De Tomaso Longchamp

The De Tomaso Longchamp was a model of the Italian automaker De Tomaso of Modena. It was conceived as a "sports coupe", which was to cater to broader groups of buyers and secure a wider market for the marque.

Overview
Just as The Deauville was De Tomaso's answer to the Jaguar XJ6, the Longchamp was pressed for the same purpose on the Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC. Exactly like a 450 SLC, the Longchamp was a stable Coupé with 2+2-Seating; exactly the kind vehicle, which a businessman would buy for himself for regular and spirited long-distance trips, but with the added benefit of having enough room for his, albeit small, family. Ghia was sourced to build the Longchamp's platform (similar in design to the Deauville's) and then sent to De Tomaso's Modena facility for final assembly. The Longchamp was closely related to the Deauville from a technical standpoint though the wheelbase was shorter by 18 cm. The engine was the same Ford V8 from De Tomaso's business ties in America. Transmissions and suspension were likewise identical. Like the Deauville, this was a fast car and had a typically Italo-American character. The airy Italian flairs and the usual peculiarness surrounded the American V8. The Longchamp was without doubt one of De Tomaso's favourite models. Briefly after it had taken over Maserati and saved it from the bankruptcy, De Tomaso developed the Kyalami, which was a revised Longchamp with a Maserati V8 and four camshafts. The Quattroporte III was a further variation on this concept. 1980 saw the apperance of a cabriolet version with the same 270 HP engine under the bonnet. De Tomaso soon lost his interest with the Deauville and the Longchamp concept after becoming completely preoccupied with the revival of Maserati. The Longchamp remained in the lineup for a long time, producing 20 to 30 units per year. However, a successor was never put in the plans.