SAAC Forum

1982 Ghia Brezza Concept Car

The Ghia Brezza concept is a shining example of the talents of Ghia's artisans and the practicality with which they and Ghia's designers approach their work. Unlike its contemporary Ghia Barchetta, Ghia Brezza is a mid-engined concept created from front-engined components. It was the cover feature of the July 1982 Road & Track magazine article written by Doug Nye.

Nye quotes Ghia Managing Director Filippo Sapino extensively and it's fitting to let Sapino, also Brezza's designer, speak for himself: - "We had made the AC Ghia to explore solutions to the mid-engine coupe arrangement with Ford power. But that was not a real Ford. We took two [Escort] EXPs, chopped one off at three-quarters length, just ahead of the back axle, and the other just behind the front wheels, forward of the front bulkhead. We fitted the short engine front-end unit at the back of the three-quarter length chassis pad [and] removed the engine from the three-quarter length chassis. In that way we created a driveable car, though it was not properly engineered."

1981 Ford Super Gnat

The two-passenger Super Gnat is proof that small, fuel efficient cars don't have to look like boxes. Despite its compact 148-inch length and overall height of 48 inches, it has plenty of room inside for six-footers.

1981 Ford Super Gnat

In a response to the OPEC oil embargo in the mid-1970's, there had been a push for automobile manufacturers to produce smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. In the short time following, Ford had studied a two seater commuter car called the "Super Gnat", which was to have a three-cylinder engine with a short wheelbase. Along with this, Ford also produced a concept named Mustang RSX, which was a smaller, two-seat derivative of the Mustang.

Ford Shuttler (Ghia), 1981

"Cute" is a positive attribute in automobiles and the Ghia Shuttler concept is undeniably cute.

Ford Shuttler (Ghia), 1981

The interior of the Ghia Shuttler concept has two seats and is unusually well appointed with grey/brown suede cloth accented with orange covering the seats, dash (formed in a sloping tray for storage) and door panels. Ergonomics played and important part as there is ample room for two large adults plus luggage storage behind the seats. Easy access is provided by the hinged rear window/tailgate. The leather covered steering wheel is unique and attractively shaped with a wide single spoke pierced by a good-sized round hole. Instruments and switches are arranged in a cluster of four round housings on the steering column. There is even a small console between the seats with the power window switches, cigarette lighter and a small armrest. The bodywork of hand-formed metal highlights Ghia's nearly century-old reputation for quality one-off concepts and innovative design.

Ford Shuttler (Ghia), 1981

With Shuttler, under the direction of Filippo Sapino, Ghia managed to create a very attractive little city coupe that was, when it was new in 1982, the center of attention wherever it was shown. The small greenhouse slopes gracefully down to a deck so short it barely deserves to be described with the word deck.

Around the greenhouse, continuing the waistline created on the nose by the intersection between the hood and fender, Ghia has built an attractive and functional tray-style spoiler that builds from the middle of the door and wraps around the edge of the decklid which is actually part of the rear hatch.

Great care has been paid to the Ghia Shuttler concept's aerodynamics as well. The side window glass fits flush with its frames, mirrors are in faired-in enclosures and the door handles are recessed into the doors. A group of 20 holes punched into the hood helps to draw air into the engine compartment.

1981 Ford EXP-II


just  as ugly as version one but now with wheel covers

1981 Ford EXP

what can one say.....3 H winner

Nice ride  !

Best of luck to the seller

This is Alice.  Alice is an artist. Alice may have had a restaurant...

1981 Ford Cockpit

According to Ford, the two-seat Cockpit could achieve fuel economy better than 75 miles per gallon. Seating two people in a tandem position, and featuring a single rear wheel driven by a motor, the Cockpit was intended for use in heavily-congested cities. The three-hinged canopy lifted hydraulically upward, revealing an aircraft-style cockpit, hence the car's name. Powered by a 12-horsepower 200cc single-cylinder motorcycle-like engine, the Cockpit offered the dual advantage of outstanding fuel economy linked with optimum cruising speed to provide acceptable inner-city highway transportation during an energy crisis. The triangular chassis, with additional side support bars, incorporated all the mechanical accessories. The windshield was made of laminated glass and the canopy and rear window were made of reinforced plastic. The transverse-spring front suspension was controlled by hydraulic shock absorbers. While the rear-mounted engine and driving wheel were set at the apex of the chassis and sprung by two integral coil spring shock absorbers.

Just got contacted - touch and go for tomorrow depending on weather

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1981 Ford Avant Garde

THE AVANT GARDE is an elegant, sleek, two-plus-two sports coupe based on the Ford Escort. The Ford Motor Company concept car combines advanced aerodynamic research with such luxurious features as a hand-finished suede interior. It has a number of innovative design concepts, such as electronic instruments, a handbrake control integrated with the lid of the center console unit, and four detachable suede shoulder bags recessed into the doors. On a wheelbase of 94 inches, Avant Garde is 155.5 inches long, 63.8 inches wide and 49.7 inches high. The car is a featured attraction in Ford Division's 1982 auto show exhibit.

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FYI