The De Tomaso Longchamp: A European GT With American Muscle That Still Flies Under the Radar

In the early 1970s, wealthy Europeans craved grand tourers but dreaded the repair bills. Enter De Tomaso, an Argentine-born brand with a simple fix: pair a gorgeous Ghia-designed body with Ford’s proven 351 Cleveland V8. The result was the Longchamp, a 2+2 fastback that delivered 330 horsepower and 344 lb-ft of torque without the temperamental headaches of hand-built Italian twelves.

It was a recipe that worked so well, it stayed in production from 1972 all the way to 1989.

While Ferraris and Lamborghinis of the era demanded constant attention from finicky carburetors and fragile electrics, the Longchamp offered something rare: genuine usability. The Cleveland engine was compact, easy to service, and parts were plentiful thanks to its use in Mustangs and Torinos.

That meant owners could actually drive the car, across the Alps, down the coast, or just to the grocery store, without worrying about an overheating scare or a breakdown in the mountains. It was luxury without the anxiety.

Here’s the kicker: despite a 17-year production run, De Tomaso built only about 410 Longchamps. That makes it rarer than many of its celebrated rivals, yet far more affordable. Good examples have traded between $35,000 and $63,000 in recent years, according to Hagerty. That’s a fraction of what you’d pay for a Daytona or an Aston Martin V8.

And with that Cleveland V8 under the hood, you get a car that’s not just collectible, it’s actually enjoyable to drive. For anyone looking to enter the world of classic European GTs without the constant fear of a six-figure repair bill, the Longchamp remains one of the smartest buys you can still find.