Super rare 1969 DeTomaso Mangusta shows up on eBay

American muscle and Italian design are no stranger to each other, both in the past and the present. And back in 1969, a lucky few could have their cake and eat it too in the form of the DeTomaso Mangusta.

De Tomaso was founded by an Argentinean based in Modena, and they created the Mangusta (Italian for "mongoose") which harbored a Ford V8 under the hood. From 1967through 1971, 400 Mangustas rolled out of the De Tomaso factory with 289s or 302s installed, out of which fewer than 200 are believed to still be around.

This particular Mangusta packs a 302 fitted with race-spec cylinder heads and intake manifold sourced from Dan Gurney's legendary Eagle racer. It once belonged to cosmetics heir and noted car collector Jack Nethercutt before passing into the hands of Vector founder Gerard Wiegert.

2009 Saleen Mustang Lineup

In 2009, Saleen Mustangs will be moving a little upscale. Much like your modern automotive manufacturer, Saleen can afford to bump up it's models now that it has a "base model" in it's Racecraft brand. The line will also be limited since production of the 2009 Mustang is rumored to be limited to around 45,000 units to make way for the new 2010 model.

“The campaign for the year is titled ‘the Pinnacle,’ as we intend to solidify Saleen’s position as the leader in exclusive performance vehicles,” says Marques McCammon, General manager at Saleen Automotive. “My vision is to move the brand up with more exclusivity in every model, with fewer, more substantive offerings.”

For 2009 Saleen will feature a new wheel design, various exterior details, and a special interior treatment specific to each model. The S302 model will feature 580 horsepower in S trim level.

The heritage models will be limited to two special editions, a continuation of the Dan Gurney model and a "Super Saleen" that will put out an as of now unspecified amount of power.

Add some Mustang S Style Wheels to spice up your 'Stang from AmericanMuscle.

2008 Gurney Signature Edition Mustang

Dan Gurney is joining the likes of Carroll Shelby and Parnelli Jones, rolling out a version of Mustang to slap his name on. This car is a very limited edition, with only 300 being produced. And much like his rival's cars, his is very fast.

Gurney hasn't participated in a race since 1970, but his popularity hasn't declined any. His resume includes four wins in Formula 1 world-championship events (including one in his own Eagle F1 car), seven Indy Car victories, five NASCAR wins, and countless first-place finishes in sports-car events.

Since 1970 Gurney has been the owner of All American Racers, a team that has accumulated 78 victories including the 24 hours of Daytona and Indy 500.

The Saleen built Gurney Signature Edition Mustang sports a supercharged 4.6 liter V-8 boasting 465 horsepower. All those horses flow through a 5 speed manual with short throw shifter and into a 3.73 geared limited slip rear. Suspension is a Racecraft design with a Gen-II Watts-Link rear end (a first for a Saleen), which lowers the car's roll center and helps keep the live axle centered under the car (improving handling balance). Tires are high-performance Pirelli P Zero Corsas (285/30ZR-19s in front, 285/35ZR-19s in back) on five-spoke Heritage Edition gray alloys. Brakes are 14-inch vented discs with four-piston calipers up front, 11.8-inch vented discs at the rear.

Visual mods include a Gurney body kit, duck bill rear spoiler, hood pins, and custom graphics. The interior has been upgraded to a leather interior with Alcantara inserts, boost and air temp gauges, and Gurney's own signature on the dash.

The Gurney Mustang produces 35 less horsepower than the Shelby GT500, but by looking at the timeslips you'd be hard pressed to tell it. The trip to 60 takes only 4.3 seconds (identical to the GT500). The quarter mile flashes by in 12.9 seconds at 111.3 mph (compared to 12.6 for the Shelby). Braking performance bests the GT500 at 108 feet, compared to 118. The Gurney also outperforms the Shelby on the skidpad, pulling .96 g's of lateral grip compared to .89.

Saleen offers the Gurney in just three colors: Performance White, Torch Red, or Vista Blue. Price for the 300 cars will run around $58,000.

Dan Gurney is clearly happy to finally have a production car he helped to produce, saying "It's a wonderful thing to have a Mustang with my name on it." And despite the influx of special edition Mustangs currently on the market, the Signature Edition is a welcome addition.

Check out AmericanMuscle.com's large selection of 2008 Mustang Parts.