De Tomaso Longchamp GTS

Introduction

De Tomaso Longchamp GTS was derived from the De Tomaso Deauville four-door saloon, using a shorter wheelbase chassis with the same suspension, engine and transmission.

The same platform underpinned the Maserati Kyalami grand tourer and the Maserati Quattroporte III saloon as Maserati was owned by De Tomaso at the time. The Deauville and the Longchamp were the only front engine production cars produced by De Tomaso. De Tomaso Longchamp GTS was first exhibited at the 1972 Turin Motor Show and was initially offered only as a 2-door 2+2 coupé.

Tunning

De Tomaso Longchamp GTS was designed by Tom Tjaarda of Ghia and was influenced by his previous Lancia Marica prototype. The Longchamp featured a long and wide hood to accommodate the American power train, i.e. the 351 cubic inch (5,769 cc) Ford Cleveland V8. A sporty GTS variant was introduced at the 1980 Turin Motor Show, featuring wider wheels and flared wheel arches.

De Tomaso Longchamp GTS was made by Carrozerria Pavesi of Milan, and a small number of cars were built to GTS specifications. Pavesi also converted a number of older coupés to Spyders.

Conclusion

A total of 409 cars were built (309 coupés, 86 gts and 14 spyders) between 1972 and 1989.