Lot 214: 1976 De Tomaso Longchamp -One of six Right Hand Drive

In 1959 Alejandro De Tomaso established De Tomaso Automobili at Modena and concerned himself with the construction of racing cars. The cars used his own chassis and were powered first by OSCA engines and then Ford units. Road cars came later, starting with the mid-engined Vallelunga. The Longchamp, introduced in 1972, was effectively a coupe version of the Deauville. It used a slightly shorter wheelbase chassis with the same suspension, engine and transmissions. The engine was a 5769cc Ford V8 producing 330 bhp and suspension was independent front and rear with disc brakes all round. The body design also showed the family resemblance despite being a two door coupe. Accommodation was provided for two (plus two more at a push). The bodies were constructed by Ghia and in 1980, a cabriolet version was introduced. Production continued at a very low rate until 1989 by which time only 395 coupes and 14 spyders had been built.This particular car, manufactured in 1976, is a very rare right hand drive version with only 6 known to exist. The car is finished in red which has recently been repainted and is described to be in very good condition. The rear of the car has been modified somewhat especially at the rear where the wheel arches have been significantly flared. The cream leather interior is described as very good and inside the Longchamp is fitted with a CD player. The car has covered just under 55,000 miles from new and has recently benefited from a full service less than 100 miles ago by marque specialist Roger Brotten. Overall the car is in very good mechanical order and is being sold with a V5 certificate and a current MoT valid until October 2006. A very rare example of Italian exotica that is sure to turn heads. Dare to be different!