518

Known

Mangusta · VIN DTM698MA518

Identity

History notes: Sold 9/7/15 for $307,665 https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf15/london/lots/r177-1969-de-tomaso-mangusta/180916. The car offered here was, according to the owner, originally delivered in Italy in March 1969. According to Mangusta International, it was the seventh Mangusta built and one of the initial prototype cars, as distinguished by the louvered opening between the rear exhaust outlets. It later travelled to the United States, where it was restored by California-based De Tomaso enthusiast Gary Hall in 1998 for Richard Lee, who is reportedly a relation of famous martial artist Bruce Lee. The car later returned to Italy in 2008 and was sold to a Belgian collector. This owner elected to complete a full repaint and necessary body and mechanical work in 2010 and 2011, all of which is documented by pictures accompanying the car. Since its completion, the Mangusta has participated in several concours d’elegance, with the most prominent being the Zoute Concours d’Elegance in 2012. It was also the subject of a feature article in Dutch magazine Autovisie, appearing in the recent 18 June 2015 issue.
Purchase date: 9/7/15
Mangusta intl registry: This car was restored years ago, was sold in California, sold in Italy and now on its way to Belgium for a restoration.