Qvale Mangusta (Biguà)

First presented at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show, the Bigua’s shape and concept were a joint effort between Alejandro DeTomaso and Marcello Gandini. Its most unique feature is its modular top design, which can be configured in any of three ways: closed coupe, open-topped targa, or full open convertible. The middle top section is removable, and the rear top / window portion can rotate down into the body. No cloth soft top is required! DeTomaso was unable to finance the production of the car and sold the rights to Qvale, who had a long history with DeTomaso as the US importer of the original Mangusta. Qvale changed the name to Mangusta.

The chassis employs a tubular frame, and the bodywork is rendered in a combination of fiberglass, Kevlar and other composite materials. Overall length is 165", with a wheelbase of 105"; with weigh approximately 3,352 pounds. Special 17" alloy wheels are specially cast for DeTomaso, and Brembo provides the 4-wheel power disk brakes.

For power, DeTomaso has again partnered with Ford, this time for their latest high-performance V-8. The all-alloy, double overhead cam, 4-valve-per-cylinder V-8 engine is rated at 305 horsepower, and includes complete electronic engine management and direct port fuel injection. One of Ford’s newest designs, it is extremely powerful, docile and sturdy. A Borg-Warner 5-speed manual transmission is the only option with the 4 cam engine. A option was the Form 2 cam modular engine with only a computer-managed 4-speed automatic transmission.

The interior features a "retro" dual cockpit design, trimmed in handsome Italian leathers. Air conditioning, power windows, door locks and seats are all standard, as is a high-performance CD sound system and complete instrumentation. 284 cars were built between 2001 and 2002. The first 19 cars were for testing and homolgation. 226 were sold in the US, 55 with the 2 cam auto trans, the remainder were sold in Europe. Qvale sold the rights to MG who may have built 8 cars.