As usual I approach the issue of Mangusta originality with some trepidation. Clearly many features, parts & hardware varied throughout the model build, but many of these cars were serviced, repaired and/or modified so enthusiastically, it's often hard to know what's what.
Case in point is the dash on 1010. As purchased, the top, face, and lower edge 'padding' was all covered in black vinyl, beautifully stitched and assembled, but worn and scratched in various places. In comparing the pattern to Pantera vinyl, it was an EXACT match, although the texture was a bit smoother (i.e., less relief).
So several years back I stripped the old vinyl off and replaced it with fresh 'Pantera' material. In the process I DID find one section of leather underneath the vinyl on the exterior of the glove box, but shrugged that off at the time, and forged ahead with the naugahyde anyway.
Unfortunately, I've concluded now that was probably a goof - - at the least, the dash face should be leather (fwiw this leather seems to be remarkably consistent in texture for all cars, and it is different than the major leather interior bits such as console, seats, door panels, and kick panels). So the vinyl will be torn off (again) and replaced with leather this time.....
As for the dash top, I long believed DeTomaso used 'mouse fur' inconsistently. Thinking now, however, that it was actually the standard material. Is this possible?
As for the bottom pads (see pics), the jury is still out! From photos online it looks like these are leather on most if not all original cars, that would certainly make good sense. On several cars showing mouse fur dash tops, however, they are also covered in mouse fur.
What do you think!? My vinyl pads are so nice I'm going with them regardless of the truth
