De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby MkV: A Classic American-Italian Powerhouse

ONE-OFF - In the world of high-performance cars, the 1960s was a remarkable era, filled with legendary collaborations that shaped automotive history. Two standout figures during this time were Alejandro De Tomaso and Carroll Shelby. Both men had backgrounds as racing drivers before shifting their focus to manufacturing powerful cars. Their shared vision was to create lightweight European vehicles with excellent handling, coupled with the raw power of American V8 engines. Together, they brought about some extraordinary projects that left a lasting impression on the car world.

The 1969 De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby Mark V Prototype was the only one ever made. (Picture from: Silodrome)

One of the most fascinating outcomes of their collaboration was the creation of the 1969 De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby Mark V Prototype. This one-off vehicle holds a unique place in history as the only prototype ever produced under their combined expertise. Before the Mangusta was born, De Tomaso and Shelby had worked on several other projects, including the De Tomaso Sports 5000 and the P70 prototypes. However, when the P70 project fell apart, the partnership between De Tomaso and Shelby ended, leading them down different paths. Shelby turned his attention to overseeing Ford’s GT40 program, while De Tomaso began focusing on his own ventures, one of which would become the iconic Mangusta.

The "Shelby MkV" badging on the grille and unusual paint scheme are indicators that this is no ordinary Mangusta. (Picture from: Silodrome)

As quoted of Carscoops, the design of the Mangusta was originally crafted by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who was working at Carrozzeria Ghia at the time. Interestingly, the design was first meant to be used for a new Iso Rivolta model, but Renzo Rivolta, the head of Iso, turned it down.

1969 De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby Mark V Prototype is finished in bright red with white racing stripes, a rear spoiler, side scoops and "Shelby MK V" badging. (Picture from: Silodrome)

This rejection turned out to be a blessing for De Tomaso, who quickly snapped up the design for himself. He gave it the name ‘Mangusta,’ which translates to ‘mongoose’ in Italian. The name holds significance, as a mongoose is one of the few creatures that can hunt and kill cobras. Although it’s never been confirmed, some speculate that De Tomaso named the car Mangusta as a subtle nod to his rivalry with Shelby, whose famous Cobra was making waves in the automotive world.

The 1969 De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby Mark V Prototype was a well-equipped vehicle with air conditioning and power windows, leather seats, and ample instrumentation. (Picture from: Silodrome)

During the development of the De Tomaso Mangusta, Shelby’s name re-emerged when the car was shipped to the United States for evaluation by Ford. At this stage, the car was rebranded as the De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby Mark V and received Shelby's signature styling touches, including his iconic badge. This version was intended to be a potential successor to the renowned Ford GT40 Mark IV. Unfortunately, despite the promising vision, Ford executives ultimately decided against moving forward with the design.

The 1969 De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby Mark V Prototype cabin features a black leather interior with a gated shifter for rowing gears, controls for the power window lifts and air conditioning. (Picture from: Silodrome)

The De Tomaso Mangusta made its public debut at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, shortly after returning from its evaluation in America. While only one Shelby MkV prototype was ever produced, the production version of the De Tomaso Mangusta entered the market, with around 401 units made between 1967 and 1971. The production cars were built on a steel backbone chassis and housed a rear-mid mounted Ford V8 engine, offering an impressive blend of performance and style.

The De Tomaso P70 steel backbone chassis, a modified version was used on the Mangusta. (Picture from: Silodrome)

There were two different engine options offered in the Mangusta. The models intended for the European market featured a smaller 208 cubic-inch V8 engine, while the American versions were equipped with a more powerful 302 cubic-inch V8. As the production continued, all Mangusta cars were eventually fitted with the 302 cubic-inch engine. In terms of engineering, the Mangusta featured independent suspension on all four corners, disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and a five-speed ZF transaxle, which sent the power from the engine to the rear wheels.

Beneath the rear gullwing hatches resides a Boss 302 Ford engine, professed to be built by Shelby American, and is fitted with finned "DeTomaso" valve covers and a current jackshaft to operate the alternator and standard air conditioning compressor. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Inside the Mangusta, the design catered to the driver’s comfort, though it was noted that the interior space could feel a bit tight for anyone over six feet tall. The car came equipped with luxury features for its time, including air conditioning, power windows, and leather seats. However, one of the Mangusta’s most striking visual features was its unique gullwing-style rear doors. These doors opened to reveal the engine, providing easy access on both sides—a feature that became one of the car’s defining characteristics.

The Mangusta has unusual engine bay lids that can both open fully to give excellent access. (Picture from: Silodrome)

What makes the Shelby MkV prototype especially interesting is its distinctive livery, painted in red with white racing stripes. It carried Shelby’s emblem both at the front and rear, making it a rare and valuable piece of automotive history. This prototype is a true treasure for car enthusiasts who appreciate the heritage behind it, as it reflects a key moment in the careers of both De Tomaso and Shelby.

Considering the astronomical prices of original Ford GT40s and Shelby Cobras, the De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby MkV offers a more affordable, yet equally exciting, piece of racing history. This rare prototype is expected to fetch between $300,000 and $350,000 at the Mecum Auction, making it a sought-after gem for collectors. For those lucky enough to witness it or even dream of owning it, this Mangusta represents a rare fusion of Italian design and American muscle, a symbol of an era where innovation and collaboration pushed the boundaries of what cars could become. *** [EKA [05022021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | SILODROME | MECUM AUCTION ]

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