1979 De Tomaso Longchamp Coupe

Although better known for building mid-engined exotics like the Mangusta and Pantera, Alejandro de Tomaso's Modenese company also designed and produced a front-engined 2+2 GT to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz SL. Once again using Ford running gear, the new model - christened Longchamp after the famous horse racing track in France - was launched in 1972. With a beautifully trimmed cabin in opulent leather, the Longchamp certainly looked like a typical Italian throughbred but underneath had the advantage of tough but powerful V8 power, invariably with automatic transmission. Developing around 300bhp from 5.7-litres (using Cleveland units sourced from Ford Australia when American production ceased), this was sufficient to propel the Longchamp to a top speed of around 240km/h. In an interesting aside, when De Tomaso took over the ailing Maserati company, a rebadged (and re-engined) version of the Longchamp known as the Kyalami entered production. The Longchamp remained in production until 1989, by which time around 395 coupes and a further 14 convertibles had been made. With home-grown running gear, the Longchamp is one of the easiest Italian exotics to live with, largely avoiding expensive mechanical headaches. Comfortable, stylish and exceedingly rapid, the Longchamp is a very affordable, practical proposition today.