Chip Foose massages DeTomaso's Mangusta | Chip Foose Draws a Car - Ep. 18 - Hagerty Media

Italian carmaker DeTomaso is well known for its Pantera sports car, but the Mangusta both predates the Pantera and bears the name of an animal that’s a natural predator to snakes like the king cobra. While this Italian sports car may or may not be a “cobra killer” in real life, there’s no doubt that Chip Foose appreciates its sleek, elegant design. Let’s see what he can do for this forgotten piece of Italian history.

Chip starts by replicating the Mangusta’s side profile on paper. Aside from relocating the side marker light to move it closer to the wheel arch, he does very little to alter Giorgetto Giugiaro‘s original design. He renders the Mangusta in a vintage olive green, equips it with enlarged wheels, and lowers the suspension to give the body a leaner, meaner stance.

True, this was not a major transformation. Do you think Chip was right for not messing with a car he thinks is close to perfection?

This episode is presented by PEP BOYS: For over 100 years, we’ve been under the hood, finding better ways to care for cars and the communities that drive them. We provide expert service, letting our passion for automobiles take the wheel. Stop by your local Pep Boys Auto Service and Tires store and experience the Pep Boys Difference.