2000 Qvale Mangusta Base

A rare Italian touring car, the Qvale Mangusta was slated to be the last car to bear the DeTomaso nameplate until a business conflict sent it to market under the investor's name. Like all DeTomaso cars (e.g., Pantera) it has another automaker's powertrain and - like most - it has a Ford V8 and 5-speed, specifically from the Mustang Cobra SVT. In a straight line it hauls like a Mustang but on corners it handles like a Maserati because while the powertrain hails from Detroit the chassis, interior, and body are purely from Modena. Styled by Marcelo Gandini, best known for designing the Miura, Countach and Diablo for Lamborghini as well as the Lancia Stratos, its unique RotoTop roof offers 3 modes: coupe, targa, and fully open convertible. (I recommend the latter as coupe is a bit squeaky and targa is windy at higher speeds.) The leather clad interior is incredibly comfortable for long, spirited drives.