It seemed like a good idea at the time, and had there been any justice, more Deauvilles might have found their way into owners’ hands. As it was, it was a big failure. De Tomaso set out to create its own XJ6, but without the complexity. So out went the XK, and in went the Pantera’s Detroit V8, and had BL not been in dire straits itself, the company’s lawyers may well have been knocking on the door over the matter of the Deauville’s styling. Despite the market not wanting it then, it’s an interesting classic today, and well worth a look, should the opportunity come up.
info from Octane