| Author | Message | ||
| Thomas I (Wax)
Member Username: Wax Post Number: 276 Registered: 7-2003 |
Gentlemen, this '70 is in West Hollywood, CA | ||
| Peter Connolly (Mondial_32_aus)
Junior Member Username: Mondial_32_aus Post Number: 64 Registered: 8-2001 |
My next door neighbour in Sydney has a Mangusta that they are restoring, claims it used to be owned by The Man, Muhammed Ali. PC | ||
| Daryl Adams (Daryl)
New member Username: Daryl Post Number: 20 Registered: 12-2001 |
Hi all, Doug is right. There are many special issues with the Mangusta. Interestingly, though, the car has no ball joints. The entire suspension is built with heim joint connectors, like a race car. They are very robust, but if they need to be replaced some have to be bought from Switzerland at rather high cost. Biggest issue with the Mangusta is rust. If the central spine chassis has corroded, you could be in big trouble. The Mangusta radiator is actually very good. It just needs upgraded fans. I'm doing that next. In general the Mangusta is a neat old car, with a beautiful, handmade Ghia coachwork, Connelly leather interior, plenty of torque and a serious "rumble". If you have specific questions about the 'Goose, feel free to contact me directly. | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
Member Username: Vilamoura2002 Post Number: 342 Registered: 9-2001 |
Tks very much for your help. I will keep you informed about this car. I'll take some photos and post them (perhaps next week) | ||
| Doug Meredith (Doug308)
Junior Member Username: Doug308 Post Number: 132 Registered: 2-2001 |
The good thing about the engine O/H in a Pantera is that just about any mechanic can do one. Powered by Ford. The main concern with DeTomaso's is rust. Not just the sheetmetal, but in the frames. Updated cooling is another issue, but there are plenty of upgrades available. Lastly, the Mangustas are over 30 years old so if it has not been done already, then all the bushings are probably shot. | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Intermediate Member Username: Peter Post Number: 1777 Registered: 12-2000 |
It could be a simple problem like a poor connection (at the battery, in the ignition switch, faulty starter, carburetor malfunction, or a combination of all four  ). The only potential hazard with a small problem in an Italian car, is it usually escalates into major overhaul (seen so often here, experienced by all). I'd say, go for it!  | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
Member Username: Vilamoura2002 Post Number: 341 Registered: 9-2001 |
I think that sometimes difficult to get started. | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Intermediate Member Username: Peter Post Number: 1774 Registered: 12-2000 |
I'm sure you'd be able to find a competent restoration shop in Portugal, that would be able to fix that Mangusta (it would be less $$$, than shipping half-way around the world). What kind of problems does that Mangusta have (electrical/mechanical/physical)? | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
Member Username: Vilamoura2002 Post Number: 340 Registered: 9-2001 |
Doug, to import from USA is out of question!!!. The taxes here are so high that I could buy the best F40 for the same price. Importing from ECC is also very expensive. The calculation is on engine CC and years. To import from Europe that car will cost +- $15.000 taxes.From USA would be around 10 times more. They usually say in Portugal. A car from USA...? Do not accept, even if it is for FREE :-( What I could possibly do, would be taking the car to USA to be fixed and then back to Europe. | ||
| Doug Meredith (Doug308)
Junior Member Username: Doug308 Post Number: 130 Registered: 2-2001 |
Unless you love to do the work yourself and have many hours and $$$ to spare, spend the extra and buy one already restored or in very good shape. Even if it means shipping in from the States. Mangusta parts are harder to come by than Pantera parts and thus more $$$ and much harder to find. If the cars problems are engine related, then that shouldn't be a problem. But if there is rust, or if the car is missing parts, then you may be in for problems. | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
Member Username: Vilamoura2002 Post Number: 333 Registered: 9-2001 |
Doug, I have been going to a lot of sites in the web about De Tomaso. I also subscribed the e-mail list. This is great! I could not imagine that De Tomaso had so many dedicated fans. I found one Mangusta in Portugal. The car looks nice and drivable. He owns the car for +-20 years and drove a couple of times. The owner never goes out with the car because there is always a problem :-(((((( If I buy it I will need a lot of help. I intend to make a FULL restauration. What do you say about this? | ||
| Doug Meredith (Doug308)
Junior Member Username: Doug308 Post Number: 129 Registered: 2-2001 |
Depends on what you want to do with them. If you want to take long trips, then get the TR. For quick hops around town, the Pantera is a blast. Interior ergonomics of a Pantera are not that great. In terms of expense, the Pantera will be cheaper to buy with cheaper labor and parts. Do not buy a fixer upper. Regarding the Mangustas: they are beautiful but much harder to find(only 400 made). Daryl posted his site earlier on another thread with more pics http://flashpages.prodigy.net/daryla1/ Like this site, Pantera owners have a couple of great sites for DIY mechanics. Post a mechanical question and there are many willing to help out with a fix. | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
Member Username: Vilamoura2002 Post Number: 329 Registered: 9-2001 |
I need someone to help me. Shall I buy a Testarrosa or a De Tomaso? I do not know which to decide. | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
Member Username: Vilamoura2002 Post Number: 328 Registered: 9-2001 |
Sorry Doug, the post was also for you. Daryl Adams, will you share some photos of your Mangusta with us? | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
Member Username: Vilamoura2002 Post Number: 327 Registered: 9-2001 |
