazing looking cars ever made! Such incredible lines, I only wish they'd make similar looking today! Thank you John for letting the Mangusta out to play!!!!

[@philstadnicki7882]

The Mangusta and the ISO Grifo were my favourite sports cars of the 60s and early 70s. Looks wise

[@Schlipperschlopper]

I prefer the Monteverdi Hai!

[@robroyce6845]

Iso Grifo another italian super car!!

[@tuppid2463]

Me too and they were very affordable 10 or more years ago. Now they are just investments stuck in garages never to be seen. Very sad.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

you even dont see any Pagoda Mercedes since they are over 100K in value@@tuppid2463

[@neildavies43]

Jack, you are absolutely killing it with the cars you're featuring on your channel at the moment!

[@Number27]

Yes, i've been really privileged with some of the stuff I've been able to feature!

[@keepyourbilsteins]

Agree! Some real gems!

[@goncalomoura8156]

True fact!!! Who’d ever seen a review on a Mangusta???? More importantly, a properly set up Mangusta!!! For me, it is right up there with Miura and the Stratos and the original Countach as one of the best looking cars ever! On top of that, it drives quite nice! Oh damn…

[@danielday713]

The angles of the A pillar, vent window, and B pillar make the car look as if it’s breaking the sound barrier whilst standing still. Love it!

[@epicseadragon1692]

Great! From a look stand point I've always preferred the Mangusta to the Pantera... they're both gorgeous cars, but the Pantera is more beastly, while the Mangusta is more elegant!

[@diegolastra]

The Mangusta is one of the most beautiful cars ever built. The proportions are perfect.

[@MajorCaliber]

The Mangusta was a much more rare and *higher MSRP* offering. The Pantera was "built to a price", for Lincoln-Mercury dealerships, and that's why the original steering wheel and instrument cluster was SO CHEESY... so much so that even the purists have upgraded them.

[@1maico1]

In 1970 as a small boy I remember going with my pocket money in hand to ToysToysToys in Swiss Cottge London and buying the newly released Corgi Mangusta model. It was something of a revelation at the time, the body lifted off revealing the backbone chassis and engine.

[@wpb1395]

I've loved this car forever. A friend showed me the Kylie Minogue 'Can't get you out of my head' video and asked me what the car was. Instantly responded that it was a Mangusta.

[@carstenweiland7896]

The Mangusta is not forgotten, look at it, it looks stunning how can you for forget such a thing?

[@C64SX]

Late 60's - early 70's was a great period when it comes to car design. The Mangusta is definitely one of the most beautiful cars of that time. Only 401 made, so I'm quite fortunate in that a museum about an hour from me had one on display last time I was there. I do hope they haven't sold it...

[@HiNRGboy]

I really like the early to mid 60's too....Pretty much all the 60's through mid 70's for me

[@preppen78]

Honey badgers also kill cobras, but "DeTomaso Honey Badger" doesn't exactly roll off the tongue

[@markwoodger2]

However you say it that is one beautiful thing.

[@1183newman]

De Tomaso Miele Tasso, would be honey badger in italian (i think ).

[@Number27]

HA!!! Yes you're right dude!

[@davidmacdonald8882]

How about Mongoosta.

[@DolleHengst]

​@@1183newmanthey also call them Mellivora, according to wiki. Sounds alright

[@Bubbaburp]

My favourite looking car of all time. Utterly gorgeous. Thanks for the review but even if I could afford one I doubt I’d buy one. Nevertheless the best looking car ever made imo!

[@rudfil]

As a young car loving kid in the 70s this car was a dream and it’s still a dream. The baby blue stripes are from the Argentina flag in the logo.

[@sputumtube]

Had a poster of a Mangusta on my bedroom wall in the 60's. I've never seen a real one, let alone one in motion. This review ticks all my childhood boxes - thanks for posting.

[@igordewit7357]

YESSS.....this is a special ride,...i absolutely love these Mangustas. Really one of the coolest looking machines EVER made!!!

[@badbusdriver7160]

The Mangusta was always considered a "Bad Boy". Nice to know that the reputation, on a properly setup car and not driven to the ragged edge anyway, is undeserved. It's looks are absolutely awesome, just the right combination of beauty and beast!

[@thefleecer3673]

Thankyou Jack for introducing me to the most beautiful car ever made. Thats a work of art

[@onlypendants]

DeTomaso made stunningly beautiful cars 😍

[@shahnawazvlog6266]

Beautiful still remember first back in early 70's when I first see them

[@Carrera90]

You lucky sod Jack…. Mangusta…. One of my all time favs….so rare. Your killing it withe content…. Absolutely brilliant…

[@danieleregoli812]

and now a compliment for you Jack: you do remind me in this video of Rossano Brazzi driving the Miura on the mountain pass in You-know-where... Only Matt Monro serenading along is missing!!!

