The Qvale Mangusta Is a Weird Mustang-Engined Nineties Car You Probably Don't Remember
When the Qvale Mangusta came out, it didn't make sense. The price was over $80,000, about $50,000 more than the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra on which it was based. It had no powertrain upgrades, a finicky top, and an unknown, tough-to-pronounce name. Two decades later, though, prices have fallen to the point where it's worth a look.
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This revelation comes after I discovered one for sale—in great condition, mind you—for $30,000 or best offer. To be clear, that's not cheap for a 19-year-old car. Even among interesting convertibles, you can find Lotus Elises or Honda S2000s or brand new Miatas for less. If you want exclusivity, though, it's a helluva price.
Consider that even enthusiasts are unlikely to recognize the Mangusta. Despite being an auto writer and having already read about it, for a second I thought "Fiat Coupé" or "BMW Z8" before realizing what I was seeing. It's attractive, but completely unrecognizable. And with only 284 made, you're driving something far more exclusive than even a Lotus Elise.
Like the Elise, though, you get the benefit of mass-market components powering the car. Of course, unlike the Lotus, Qvale basically rebodied a Mustang and did some light modifications. As a result, handling is what you'd expect from a 20-year-old Mustang and power is at 320 hp, exactly the same as a bog standard pony car. Simply put, this isn't about a unique driving experience. It's for owners who want a unique ownership experience, dotted with puzzled looks and gas station conversations.
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