As with the Deauville sedan, the Longchamp 2+2 was part of DeTomaso’s plan to provide a complete line of exclusive, high- performance cars. Also styled by Tom Tjaarda, the Longchamp features a square-rigged body shape with classic long hood, short deck proportions. Ghia did the body stampings, the Longchamp being rendered in steel panels with a full monocoque chassis layout.

 

As in the Pantera, Ford’s 5.7 liter (351 cu. in.) V-8 was called upon, and rated at 300 horsepower (DIN). A Ford 3-speed automatic transmission was initially the only offering, however approximately 17 cars were built featuring a ZF 5-speed manual transmission. The Longchamp employed essentially the same suspension as the Deauville, fully independent, with inboard brakes and dual shock absorbers at the rear. These combine to give the car an exceptionally comfortable yet stable ride, and confident handling. Power rack-and-pinion steering, and 4-wheel power disc brakes were standard.

 

The coupe’s interior was fully trimmed in leather, including the seats, door panels, dash fascia and console areas. Power windows and a tilt steering column were also included, as were dual gas tanks and fuel pumps. Beginning in 1981, an updated interior and exterior package included a more integrated bumper design, revisions to the heating and air conditioning controls, and the introduction of the Longchamp GTS model.

 

The Longchamp GTS is similar in concept to the Pantera GTS, that being a bolder-looking and better-handling version of the original model. The body was upgraded with flared fenders and a revised rocker panel, and the standard 7" x 15" magnesium wheels were replaced by 8" x 15" and 10" x 15" (front and rear, respectively) Campagnolo units (from the European version of the GT/5 Pantera) wearing Pirelli P7 Z rated tires.

 

Approximately 410 Longchamps were built during the car’s production life. Carrozerria Pavesi of Milan was also called upon to factory convert 16 Longchamps into handsome convertibles. A very few of those were also GTS models, making the Longchamp GTS Spdyer an exceptionally rare and desirable machine.

 

The final Longchamps were constructed in 1986, and the car was never officially imported into the US.