[@RUfromthe40s]

he doesn´t know nothing,he´s american in english so nill

[@perseus9428]

Well observed.

[@sdc8547]

This and the XJ13 are the most beautiful cars ever made. 😘

[@glengosling5636]

I’ve waited decades for someone to do a full review of this beautiful car . Thank you 🙏

[@S-Ltd1000]

Loving these old 70s rarities Jack. These were the hero cars of my childhood.👍

[@free_gold4467]

That is one of the best looking cars I've ever seen.

[@Number27]

Absolutely… incredible car. I’m in love!!

[@marcpeters4599]

​@@Number27my first car was a '69 GTO that I bought from a kid at my high school who worked at a local paint/body shop. I never checked to see if it was a factory color, I'm pretty sure he sprayed it himself, but the color was what made me have to have it - it was almost exactly the same as this beautiful machine. Do you know the color by any chance? I absolutely LOVE this shade of my favorite color blue, I believe that some refer to it as French blue. Thanks for bringing back some great memories of my youth in the 80's spent with my own "blue beast", and wishing you continued success with your channel that I recently discovered and promptly subbed to👌👍🙂✌️

[@madrew2003]

It's not a Cleveland. It's a 302 windsor based motor. Totally different animal from the Pantera engine. Classic 260/289/302 short deck Ford small block instead of the Cleveland. If they stroked it, it's likely a 347 cid setup now. Real common for hot rodders here in the colonies!

[@glengosling5636]

My dream car . Had a model, possibly dinky toy as a child when it was current. Kylie minogue used a yellow one in a video.

[@williamwilliam5066]

Lovely car, love how Mr 27 really describes and appreciates the aesthetics, not only from a car perspective, but in a more artistic sense. Then again, I suspect he has Italian blood :)

[@truantray]

The most beautiful car ever made. Extremely rare now. They tripled in value in the last 10 years.

[@1240enzo]

I always liked the design of the Mangusta over the Pantera. There used to be many years ago a silver Mangusta here in Hobart, Tasmania. I assume it went back to the mainland but it was a treat to see one for real.

[@gmoroder]

Fantastic review, I can't believe you found a Mangusta to review, and a well-sorted one at that. There's a good book on the Shelby-DeTomaso feud - The Road to Modena, by Peter Brock. There's also a good book on the Mangusta's design - Bella Mangusta, by Dick Ruzzin - written by the owner of the one Mangusta that DeTomaso built with a 427 Chevrolet engine for GM Vice President Bill Mitchell. Both are great reads!

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I’ve wanted to see a review and history of these beautiful machines ever since I had a toy one as a boy! It’s a work of art! No other way to describe it! Thanks so much!!

[@aussiebloke609]

Never saw Kill Bill, but a yellow Mangusta is shown in Kylie Minogue's _Can't Get You Out Of My Head_ video which came out a year or so before the Tarantino's movie.

[@C64SX]

Yea that's my first contact with this beautiful car as well :) Had no idea what car it was, just knew I loved it from the very first time I saw it.

[@julianaburrow7131]

It appears that you have some of the same favourite roads as Mr Harry Metcalfe…! And indeed why not? Fabulous part of the country. And another great video, of course!

[@ThomasMulhall]

I seem to remember a Mangusta being used in a Disney Kurt Russell film from the late 60's. Might have been "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes," or similar. Joe Flynn was hilarious as always. What a car! DeTomaso CLub used to turn up at Italian car events in California, and we were spoiled seeing these cars int he 80s when they were within reach. Those engines can be easily tuned to 400HP and not expensively either. If you can find a genuine 427 engine, that would be the one for this car. Jolly good commentary. Thank you

[@errorsofmodernism7331]

Beautiful car. the Italians make the best looking cars

[@sterfield]

Thank you so much to show this rare car. What a sound... what a sound... what a sound... We miss De Tomaso cars so much...

[@russellhammond4373]

I've seen a few in Australia and they stops me in my tracks each and every time. Love the concept of the Mangusta and the body shape is simply 'to die for'. Thanks for another great video.

[@BlackStar250874]

And I thought Pantera looked great. For me, Mangusta is just gorgeous! If there is a car I want for my display case (I collect <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="84">1:24</a> scale cars), this is it! Thanks for driving this beauty and sharing your thoughts about it. You made my day! 😊

[@skeligun]

You're on a roll! Another incredible Italian monster!