Bob, about the lookings I think that Push Button and pre-L models are the most beautiful. I also like the Mangusta look VERY much :-) Do you have any experience with Mangusta? | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 354 Registered: 3-2001 |
And GREAT sound! | ||
| Doug Meredith (Doug308)
Junior Member Username: Doug308 Post Number: 128 Registered: 2-2001 |
I assume you are talking about a GT5-S. If you like the car and it is clean and rust free, then go for it. They are great looking and engine modifications are plentiful and easy. Very easy to obtain big HP. | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
Member Username: Vilamoura2002 Post Number: 322 Registered: 9-2001 |
BobD, tks for the info. Do you think it is a good or bad idea to buy 1989 De Tomaso Pantera GTS air condition, leather, 1.Hd, dt. Modell as new colour red drive LHD type Coupe year 1989 mileage 13.200 km | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 351 Registered: 3-2001 |
All Pantera's had Ford engines. Early one's ('71 - '72) had 351C's (Cleveland's), later one's had 351W's (Windsor's). Gt-5's had 302's similar to the engines used in the early Mangusta's. Most Pantera's had ZF trannies... same tranny used in the Ford GT-40. Last of the original Pantera's (1974) sold new for $12,600. What were new 246's selling for back then, $15,000 - $17,000? Pantera's were built in Modena. | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
Member Username: Vilamoura2002 Post Number: 316 Registered: 9-2001 |
Doug, your Pantera is beautiful!!! Can you tell me what kind of engine was in Pantera originally, before they put the Ford V8 engine? It sounds strange to me an Italian car with an American engine...? | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Junior Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 167 Registered: 12-2001 |
Great looking cars! I love the Pantera. | ||
| Rijk Rietveld (Rijk365gtb4)
New member Username: Rijk365gtb4 Post Number: 10 Registered: 1-2002 |
Daryl, beautiful Mangusta, Looks good in silver, you must be an architect. Rijk | ||
| Daryl Adams (Daryl)
New member Username: Daryl Post Number: 17 Registered: 12-2001 |
Bob - Doug is right. There were 400 Mangusta coupes made. There was also a single spyder version built, but it was as ugly as the coupe was attractive, and so never made production. The original Mangusta that was shown in Turin in 1966 didn't meet any of the U.S. crash safety laws, but DeTomaso got an exemption from the laws through 1969 because he built so few cars. In 1970 he had to start meeting the regs, which is why the '70 US Mangustas switched from four 5 inch diameter headlamps to two 7 inch diameter, pop-up lamps. While the Mangustas were being built DeTomaso was designing and tooling-up to build a car that would meet the design laws and could be built in volume. That was the Pantera. | ||
| Doug Meredith (Doug308)
Junior Member Username: Doug308 Post Number: 123 Registered: 2-2001 |
Thanks Bob. The car is a '72 with GT5 steel flares added by the previous owner. '71-'74 Panteras were a shade under 7000 production. Mangustas were around 400 total production. | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 261 Registered: 3-2001 |
Doug, that's a beauty! Is it a '71 or '72? I sure like the chrome bumpers better than the black ones on the 73/74 L. My brother has a '74 with 19K original miles... it's for sale but needs some TLC. He's owned it for 25 years! Daryl, your Mangusta is beautiful too! Sure don't see many Mangusta's driving around! If I recall, production numbers for the Pantera were in the neighborhood of 7,000 total cars. What were the production numbers on the Mangusta? | ||
| Doug Meredith (Doug308)
Junior Member Username: Doug308 Post Number: 120 Registered: 2-2001 |
Get one with no rust and the necessary updates(cooling, brakes, A/C) and they are great cars. Buy a fixer upper and you're in for big $$$$. With a Pantera you are buying the body, chassis and ZF trans. Problems with these and you're in for $$$. Engine modifications are plenty, as with any US engine block. There are plenty of strokers, FI, superchargers and twin turbos out there. 400+ flywheel HP is quite easy and inexpensive to obtain compared to many other exotics.   | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 1785 Registered: 2-2001 |
Pantera's are cool as hell. How is the maintenance of DeTomaso cars in general? I would think engine related stuff would be pretty good, but what about the rest of it? | ||
| Daryl Adams (Daryl)
New member Username: Daryl Post Number: 16 Registered: 12-2001 |
Carl - It's the same in the States. When I decided I wanted a Mangusta I spent over a year looking for one, and checked out 23 cars. There were just over 200 imported to the U.S., and the general thought is that maybe half of those are still around. My experience was that 1/3 of the cars were junk or parts cars, and another 1/3 were running but needed serious restoration, or had been unfortunately "modified". It's hard to find an original example. | ||
| Doug Meredith (Doug308)
Junior Member Username: Doug308 Post Number: 119 Registered: 2-2001 |
I purchased my Fuel Injected stroker Pantera in November and love it. Huge power and great looks. I originally was interested in the Mangusta, but because of the rarity, they are more $$$ and parts are more $$$. I do love the look of the Mangustas.   | ||
| Carl Gustaf Landin (Gustaf)
New member Username: Gustaf Post Number: 25 Registered: 9-2001 |
Mangustas are quite hard to find in Europe, how is it in the states? | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 323 Registered: 9-2001 |
nice, love panteras | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 539 Registered: 8-2001 |
I was into Panteras for a while in high school. Saw a Boxer so that put me back on the right path. Great looking Mangusta, by the way. | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 86 Registered: 7-2001 |
Yes I love DeTomaso! I have been surfing the Pantera Club/International sites a little today. Ive always thought of owning a nice well maintained Pantera. Great style and sound and its very easy to maintain with the Ford motor. Nice 'goose" by the way...Dave | ||
| Daryl Adams (Daryl)
New member Username: Daryl Post Number: 15 Registered: 12-2001 |
This is my Mangusta that bunks with my Dinos.  |