Tampabay: Owner says 'Green Mamba' will return

About 3 a.m. Wednesday, Doug Rose stood outside an auto repair shop, guarded by a tan pit bull, with a sign reading "100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!"

Detectives entered and his worst fears materialized. He saw what was left of his $300,000 champion drag racer, Green Mamba, which was stolen Nov. 1 outside his apartment when someone towed away its trailer.

What Rose called his life and livelihood had been chopped up, torn apart, its jet engine gone.

The owner of Manuel Auto Repair at 4805 N Coolidge Ave. couldn't be found Wednesday, and no one was at the shop. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office made no arrests.

Rose carted the scraps back to his garage. "You guys want to get sick?" he asked a group of reporters. "Come on over and look."

"This is the nose of the car," he said, lifting the beheaded serpent-like cone with brown snake eyes. He held up ripped upholstery that seemed like shed snakeskin.

When asked whether he could rebuild it, he ticked off a list. He had spare jet engines. The car's nose was intact. It would cost thousands.

"Oh yeah," he said. "I have another chassis. I'll have another car. ... I'll have this thing running."

Share your thoughts on this story

Read our guidelines for comments

Comments on this article

by Steve	02/18/08 08:03 PM
I met Doug Back in the 70's when I was Ken Carters (world record auto jump) mechanic and driver I am sorry to hear of the loss of the Mamba as Doug is a stand-up individual and hope he is running again at this time. Remember Englishtown Doug, I do.

by dustin	09/14/07 09:44 AM
Doug we are coming tonight to see the mamba back in action. John, Jake dad and me are all going to be in the pits with you at the eve of destruction!!!! we be cheering you on. Cant wait to see the car again.

by SHER	08/27/07 01:10 PM
We have been friends with Doug for a long time. And I am proud to say that he has asked my husband to repaint the Green Mamba. Doug, I felt so bad for you and Jeannie when I heard that it had been stolen. I am so glad it has been recovered.

by Chann	08/26/07 09:14 PM
For all of you thats wondering where Stone Bank is, its up in Wisconsin. We are located about 30 miles East of Milwaukee. I'm sure Doug probably remembers those days at Union Grove, with the promoter "Broadway" Bob Metzler??.....Chann

by Chann	08/25/07 09:10 PM
I saw the Green Mamba tonight (Saturday)here in Stone Bank.A friend of mine is restoring it for Doug. I drove past this guys garage and the car was outside. It brought back memories from over 30 years ago when I saw the car down at Union Grove. Chann

by bob	05/04/07 08:31 PM
the first time i saw the mamba was at ATCO speedway NJ and he set the woods on fire..I was hooked, cant wait to see you at Citrus County Speedway this year. When I saw the first article I was shocked.Doug good luck with the MAMBA......BOB

by jeff	03/10/07 05:56 AM
My Dad used to take me to see the Green Mamba at Lions Drag Strip. Now I live in Australia and often tell fascinated Aussie friends about the Legend of Doug Rose. Amen to you brutha !

by brian"da king"	12/13/06 03:40 PM
i did not, repeat did NOT post the last message. probably an employee of "Manuel's auto paint and body shop" and clearly someone who has the wrong values in life. maggot. long live the mamba!

by Brian Da King	12/13/06 01:43 PM
Boo Hoo! My heart bleeds for you!

by brian"da king"	12/13/06 11:36 AM
this comminist heathen needs to pay dearly. This car brings me back to being three years old at GREAT LAKES DRAGAWAY with Bob riding the nose to the starting line. from chicago with my deepest regards.

by Jack	12/08/06 04:04 AM
The project of helping rebuild the Green Mamba is underway with the help of many motorsports fans across the country. There is a web site underway to help get Doug back his life. www.savethemamba.com

by Gale	12/01/06 07:20 PM
Doug, Lots of good memories of you bringing The Mamba to Tucson. I even remember the day you put a CB Radio in her. Good luck getting her back together.

by Doug	12/01/06 08:38 AM
It's a shame that people wanted to destroy something that has entertained so many for decades. Those responsible are scum. It is soooo much easier to destroy than to create...

by John	12/01/06 12:17 AM
Retards! Ever hear of Lloyds of London?? Thought not. "Max Sentence"? What does that mean to man who has lost his life's work? Better to practice prevention.

by Bob	11/30/06 03:15 PM
Doug Rose was on Tampa Bay public access TV racing show last night and said the engine was recovered yesterday afternoon. Many years ago I spent an afternoon at a barin Milwaukee with Doug drinking way too many Green Mamba Venom drinks. :)

by Dave	11/30/06 02:08 PM
I first saw the Green Mamba racing the Green Monster in Bithlo about 1969!! Great memories!

by Robert	11/30/06 02:01 PM
Citizens might insure it! Who owns the "chop-shop"? Gotta be something there, and why are they not arested already?

by terry	11/30/06 01:57 PM
John, It makes sense to try and insure something worth that much money but that should not be the focus here. The issue is something was stolen & shouldn't have been. Those responsible should have the max. sentence given to them.

by SEAN	11/30/06 10:24 AM
John,Call your insurance company and tell them you want to insure your jet car.Let us know what they say

by Robert	11/30/06 09:37 AM
Sorry for the loss Doug. I mirror "Vinton's" comments. I'm curious why no arrests hace been made. Someone is paying the taxes on that "chop-shop" property. I bet if you found the car at my house, I'd be in jail already. Who is the shop's owner?

by John	11/30/06 09:23 AM
Why wasnt something worth 300k better protected and more completely insured?

by vinton	11/30/06 08:56 AM
sorry to hear of your loss .every time I had a chance to see your show I was there. good luck on getting back on the road and show's. thank's doug for the good shows you have gave us fan's