The price realized for the Mangusta was unusually low even in this down-market. I have felt for years and published this many times before that an auction is a bad venue to sell a DeTomaso automobile. Nearly every completed auction result I have seen on DeTomaso cars has been less than market price, irregardless of the auctioneer.
Most of the problem can also be traced to the miserable placement of the auctioned car in the auction schedule. Rarely does a DeTomaso automobile go over the block at "prime-time" when the peanut gallery is liquored-up. The Tom Tjaarda Pantera was an exception but that was hardly a typical Pantera and has anybody ever verified that this was a bona-fide sale? It seems as though that car popped up again at a subsequent auction. Does anybody know for certain the Tjaarda Pantera was purchased by a private party?
The Alexander Fysche 'Goose sale in Europe at auction was a strong result last year as an exception to my comments. However, it was a great example of the breed.
I have been advised by several sources that Mangustas are changing hands now at or over the century mark between private parties. The last Mangusta we sold was for more than the reported auction and in driver type condition.
We have one Mangusta for sale now, the "Vector" Mangusta that might be worth considering for the collector or to return to the street.
Dave
The Vector Mangusta
