Ford Mustela

The Ford Mustela I was a concept car developed in 1969 by Carrozzeria Ghia under the direction of designer Tom Tjaarda. Commissioned by De Tomaso, the vehicle was envisioned as a sleek 2+2 fastback coupé, aiming to blend Italian design aesthetics with American engineering. The Mustela I featured a low-slung profile, characterized by clean lines and a sharply raked rear, reflecting the design trends of the late 1960s. The front end showcased a minimalist grille flanked by quad headlamps, while the rear was distinguished by a fastback roofline and integrated tail lamps. Built on a modified De Tomaso chassis, the Mustela I was powered by a 3.0-liter Ford V6 engine, delivering power to the rear wheels through a manual transmission. The interior was designed to accommodate four passengers, featuring individual seats and a driver-focused cockpit. High-quality materials and attention to detail underscored the car’s luxury intentions. Instrumentation was comprehensive, and the dashboard layout prioritized ergonomics and visibility. The Mustela I made its debut at the 1969 Turin Motor Show, where it garnered attention for its elegant proportions and potential market viability. Although the vehicle remained a one-off prototype and never entered production, it served as an important design study for both De Tomaso and Ford. The Mustela I’s styling cues influenced subsequent models, including the De Tomaso Deauville and the Ford Mustela II concept introduced in 1973. The Ford Mustela I exemplifies the collaborative efforts between Ford, De Tomaso, and Ghia during the late 1960s, a period marked by innovative concept vehicles that pushed the boundaries of automotive design. Although the Mustela I did not reach the production stage, its legacy persists in the design elements it introduced to Ford’s European models.