820

Known

Mangusta · VIN DTM698MA820

Year: 1969
Current color: red
Interior: black
Engine: 289
Country: UK

Identity

Year: 1969
Country: UK
Serial full: DTM698MA820
Serial last4: 820

Exterior

Interior color: black
Headlight count: 4
Exterior color current: red

Drivetrain

Engine: 289
Engine number: 4735

History

Past owners: 5/16/22 sold https://www.classic.com/veh/1969-de-tomaso-mangusta-8ma820-nKmje8p/ $219,211.
Current miles: 34872
History notes: Sold 5/16/22 $219,211 https://themarket.bonhams.com/en/listings/de-tomaso/mangusta/4e53025b-ce6e-41db-a3ec-67d19bbffbe4. The car offered here, chassis 8MA820, is a particularly fine example that has been well maintained throughout its life. It left the factory in 1969 in the most desirable 289 Cubic Inch engine and four headlight configuration and was sold new to its first owner Norman Dure who lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, one of the eastern provinces of Canada, an unusual part of the world for such exotica. Subsequently, the Mangusta stayed in Halifax for the decades to come, most likely driven less than half of the year given the local northerly climate, and tucked away for the rest of the season. In April 2002, after 32 years in Halifax it was acquired by Chris Cartwright from the other side of North America, Granite Bay, in California. It soon became clear that it was time to restore the car. A noise in the steering pointed out by Cartwright and noted in the restorer’s invoices proves it was in running condition and that he drove it before the restoration began. We can hence conclude that Cartwright’s purchase was not a fossil, basket case or barn find; the car had been actively kept in running order by Dure throughout his three decades of ownership. The task to restore it was entrusted to TSR Enterprises of Sonoma California, the restoration and vintage racing workshop of Terry Scarborough near the Sears Point racing circuit. After a complete inspection, all sorts of major service and maintenance were done. The job list would be too long to include here but can be seen in the plethora of invoices on file. A few examples of works carried out at that time include: sanding and welding of the exhaust headers, dismantling and rebuilding the brakes, replacing water hoses and flow testing the radiator, removing the engine and welding a cracked cross member, identifying and sorting out suspension and steering issues, redoing the entire handbrake installation, the clock was sent away for repair by a specialist, the locks were sent away for new keys to be made, setting up the suspension including getting corner weights right (note that TSR was specialized in historic racing and such procedures are key to a good handling car). Although it was first attempted to rebuild the engine, the decision was eventually taken to replace the power unit. This is not an uncommon practice with classic de Tomasos as with all US V8 engined cars where “crate engines” are bought ready to go. A space saver wheel and tire was acquired to free up storage space. A flywheel protector plate was installed, a wise decision as Mangusta flywheels sit fairly low to the ground. Air conditioning was installed, an elaborate process done thoroughly. A new Kenwood Pioneer stereo was also fitted but smartly hidden in the glove box so as not to offend the eye. The speakers are integrated in the door cards and can be seen in the pictures. The ZF gearbox was fully rebuilt by PI Motorsports, a de Tomaso specialist in Orange, near Los Angeles. The invoices of that period amount to 70.000 USD. After ten years of enjoyment in California, the Mangusta was sold to Nicolas Robert Gatehouse 24 August 2012. Being a Hong Kong resident with a home in the UK, Gatehouse kept and registered the car in the UK. Two years later it was entrusted to respected British dealer Simon Furlonger who did a major service. It was subsequently put up for auction by Silverstone auctions on 16 November 2014 in the UK where it was acquired by the current German owner for his most impressive private museum. For several years it was put on static display but as the owner reports, the car has recently been recommissioned and put back into service. It is running and driving impeccably as can be seen in the videos made in April 2022 along with many of the photos in the gallery. The car was then given a proper repaint around 2005 which has passed the test of time well. There are no apparent signs of rust. A couple of paint imperfections are noted, but are only visible upon close inspection. The wheels are in as-new condition. The trim, including chrome and badges is in good condition throughout and no elements appear to be missing. The tyres appear to still be the same as those that were fitted when the car changed hand in 2014. Given the Mangusta’s powerful engine, the new owner might want to consider fitting a set of new tyres. The inside is in excellent condition. It appears that at least the seats have been reupholstered, a job done to a good quality level. The rest of the interior; the black leather surfaces and dark grey carpeting, make a clean and well-maintained impression. None of the instrument glasses appear to be broken. One oval speaker has been added to each door panel. The white roofliner appears in the same impeccable condition as the rest of the interior. From underneath, the Mangusta present well with normal signs of use. No major fluid leak is noted and gearbox as well as engine are clean and dry. The suspension has been visibly rebuilt, with many of the components showing little signs of age. The chassis structure does not show any visible defects or major rust points. The engine bay is notably clean, with no apparent signs of major water, oil or petrol leaks appearing. Overall, the car can be considered to be in good condition and has visibly not seen much driving over the recent years. The Mangusta on offer has known history throughout and comes with a complete file including an original owner’s use and maintenance manual in Italian, a period spec sheet for the ZF gearbox, all maintenance records mentioned above, copies of its previous Canadian, US and UK titles as well as the original UK title documents. The car was never registered in Germany as it was to be used for museum display however since it was imported to Germany in 2014 as proven by the ample documentation, no tax is due for registration into any EU country. Bidders are informed that the clutch is near the end of its wear and will need to be replaced. This parts and labor process is estimated at between 3000 to 4000 Euros by various de Tomaso specialists in the US and the UK.
Modifications: MarcSonneryServices, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.

Other

Known: 1
Drive side: LHD

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