[@NLBassist]

Your channel became one of my favourites, with Harry's Garage and Tyrrell's Classic Workshop. And you are getting better and better. I don't watch that many car channels, cos I get annoyed too fast. But your channel? Love it.

[@marcpeters4599]

Amen to that!👌👍

[@wallacemeoski2440]

Mangusta, just an awesome work of art.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Awesome car. Thank you for showcasing cars that I have only seen or heard about from Gran Turismo. This car looks awesome. Video production has also improved. Keep up the good work.

[@cdjhyoung]

You are preaching to the world of gear heads out here. As nice as this segment is, more video of the suspension, engine and underpinnings would be much appreciated. Bodies are nice to look at, but many of us like looking at the junk under the bonnet even more.

[@ryanmccormick2150]

Another amazing car and another amazing review..... well done buddy 👏

[@pommycalva]

I was lucky to have driven one of these ,in the mid 80’s in Portland Or u.s.a. When I worked at a Porsche specialist.Only drove to the other side of town,but this brings back memories.🙏

[@gazzafloss]

Another great review of a very interesting and beautifully styled car, thank you Jack.

[@motorbikemuso]

I'm an avid viewer and for me this is the best review yet; the most enjoyable and the most esoteric car.

[@Jonoponomono]

What a beautiful car and so happy to hear that the drive matches the looks at the sort of speeds we would all be driving it. Amazing.

[@pezzonovante888]

The cars being presented on this channel lately are absolutely awesome. Great content.

[@grimson]

A stunning car, timeless design.

[@darrenwaller7407]

One of the best channels for all the rare classic cars.fantastic work.

[@James-ld2jc]

That's one hell of a car, amazing styling and lovely burbling exhaust note. Thank you for the video Jack

[@michaeloxman3820]

I saw my first Mangusta last year at a car show in Northern New Jersey. A true work of art. Thanks for the video!

[@gaz5663]

Always loved this car , thanks for the great review a true forgotten masterpiece.

[@motorv8N]

Great video Jack - the flow of your episodes is bang on and your ability to chat knowledgeably all the while charging along the twisties is really impressive.

[@reheller]

Beautiful car! Nice video, as always.

[@EmmyEmmy-yv2tz]

Il design italiano è una delle pochissime cose di questo paese che mi fa sentire orgoglioso delle capacità di questa bella e cenerentola nazione ❤

[@RUfromthe40s]

they are stealing it by creating stories that were made by them while wanting to relate a good italian car with american support or it wouldn´t be a car at all, but they are right in saying it was a Cobra Killer(excessive power on a litle english body, "the shelby")

[@quercus5398]

E’ evidente che non hai una minima idea della capacità’ Italiana su tutto il manufatturato......passato e’ presente!

[@EmmyEmmy-yv2tz]

​@@quercus5398lascio a lei l'incombenza di essere l'onnisciente da tastiera. Cordialità.

[@quercus5398]

@@EmmyEmmy-yv2tz Quale Dizionario usi? You seem to go out of your way to impress with heavy hardly used words.........get real!

[@EmmyEmmy-yv2tz]

​@@quercus5398fatti una vita.

[@madrew2003]

Great review as always!

[@dallisb1047]

Nice job as always Jack! I love that you get excited.

[@ceedoubleyou]

thanks for another great review, warts and all, always look forward to your reviews, love 'em.

[@MrCamm1pro]

One of the most beautiful cars ever. I can look at it all day long.

[@pizzagogo6151]

Amazing!!& such a rare car, never seen one not even in a car show😮. Such a stunner😃- great you got your hands on one. Thanks!

[@jaygraham5554]

Very good Analysis and historical perspective. Great Content.

[@pj9375]

Love these. Such a gorgeous design and by the looks of the engine placement, we’ll packaged too! Nice one Jack! (Lucky bugger)

[@daveshongkongchinachannel]

Not only is this the best looking DeTomaso, it's actually a really nice looking car in its own right.

[@alexguest9937]

That thing is just BRUTAL! It's just about my favourite supercar styling exercise. Even better than the Lotus Esprit that Giugiaro styled after this. But the styling language is unmistakably Giugiaro. When I was younger I preferred the Pantera, but that looks a little too 'over the top' for me now. The Mangusta is just sublime. Even the name is killer (pun intended)! Would love one of these (I'll buy one in my dreams). Can't believe how TINY it is though!

[@modspell]

Steering? What's that? Brakes? So what. Hard shifter? Pffft. Park that beauty and just STARE at it. I got to pour over one in 1979 when a local dealer had one in Camarillo CA USA. I about flew off the highway when I drove past it, it was just too beautiful for words in its mist green metallic. I'll forever be in love with it.

