Ghia Microsport: Difference between revisions
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==Design== |
==Design== |
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[[File:Microsport0017.jpg|thumb]]Working prototype built in sheet aluminum on a Fiesta platform 900 with a shortened wheelbase of 254 mm. and modified to house a new fuel tank shape and with capacity reduced to 20-25 litres. Lighter frame and shell construction possible. Formal notchback theme with rear spoiler designed to have the best CX possible. USA rectangular double headlights possibly faired with plastics |
[[File:Microsport0017.jpg|thumb]]Working prototype built in sheet aluminum on a Fiesta platform 900 with a shortened wheelbase of 254 mm. and modified to house a new fuel tank shape and with capacity reduced to 20-25 litres. Lighter frame and shell construction possible. Formal notchback theme with rear spoiler designed to have the best CX possible. USA rectangular double headlights possibly faired with transparent plastics and USA bumpers (the integrated front one with spoiler shape).<ref>Ford Corporate Archives prototype build document "Modello: Fiesta Charisma 2 Pass. Microsport" translated from Italian</ref> |
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transparent and USA bumpers (the integrated front one with spoiler shape).<ref>Ford Corporate Archives prototype build document "Modello: Fiesta Charisma 2 Pass. Microsport" translated from Italian</ref> |
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The design was approved in Dec 1977, a plaster/epowood model was delivered on Jan 6, 1978, and the prototype was completed on Mar 24, 1978. [[File:Microsport0015.jpg|thumb]] The wheelbase was reduced by 10 inches and the bodywork was handcrafted in aluminum by Ghia in Turin, Italy. Interior fittings were lightened and simplified "al massimo". The custom dashboard was designed and built in aluminum by Ghia. |
The design was approved in Dec 1977, a plaster/epowood model was delivered on Jan 6, 1978, and the prototype was completed on Mar 24, 1978. [[File:Microsport0015.jpg|thumb]] The wheelbase was reduced by 10 inches and the bodywork was handcrafted in aluminum by Ghia in Turin, Italy. Interior fittings were lightened and simplified "al massimo". The custom dashboard was designed and built in aluminum by Ghia. |
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Revision as of 05:24, 11 May 2023
| Ghia Microsport | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1978 1 functional prototype |
| Designer | Ghia |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Concept car |
| Body style | 2-door |
| Layout | FWD |
| Related | Ford Fiesta |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 957cc straight-four engine |
| Power output | 435 hp (441 PS; 324 kW) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 80 in (2,032 mm) |
| Length | 135.7 in (3,447 mm) |
| Width | 60.8 in (1,544 mm) |
| Height | 48.6 in (1,234 mm) |
The Ghia Microsport sometimes referred to as the Ford Microsport was a one-off concept car created by Italian design studio Ghia as a part of Ford of Europe's design operation, used as a prototype test bed for reducing aerodynamic drag and cutting weight, and displayed at the 1978 Turin Auto Show. After Ford reduced the size of the Ghia studio in Turin, this car was sold as part of "Unique Design Prototype and Concept Auto Show Models from the Ford Motor Company Collection" auction as part of the Ford Centennial celebrations.[1]
Background
Ghia was founded in 1916 in Turin, Italy, and sold to Ford Motor Company in 1970. The Ford Fiesta was designed by Ghia in 1976 and this production vehicle was used as the basis for the Microsport.
Design
Working prototype built in sheet aluminum on a Fiesta platform 900 with a shortened wheelbase of 254 mm. and modified to house a new fuel tank shape and with capacity reduced to 20-25 litres. Lighter frame and shell construction possible. Formal notchback theme with rear spoiler designed to have the best CX possible. USA rectangular double headlights possibly faired with transparent plastics and USA bumpers (the integrated front one with spoiler shape).[2] The design was approved in Dec 1977, a plaster/epowood model was delivered on Jan 6, 1978, and the prototype was completed on Mar 24, 1978.
The wheelbase was reduced by 10 inches and the bodywork was handcrafted in aluminum by Ghia in Turin, Italy. Interior fittings were lightened and simplified "al massimo". The custom dashboard was designed and built in aluminum by Ghia.
See also
References
- Christie's Auction Catalog, "Unique Design Prototype and Concept Auto Show Models from the Ford Motor Company Collection", 16 June 2002
- ^ Lassa, Todd (18 December 2002). "Ford Concept Car Auction". Motortrend. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Ford Corporate Archives prototype build document "Modello: Fiesta Charisma 2 Pass. Microsport" translated from Italian
External links
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