1967 Shelby Mk V Prototype

In 1967, Carroll Shelby and De Tomaso discussed the possibility of replacing the iconic Shelby Cobra with a new car designed and built in Italy. The result of these talks was the Shelby Mk V Prototype, which was based on the De Tomaso Mangusta. Designed by the renowned Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Mangusta was a stunning and aggressive sports car. While the car bore Shelby badges, the deal between Shelby and De Tomaso never came to fruition.

Shelby’s involvement in the Ford GT40 program diverted his attention away from the Mangusta project, and no formal agreement was ever signed. Interestingly, the word “Mangusta” translates to “mongoose” in Italian, an animal known for killing cobras—a subtle nod to the rivalry between the Cobra and the Mangusta. The Shelby Mk V Prototype remains a fascinating piece of automotive history, a “what could have been” moment in Shelby’s legacy.