De Tomaso has a weird and occasionally wonderful history, and this interesting 1969 Mangusta will be auctioned by Mecum next month.
According to the listing, shortly after the Mangusta was introduced at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, Alejandro de Tomaso sent one to Ford to evaluate as a possible addition to their lineup.
Carroll Shelby was envisioned to act as a distributor for the model and it was billed as a successor to the GT40 MkIV. As a result, it was dubbed the Mangusta Shelby MkV prototype.
Also Read:
Given the connection to Shelby, this isn’t your typical Mangusta as it features a bright red exterior with white racing stripes, side scoops and a unique rear spoiler. The model also has gullwing doors for the engine compartment as well as 15-inch magnesium wheels wrapped in Dunlop G/T Qualifier tires.