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Hi, I am looking to acquire a set of Mangusta wheels...

From what I understand the early ones are magnesium, the later ones alloy....making the lighter magnesium wheels the most desireable? I have a '69 goose and I am guessing this means the 'early' ones which I want anyway Smiler

I might be open to the later ones if that is all that is available. I also want to know if there are some oversized 'replica' Mangusta wheels circulating? I heard some !7", 18".. 19"? wheels may have been made a few years ago?

Please they must be structurally sound and decent...not derelict or damaged. Thanks anyone for any assistance!

Smiler Mike S. 775-544-9801
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Mike,

There are a few of us who are interested in some larger original style wheels. I'm thinking 17's in the original style, much the way the Pantera Campy clones have been done.

When things quieten down a bit (which I am expecting over the next few months), I plan to look further into this. I want a set of wheels that look great and can wear modern rubber. I still have my original alloy wheels and don't plan on selling them, just want some "extra shoes". Let me know if you might also be interested. Keep an eye on eBay as the 15's do come up every now & then.

Mark
Mark, absolutely I am open to the idea of a larger/same look custom wheel. My car is hardly original!, so I just want a more original look where the wheels are concerned. I do like the idea of the original 15's w/re-manufactured Michelin xwx's for a nice period correct look and ride? your opinion?

a 16" front with a 17" rear or 17" and 18" or 16" and 18"....definitely worth a debate!

keep me updated and meanwhile the search goes on...

fyi, I did make contact with a custom wheel builder and a one-off set is quite expensive, enough to deter me, but perhaps with a group purchase?? Didn't someone do this a few years ago? I have been chasing some old e-mail contacts that were referred to me..it is like detective work, kind of fun! Smiler
He did, and I sure they are awesome, just a little $$ pricey for a one-off set...we need a large group and maybe the price comes down? Not even sure of that, just a guess, in the meantime, please keep the tips and ideas coming, something will pan out. Market is soft on all things 'collectible autos' perhaps someone wants to cash in now on a set taking up space???? Smiler
Mike, What sort of cost rage were you getting? Did you inquire about having 5 or 10 sets made? I bet 5 would fly and 10 would be a reasonable demand. I have the original wheels and even a spare set of original XWX tires, but I just can't love the skinny tire look — especially with the silly inboard off-set. Might have looked great in 1966, but I like a wider wheel (at least a 10") and more outward off-set.
Thanks Mark, your experienced opinion is appreciated...I only inquired about one set and the price is really high...I would never spend $7K or higher for a set of wheels...I already have a kick ass set of 'custom' wheels on the car...only they don't look like the original Campy style. Frowner

It would be nice to have a custom set with offset and wheelwell clearance and ride height, etc..all perfected. And look like factory original Campy style...With you and me, we are up to two!

interesting to see what comes of this...
I just ordered a set of aftermarket wheels and tires for the Mangusta. I plan to keep the originals but upgrade to newer rubber. I ordered a set of Formula wheels from PI motorsport with a stock 4 bolt pattern. The bolt pattern is an unusual 106 mm. Front will be 8x18 and rear is 10x18. Front tire is 225/40/18 and rear is 285/40/18. Front backspacing is 3.5 inch, rear backspacing is 4 inch
FWIW, the DeTomaso factory in Italy still owns the molds used by Campagnolo to make all the wheels they ever sold. A dozen years back, one owner contacted the factory and had several sets of Vallelunga wheels remade- at enormous cost (originally made in the early '60s). But that was the ONLY way to get a set for that DeTomaso. If you're adamant about getting a set of OEM Mangusta wheels, call Steve Wilkinson who is the factory contact nowadays for ALL DeTomaso parts impoted to the U.S. It will NOT be cheaper than E-Bay, but they will be brand new.
Second point: cast magnesium age-hardens, so old wheels get harder and more brittle, even if never used and sitting quietly on a shelf. Home heat-treating can remove these stresses but it does destroy original paint.
Has anybody formed an opinion what an original front and an original rear Mangusta wheel would be worth? Has anybody learned of a sale in recent months?

A few years back, PI Motorsports prepared a set of 4-lug oversize wheels for the Fox Mangusta. I think they looked terrific with the satin grey center sections. I think they were in the area of $600 each +/-. Do you like this style for your Mangusta? I feel that the lower aspect tires in some ways spoil the look of the car and without lowering the car, leave too much open space above the tire. It is never a good idea to lower a 'Goose.

