Rare Midnight Black Qvale Mangusta (1 of 284 built)

A rare Qvale Mangusta driving outside the 2024 San Marino Motor Classic at Lacy Park. Based on the 1996 De Tomaso Biguà prototype, the Mangusta was named after De Tomaso's 1960s-1970s model and featured styling by Marcello Gandini with a unique "roto-top" roof mechanism consisting of a removable top panel and a power-operated rear section. It is powered by a 4.6-liter Ford V8 engine producing 320 horsepower. The car was developed with funding from Qvale, a North American importer of cars from various European brands including De Tomaso. Due to numerous disagreements between De Tomaso and Qvale, De Tomaso disassociated itself from the project and the car was produced under the Qvale name. This example, finished in Midnight Black with Black leather interior, is one of 284 Mangustas built between 1999 and 2002.

This car was definitely one of the most unexpected surprises at the 2024 San Marino Motor Classic, not only because of its obscurity and rarity, but also because it wasn't actually part of the show. I have no idea why it made a brief appearance at the gate then left and never returned, but I've seen several people attempt to show their cars - including a Bugatti Chiron - at the last minute only to be turned away since prior registration was required. The Qvale name is either unknown to or has been forgotten by most people today. The car's design is more quirky than sexy but still cool and unique, especially with its three-way configurable top. This was the first example I'd seen in around 15 years, and while I'm still puzzled by its brief and unexpected appearance, I'm simply glad it actually appeared.

Would you add a Qvale Mangusta to your garage? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!