De Tomaso Longchamp GTSE, 1988
De Tomaso Longchamp I
De Tomaso Longchamp I•
•23 views
Chassis No.: 892BTHLCDC03309
Engine No.: 3511381
Registration: F98 SUU
The Longchamp was developed from the De Tomaso Deauville four door saloon using a shorter wheelbase chassis with the same suspension, engine and transmission. The two models were the only front-engined production cars ever produced by De Tomaso. The Longchamp was first exhibited at the 1972 Turin Motor Show and was initially offered only as a two door 2+2 coupé. It was designed by Tom Tjaarda of Ghia and was influenced by his previous Lancia Marica prototype. The Longchamp featured a long bonnet to accommodate a 5769cc Ford Cleveland V8.
The 351 Cleveland, a popular engine in late 1960’s Ford ‘muscle cars,’ was the same as that used in the Pantera producing 330bhp and consequently gave the Longchamp a top speed of 149mph. Suspension was independent front and rear with coil spring and wishbones, aided by power assisted rack and pinion steering with vented disc brakes all around.
This beautiful De Tomaso has benefitted from much time and financial investment resulting in a splendid example. F98 SUU has been photographed and featured in a number of publications, and included in the history file is a copy of the December 2001 issue of Auto Italia where it went toe to toe against a Maserati Kyalami. The car also appears on the De Tomaso home page of Wikipedia. The substantial history file confirms the fastidious nature of the previous owners of this Longchamp GTSE. The sumptuous seats are armchair-like in appearance and comfort; start the engine and the familiar ‘burble’ of a near six-litre American V8 tells you this is no ordinary car.
The three-speed automatic gearbox ensures a drive and comfort level that is hard to describe and the smoothness and power are supremely balanced. Finished in red with magnolia leather and supplied with a V5 registration document together with an MoT test certificate valid until 30th July 2013, this stunning two-door coupé offers an opportunity to own not just any car, but surely one of Italy’s finest.