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Dave, I have to agree that the grey Goose could really use more rubber at the rear, but the front wheel/opening ratio looks as perfect as I have ever seen on a Mangusta. That style of wheel looks very nice as well, especially with the body-match paint centers.

The real problem I guess is finding a tire that looks meaty enough. Personally, I would prefer my speedo be off a bit and have the car look "right". These cars seem set right with stock wheels but check out the tire size on the brochure car!

Mark

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A wheel is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I really wanted a replacement stock wheel to complete the Mangusta. I bid on ebay and I am not sure if there was truly another bidder on ebay or someone just pumping up the price. I finally paid $3,600 for a wheel that needed refinishing. It started off at $50 but just escalated from there. That must be a record for an original Mangusta wheel.
I appreciate your answer. I don't think you paid too much or too little. They are rare pieces of art. A customer of mine wanted some custom wire wheels made for a Rolls and the estimated cost was $3,500.00 per wheel. The rare Mangusta wheel should be as much or more. I wonder what a steering wheel would go for these days? By the way, was your wheel a front or rear? Thank you, Dave
Hey guys thought I would chime in here.

Here are a couple options for you.

#1. Stock appearing wheels in whatever size you guys want made from 6061T6 billet aluminum CNC machined with your choice of finish(polised, blasted and painted to look original?) would run around $6k set with purchase of 6 sets.

#2. Make a mold and cast a center to look original but be able to use different hoops for width of customers choice. Molds cost about $5k but can make thousands of wheels. Cost for a set of these cast wheels would be about $2k but requires the up front mold cost and a purchase of about 25 sets.

Just some food for thought.
Yeah, it's a cool look as long as you're not actually moving!

I just changed all my Pantera suspension components and with the new coil-overs pre-set them to what I figured was the correct height. When I lowered the car there was about 1/4 inch clearance above the wheel. I LOVED how it looked, but now what would happen after I hit a pebble on the road... At least with the Goose the wheels are inset enough that there likely wouldn't be any rubbing. Not that I know because I've only ever pushed my Mangusta, and never over a bump! Big Grin

I think that a set of original looking wheels in the $2500 max/set range would likely entice me, and I suspect many others, to buy a set. I think that Steve W is aiming for exactly this approach and suspect we will have a "stock-mod" solution pretty soon in 17" and possibly 18" x various widths. If not, those PI wheels look pretty damn good to me. I might even have to go with the same paint scheme as well. Hmmm.

Mark
Soap-box time! Relative to cast magnesium wheels, the stuff has the peculiar property of 'age-hardening', getting harder and more brittle while sitting quietly on a shelf, or mounted on a seldom-used car. Aircraft engineers refer to magnesium as 'compressed corrosion' from its chemical reactivity and porosity. Internal stresses build up in the castings until cracks appear. The stresses can be annealed in Mom's oven at 350 F degrees for 3 hours followed by VERY slow cooling. If possible, take the hot wheel out, wrap it in blankets & return the wheel to the still hot but 'off' oven until the next day. Annealing heat will turn the stock protective paint tan. Interestingly, professional powder-coating anneals mag during the curing process, as does properly done TIG-weld repairs. Annealing of all magnesium Campys should probably be done for safety every 10 years or so.
Second, three piece aluminum 'racing' wheels do not belong on street cars. I've seen far too many break on the road, in all sorts of interesting and expensive ways. The thin inners & outers fracture, the connecting bolts to the cast centers pull out or unloosen, centers break in two and catastrophic decompression occurs. One owner had bolts come loose coming down Mt Charleston in Las Vegas. When the dust settled, his Pantera was 100 feet off the road and had no front suspension. The last one I'd heard failing was last Fall, parked after a 'spirited' drive; suddenly there was a loud noise and one 3-piece 17x 11 rear wheel was 4-piece! Unless you can do a thorough inspection of the parts like racing teams do (sometimes with X-ray), stay away from all 3-piece wheels. Race teams usually throw away wheel halves after a year of use, or after any off-road excursion. Please do not use these- I have no spare friends!
OK, the latest 7" rim that I picked up weighs in at 18lb 3oz. bare. Everything else that I have has tires on them....

I "believe" it to be aluminum....but it could be magnesium that was recently "shined up a bit" for sale purposes.... It does have some darker stained sections but not having enough experience with aluminum or magnesium...cannot say for certain one way or da udda!


