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Detomaso Vallelunga
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The Vallelunga is the rarest of all Detomaso cars. There are
different estimates as to how many were produced. From my research I
found there were 50 production cars made of fiberglass built by Ghia.
There were 3 Barchetta sport racers and 3 early coups made of alum.
These were built by Fissori before Detomaso decided to go with Ghia
to produce the fiberglass cars. So we will stick with 50 cars built
by Ghia as production cars. Today by all the best estimates there are
29 or less cars accounted for. This is truly a rare and collectable
car.
The Vallelunga has a Kent Cortina 1599cc engine with duel Weber DCOE
carboraters and is rated at 105 horse power. It has a Hewland 4 speed
Transmission, Camponello Magnesium calipers and 4 wheel disc brakes.
The suspension is all formula car with a spine frame. Thr car is very
light at 1500lb. This car is very much like driving a sport racer on
the street. It takes corners very easy and at good speed, the car
feels vary neutral. This is a car you can get in to having a great
time on a windy road.
I do not drive it much on the street when I do I get a great deal of
attention. Very few people if any know what it is. Many mistake it
fir a Ferrari Dino or ask what is a Detomaso Vallelunga and where is
it made, overall most people really like the car and ask a lot of
questions and take a lot of pictures. The greatest thrill is having a
car that nobody else has and knowing that you will not see one where
ever you go. I took the car to the Concurs Italiano at Quail lodge
in Carmel California August 17, 2001. I entered it with the Detomaso
marque. It was in with 45 Panteras and a Mangusta and 2 Longchamps.
They had a Concours and The Vallelunga won Best of Show against some
strong competition. Enjoy looking at these pictures chances are this
is the only way you will ever see a Vallelunga, Unless you have the
good fortune and luck to find one in person.
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