De Tomaso Longchamp

Hi Robert

Are you buying? If so...:

My input is that the Longchamps with VIN greater than 3000 have engine moved backwards and ZF steering, so they handle better. I don't know how big diff there is, I can only say that my 3017 handles very well

quote:

information regarding the 'build dates' of the following DeTomaso Longchamps:
VIN Chassis No: THLC RS 02327
VIN Chassis No: THLC RS 03045

I don't think anyone has ever published a serial-#-to-build-date conversion for the other DeTomaso road cars as they did with the Pantera. Those particular cars are unlisted but there are listed cars with serial numbers fairly close:
THLC OV 2347 was built in 1977
THLC HO 3107 was built in 1981.
My small list also does not show any cars with an 'RS' in the serial number.

quote:

Originally posted by No Quarter:
Hi Robert

Are you buying? If so...:

My input is that the Longchamps with VIN greater than 3000 have engine moved backwards and ZF steering, so they handle better. I don't know how big diff there is, I can only say that my 3017 handles very well

Hi No Quarter -
Thanks most sincerely for your reply to my enquiry regarding the De Tomaso Longchamp build dates -
it is great to obtain relevant information pertaining to my cars --

Yes, These cars are owned by me -

Yes, the engine is moved backwards as you informed me, and has brilliant handling capacity ----
Would you be good enough to advise me as to what year your 3017 was built ??
Regards,
Robert Morgan

quote:

Originally posted by Bosswrench:

quote:

information regarding the 'build dates' of the following DeTomaso Longchamps:
VIN Chassis No: THLC RS 02327
VIN Chassis No: THLC RS 03045

I don't think anyone has ever published a serial-#-to-build-date conversion for the other DeTomaso road cars as they did with the Pantera. Those particular cars are unlisted but there are listed cars with serial numbers fairly close:
THLC OV 2347 was built in 1977
THLC HO 3107 was built in 1981.
My small list also does not show any cars with an 'RS' in the serial number.

Hi Bosswrench,
Many thanks most sincerely for answering my email enquiry regarding build dates for my De Tomaso Longchamp cars -
your information provided is noted -
Interesting that there are no RS in serial numbers listed ?????
Regards
Robert Morgan

Robert the invoice for my 3017 is dated July 11th, 1978. Hope this helps.

Now that we hopefully have helped you, can we see some pictures?!

Robert;

Mine is 3071, and it was completed in May/June of 1981. I know because I built it while working in the factory. Mine was ordered in 1980, but the payment was late and so the body was not ordered and delivered until late in 1980. While I worked there, we had at least 3 other Longchamps sitting waiting for payment, one red one that I recall. This was common, my Aunt/Mafalda would be calling people to get more money to start/finish something.

If you are not a member of ProvaMo.com, you should join. You will find a list there.

Keep in mind also, deTomaso Industries purchased Maserati in 1976. So there were a lot of bodies created for the Maserati peer of the Longchamp. I have asked about how the VINs were doled out, but gotten the family line "why do you care." So I have no new there. I am sure that the VINs were used as part of the order number, but if they were "held" up for a while they would all get out of sync.

Remember that deTomaso was run on a shoe string budget, and therefore a lot of things depended on the money.

William

quote:

Originally posted by No Quarter:
Robert the invoice for my 3017 is dated July 11th, 1978. Hope this helps.

Now that we hopefully have helped you, can we see some pictures?!

HI NO QUARTER
HAVING DIFFICULTY SENDING PHOTOS THRU THIS METHOD -
IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE - SEND TO ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS & I CAN FORWARD
PHOTOS THRU A DIFFERENT SYSTEM.
REGARDS
ROBERT

Hi Robert,
my Longchamp has an Australian compliance plate from 1975, probably built late 1974. Vin # 2061. Hope this helps,
regards
Peter