It has no markings on the rim, front or backside.

My one odd 7" rim on my car, (replaced in 1972ish) has CAMPAGNOLO cast right into one of the spokes in raised letters. Wheel has very crisp lines, and had the DeT spare wheel part number written on the inside in grease pencil, found when I pulled the old tire off to have the rims powder coated! Other four rims had nothing....but sand casting holes...! Smiler
Steve
That's true. Cesare owns the molds, and I am trying to get a significant group order for Pantera GR4. If there are sufficient orders for Mangusta, why not grouping an extra order ? Cesare is a real professional, with a huge experience, and we are planning a meeting soon in Italy.
Patrick
Candy factory GR4 2862, ADA Le Mans 9628
quote:
Originally posted by Mang:
in the meantime, if anyone needs an 'original' magnesium REAR wheel, selling on ebay right now
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...X%3AIT#ht_500wt_1129
Having now owned both the magnesium and aluminum variety, the differences are; the weight obviously and the aluminum wheels are a LOT smoother cast, the magnesium wheels are rough, but cool! Smiler
I have also communicated with Cesare, nice guy, and expressed interest in acquiring the 10" version of the Mangusta wheel, if anyone else is interested, perhaps mention it on this thread and see if there is a bigger interest!
I am confident there is interest in a group buy of the 10" Mangusta wheels. In fact, there may already be something in the works with Cesare (after he's done with Patricks GR4 order). They (the 10" wheels) are stunning and fit the wheel well unbelievably well (don't ask me how I know this). I definitely want a set in Aluminum. Magnesium would be nice, but not worth the cost to me as I will never derive the performance benefits of the lightness and prefer the better finish possible with aluminum. Where do I sign up?

Mark

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IIRC, there is a note in the Goose parts books for a hub carrier that was specific to the larger offset rims that you speak of......

I suspect that it was on the infamous "wall chassis" and perhaps a few of the first cars....but who knows....

Just something to throw out there...... It would be a shame to order new rear wheels only to find out that the more common hub carrier doesn't allow it to fit.....

Sure would be nice to have an original 10" wheel to try on a late car!!!!

Steve
FWIW, I've read of the stock rear wheels being 7-1/2" x 15, and 8" x 15. Which is correct- or are they both found on some 'Gooses?
Either way, 10" wide rears would be a huge size increase, needing 275, 285 or 295-50 tires. I'd suggest putting the stock 7-1/2 or 8" rear wheels up front to better balance your Goose with such big rear wheels, just like we do with the Pantera and it's optional 10 x 15 Campys.
quote:
Originally posted by Bosswrench:
I'd suggest putting the stock 7-1/2 or 8" rear wheels up front to better balance your Goose with such big rear wheels, just like we do with the Pantera and it's optional 10 x 15 Campys.


Damn, my evil plan exposed...

quote:
Originally posted by Mangusta:
IIRC, there is a note in the Goose parts books for a hub carrier that was specific to the larger offset rims that you speak of......

Sure would be nice to have an original 10" wheel to try on a late car!!!!

Steve


Wow, GREAT catch Steve. We should follow up with Cesare and ask him, since he has all the moulds and should be able to determine if the hub aspect is different.

Thanks for that!

Mark
Love the look of the wheels but without decent rubber the Mangusta is an accident waiting to happen as I found out the hard way. It would be nice if we could also get the same look in a 17" or 18" wheel and still preserve the original look. Any way if they are available keep me on the list. I just checked out the ebay site and wow the starting price is $2,900. I guess my last purchase of $3,600 must have set a standard for future wheel prices. Ben
IMHO, the asking price for the single rear rim on ebay is insane.

Ben, you're a nut! Smiler

If I was offered that much for the rims that are currently on my car, I would seriously consider selling them! More will come along, or I update to a larger more modern wheel and with that, tires..... I like the Hallibrand look on a Goose!

Last front wheel I just sold was an aluminum version I believe, and sold for under $500.

As for the guy with the original molds......well.....there are probably more wheels around now than cars...... The trick is to re-acquaint the cars missing wheels with the extra ones......

As so many have stated, why produce rims for tires you cannot buy???? ...or don't really want what you can buy.....