[@jujumin7135]

Very very interesting video! I think I fell in love with this car even more after watching your video

[@ciaranburke3243]

Excellent Jack I have heard of the mangusta and seen a few photos never knew what they drove like, absolutely love it 😀👍

[@paulnewton737]

Thanks for featuring the first car I was smitten with when I saw it featured in a magazine in the school library back in the 60s. An absolute stunner then and still so now, and I could forgive any supposed shortcomings. Only recall one occasion when I have seen one in the flesh, well a pair actually at either a HSCC or CSCC race meeting about 10 years ago, one of which was entered in a race. Will post the photos if I can find them!

[@happydrinker1]

Your killing it. Awesome !

[@rhettcorcoran2879]

Another excellent and informative video.

[@bertelliott1456]

Great review Jack! Very interesting.

[@davidclayton4396]

Stunning looking car ,I remember the Kylie video -can't get you out of my head-she was driving a bright yellow one .

[@jacobyoung1671]

If youd been around back in the day DeTomaso would still be about. Youre an excellent PR man. Great video

[@kramnam4716]

Well done! That was a journey! Onwards!! 👏👏

[@michaelgautreaux3168]

The Mangusta is the Jewel. Panteras leave me cold, never liked them but the Mangusta...flaws & all! Many thanx 👍👍

[@captaineugene9840]

Such a beautiful design, modern car designers all over the world, please take this design language as an example! Thanks Jack for yet another interesting review, keep it on.

[@oldieman730]

Beautiful machine, and my favourite after the Muira. Thanks for sharing the road test

[@__--JY-Moe--__]

historic beauty! 😍🥰..the drooling eye candy channel !! super nice! congrats! good luck!

[@darrenstables4171]

Buona sera jack The cars you are reviewing at the current time are bucket list for me!!!! Keep up the great content Regards darren

[@contingency9]

AC Cobra was not an American icon, it was a British icon designed and built in the UK with an American engine.

[@2Truth2you]

I believe the Americans widened the body.

[@christopherriley1187]

Well said! Idc who did what. It was an AC Ace that had a bigger engine & some tweaking

[@truantray]

​@@2Truth2youand modified the frame, suspension and transmission.

[@michaelfrazier6951]

And the Ace would have been forgotten long ago like so many other bland cars had Shelby and the Cobra not come along.

[@michaelfrazier6951]

And the Ace would have been forgotten long ago like so many other bland cars had Shelby and the Cobra not come along.

[@sebastiend.5335]

I live near the airport and at the same time you gave it some beans, a nearby plane was on full acceleration for take-off. For a split second there, I thought it was the car making that noise. In perfect synchro I might add. Brilliant! Greetings from the Netherlands

[@kvnmackenzie]

Gorgeous car!!! Thanks Jack.

[@daniellee9015]

Absaloutly brilliant video jack ❤👍 what an amazing car absaloutly stunning brilliant

[@grayfool]

You have been getting some very, very nice cars lately Jack. Even Iain Tyrrell will be jealous. Great stuff.

[@mo155]

I forgot about this one. What a beauty with excellent proportions. Well chosen Jack!!

[@DeAudiofilosyLocos]

I had one of these in diecast as a kid but never got to see it in person, only the Pantera. Thanks for this trip back 😊😊

[@watm80]

Wow! Never seen one of these before. Beautiful

[@LOTPOR0402]

De Tomaso did some nice looking cars in the 60s/70s, some of the best designs ever made

[@federicomalignani4957]

Giacomo,what a rare and magnificent car !!! Still modern in design,nothing is wrong in the low and streamlined profile of the Mangusta,because is simple, without chromed trims,without wings or spoilers, with no eccessive or unnecessary air intakes,just muscles and perfection. De Tomaso at its best,innovative and powerful,just a sports car. One of my dreams too.

[@plmn93]

You say the gear change takes deliberation and I believe you, but that "snick snick" combined with the low rumble of the 302 sounds absolute incredible.

[@lunabouch]

Jack what a brilliant ride and review! Can’t wait for more PANTERA drives!

[@Number27]

Glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks 🙏

[@henryleroux8768]

From South Africa .Thank you JACK and JOHN .

[@simonelliott5956]

You’ve knocked this one right out of the park Jack! What a fabulous car. The Mangusta and the Espada, would be my first purchases if, no, when I win the lottery!

[@jotape5681]

You have such a good taste sir.

[@stalati34]

My brother had a wired remote control version and I had a matchbox one. They are one of my favourite cars. They are gorgeous and I finally saw one at the classic car show. Great video.

[@hakankursunmusic]

Art, wonderful, thank you!!!