THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Ford Silverbird Michelotti represents a striking chapter in the collaboration between Ford and the renowned Italian designer, Michelotti. Known also as Tipo 02, the Silverbird was Michelotti’s second proposal for Ford, following his earlier design, the Avventura. Unveiled as a bold concept, the Silverbird showcased a distinctive approach to automotive styling that was both innovative and reflective of the design trends of its time. The most noticeable elements of the Ford Silverbird are its distinctive headlight shells, which emerge gracefully from the expansive chrome bar grille. This design choice not only enhances the vehicle’s front-end aesthetics but also emphasizes its sleek, forward-looking stance. The chrome grille itself serves as a dramatic focal point, contributing to the car’s overall sense of elegance and modernity. Another defining feature of the Silverbird is its beltline notches, which add a layer of visual complexity to the vehicle’s profile. These notches introduce a dynamic element to the otherwise smooth contours of the body, breaking up the visual mass and contributing to a sense of motion even when the car is stationary. The negatively sloping C-pillars further accentuate this sense of speed and aerodynamic efficiency, giving the Silverbird a profile that appears both sleek and streamlined. Michelotti’s design for the Silverbird reflects a keen understanding of both form and function, blending aesthetic appeal with practical considerations. The car’s unique styling elements were crafted to not only capture attention but also to push the boundaries of conventional automotive design. As a result, the Silverbird remains a noteworthy example of Michelotti’s innovative approach and his ability to infuse Ford’s vehicles with a distinctive and memorable character. In summary, the Ford Silverbird Michelotti is a testament to the creativity and vision of both Michelotti and Ford. Its design elements, such as the headlight shells, beltline notches, and negatively sloping C-pillars, make it a standout example of mid-20th-century automotive design and a memorable entry in the history of automotive styling.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Concept
- Production notes
- 1963 project retained as a source-limited design/concept record. Legacy unit count removed because available evidence does not establish a separate physical one-off.
Engine & performance
- Specification notes
- SOURCE_LIMITED — project identity and Michelotti attribution are supported by specialist bridges, but no exact chassis or physical construction count is promoted.
Design & manufacture
- Designer · Documented
- Giovanni Michelotti
- Design Studio · Documented
- Studio Michelotti
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Ford
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 1 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| AutoPuzzles — Michelotti Ford Silverbird, 1963 www.autopuzzles.com | Independent specialist exact project identification |
| COACHBUILD.com — Michelotti Ford www.coachbuild.com | Independent specialist coachbuilding archive |
| Archivio Storico Michelotti — vehicle/project archive context www.archiviostoricomichelotti.it | Designer official archive context |
| Carrozzieri Italiani — Ford Silverbird Michelotti www.carrozzieri-italiani.com | Legacy exact vehicle archive |













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