De Tomaso produced its first road car, the Vallelunga, from 1964.

The mid-engined coupé was attractive but, with only 1,498 cc, lacked supercar credentials.

In 1967, however, the marque unveiled the Mangusta—a jaw-dropping machine boasting monumental performance.

Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the De Tomaso is the epitome of late-1960s design: a low-slung wedge boasting a quad-headlamp nose, vast haunches, and a tail peppered with slots and vents.

The crowning glory is aluminium rear bodywork that hinges up, gullwing-style, to reveal the American-made power unit.

As slippery as it was styling, the Mangusta was said to be good for a top speed approaching 250 km/h.

In total, 401 were produced, of which chassis 8MA1242 is believed to be one of the final 10.

As a result of its late production, the car features selected aluminium panels and magnesium wheels.

A European-specification example featuring air conditioning and the more attractive quad-headlamp arrangement, the De Tomaso is...