External
review by Richard Sorensen
The sensation of the 1966 Turin Motor Show, this was the second
model from Alejando de Tomaso's stable. Styled by world famous
designer Giorgetto Giugiaro during his tenure at Ghia it was
arguably the world's first mid-engined sports car when it entered
production in 1967. It was christened 'Mangusta' (Mongoose)
in reference to the legendary AC Cobra with which it shared
it's Shelby modified Ford 289 cu in V8 engine.Chassis construction
was a Lotus-style sheet metal central backbone covered by an
all-steel body including gull-wind engine covers. A total of
401 Mangusta's were built before the model was replaced by the
more mass production oriented Pantera. Of the 401, only 120
were 'European' Spec with the 302bhp 289cu in engine, the balance
were American spec 302 cu in putting out 230bhp. Later American
cars also featured a less attractive single pop-up headlamp
treatment.
Engine: 4728cc 90 V8
Output: 305bhp @ 6,200rpm (405Nm@4800)
Firing order 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Top speed: 250km/h6500rpm in 5th gear (theoretical)
Stroke & Bore: 72.89mm
x 101.6
Compression ratio: 9.8:1
Suspension front : independent with double wishbones, coil springs
and telescopic dampers
Suspension rear : independent with coil springs and telescopic
dampers
Tyres (front/rear) : 185HR15 SP / 225HR15 SP Recommended pressures:
F:2.0 R:2.0 (rain) ; F:2.2 R:2.3 (city) ; F:2.0 R:2.0 (highway)
Wheelbase : 2500mm Height: 1100mm
Ground clearance: 120mm
Length: 4275mm
Width: 1830mm
Front track: 1395mm
Rear track: 1450mm
Brakes: Girling calipers acting on discs all round (F:298mm/R:279mm),
dual hydraulic circuit, handbrake on rear via cable
Steering: rack and pinion
Transmission: ZF 5 D s ? 25 (5 speed manual with limited-slip
differential)
Gear ratios: 1st - 2.42:1, 2nd - 1.47:1, 3rd - 1.09:1, 4th -
0.958:1, 5th - 0.846:1
Final drive ratio: 4.22:1
Wheels: Compagnolo, sand-cast light magnesium alloy 7" front
; 7.5" rear
Fuel capacity: 80 litres
Oil capacity: 4.0 litres
Empty weight: 1383kg
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