Steve
quote:
Originally posted by Mang:
That's my wheel that DIDN'T sell on eBay, I priced it based on what Ben paid a year ago...AND I put together a set over the past 1.5 yrs. I would have bought yours for sub $500. in a heartbeat! They are not that plentiful and easy to come by, and I paid pretty dearly myself to have a set.


now re-listed at a lower price Smiler
Having been watching Goose wheels for sale for a while....the sets that have sold in the past 5 years have been in the $1000-$2500 range for a set of 4. They don't come up that often, but often enough!

More often than air cleaners!

So to see the prices spike on the single rims like you guys have been doing, is pretty crazy!!!! ...buying or selling!

Fine with the 5 I have...
Steve
Steve, I sure wish you would have spoken up sooner about all these inexpensive Mangusta wheels you know of! I started this thread two years ago and was VERY 'public' with my search...and after a lot of $$ and search I ended up with a set, and NOW you are telling me they are inexpensive and abundant??....bad timing I guess :/ I suppose if you can find me another full set at $1,000 - $2,500., let me know as I would add a set in silver Smiler
Now that you mention it, about the time that there were sets selling, or in some cases not selling, you had just gotten your car and were dealing with other stuff IIRC.

Since then, sets have been non-existent...Murphy's Law??? I think Gerry may have gotten the last set...but brain is not real clear on that...

The extra wheel that I found actually was reunited with it's original car!! I had old pictures from the car passing through different hands, and the wheels had a distinctive paint scheme, AND I knew the geographic area from which both came!

That's not gonna happen very often!

Just gotta keep looking....or campaign for a set in 16 & 17 sizes??? Smiler

I'd spring for some larger diameter rears....if you can still get the larger circumference rubber....to fill out the wheel wells. The small tire thing on the rear makes me think roller skate.....not to mention buggering up bellhousings and oil pans.....! ouch...

Ciao!
Steve
doh, that's my luck/way...when I need something = not available unless at a new higher price point! There are v-rated tires available for these 15" wheels, they are just REAL expensive, but reproduction racing tires from the likes of Dunlop, etc. are available, I acquired a set from Roger Kraus Racing, Brendan spent a great deal of time with me evaluating which tires would not only perform, but aesthetically fill those wheel wells, cost per tire can exceed $500. not for the price conscious, but ultimately the 'coolest' way to go. There was a VERY skinny version available to mount on to the 7" spare that will fit nicely in the engine compartment too. I also have socked away a set of 305/50/15 euro ta's for the rear tires if I am able to ultimately get a set of 10" wide rear Mangusta 'remakes'. Haven't heard from too many about wanting 10" wide Mangusta wheels made, anyone else interested? They would be 10" x 15" and a 295/50/15 or 305/50/15 tire would be just right!
I spoke with Steve Wilkinson today who said that he has been working on doing some repro wheels for the Mangusta. The plan is for 17" and 18" centers that can be set into hoops of various widths to suit various requests. Timing is still a couple months off. Since I'm in no rush, I'm eager for either or both scenarios to come through. 17's for street and 15" x 10 for show would be perfect! Now all I need is to restore the car...

Mark
While I know this is a desired feature.....I wonder about the logic of getting too aggressive with width out front!

I know my 7" wheels already are rubbing (just a tad!) on full lock turns, I couldn't imagine adding another inch on the inside.... One inch on the outside up front would be about all I would want to go.... perhaps just one inch wider period!?

Out back, I think there is plenty of room forr wide. Important question is... are there any tires for 15" rims that will work for these rims!

I'm running the 275-60-15's out back, and if I go to a smaller diameter tire, that is putting my bellhousing and oil pan closer to bad things........$$$$$$$! Something to contemplate and keep in mind!

If you think finding a door window is hard....how about a new bellhousing and ZF -1 case??????

Steve
If you are in no hurry, I will soon come with original wheels fresh castings, from the original molds. The first Pantera GR4 wheels have been produced this week.
It might be a little late for Santa, but those will be casted from the original molds.....not 3 piece molds...
Pat
Candy 2862 - ADA 9628
Hi All,
I shall be visiting this week, the factory in Italy, which produces the new Campagnolo GR4 Pantera wheels, and eventual Mangusta wheels. They can also produce Bizzarini, Abarth, Lancia Stratos wheels and many others. They also own the molds of some other "no longer existing " wheels for Guzzi, MV Agusta, Ducati, Aprilia.... and other famous Italian icons of the 60's and 70's.
For those who could have interest in such, ( and who haven't contacted me directly yet ) please PM me.
Good w e !
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