1969 DeTomaso Mangusta

Designed by notable Italian automobile designer Mr Giorgetto Giugiaro for Ghia, the De Tomaso Mangusta was first introduced in 1967. Only 401 cars were manufactured until production ceased in 1971 with its successor being the well-known De Tomaso Pantera.

Housing a 4.7-litre 289 cubic inch Ford V8, mated to a five-speed ZF manual transmission, the Mangusta was reputedly serving out over 300bhp. In standard trim, the specification included all-round disc brakes, four wheel independent suspension and electric windows - a luxury for a supercar of its time. When opened to reveal the beautiful V8 engine, the unique design of the two "clamshells' gives the Mangusta an unforgettable silhouette that even a non-petrol head would appreciate.

We are proud to offer this exquisitely restored to original specification Mangusta. This "twin headlight' model is presented in Red with a Black leather interior, and is a left-hand drive European car that was sold new to a Mr Norman Dube of Nova Scotia, Canada. In April 2002, the car headed to the sunnier climes of California.

Within a couple of months of landing the car, it was decided that it would benefit from a full restoration and so entrusted vintage & historic racing specialists, TSR Enterprises, Inc. of Sonoma California, to carry out a complete overhaul of the car. The history file contains extensive bills exceeding $70,000 from the aforementioned restorer detailing all works undertaken. A must-have feature on any car in California is air-conditioning and this too was fitted at the time of restoration.

After a decade of enjoyment from the Mangusta, the second keeper sold the car in August 2012, to the would-be purchaser, a British businessman, who resided in Sai Kung, Hong Kong. It was he who imported the car back to the UK in June 2013 and registered the car "HHY 59G'. Our vendor purchased the car earlier this year and sent it to well-known specialist Simon Furlonger for a full service and MoT, whilst also attending to a few minor niggles that were remedied easily enough.

Sold with its V5C, MoT and road tax paid until 2015, and with the odometer now reading 34,796 miles, this car represents a masterpiece in design flair combined with brute engine power.

This finely restored example surely can't be overlooked to be placed in any serious car collection today.