THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1981
- Body style
- Coupé
- Engine
- V6
- Type
- Concept
- Production
- 1
- Displacement
- 2,994 cc
- Power
- 138 hp
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 AC Ghia, a concept sports car, was introduced to the public at the 1981 Geneva Motor Show. Designed by the renowned Carrozzeria Ghia, it showcased the company’s exceptional ability to blend innovative engineering with striking aesthetics. The AC Ghia was built on the AC ME 3000 chassis, known for its mid-engine configuration, which provided the car with excellent balance and handling, making it a promising candidate for a performance-oriented sports car. The design of the AC Ghia was sleek and aerodynamic, with a front end that featured two distinct sets of headlights. One set was integrated into the front spoiler, providing a clean, aggressive look, while the other set was hidden behind retractable flaps, adding to the car’s futuristic appearance. This unique design choice not only improved the car’s visual appeal but also helped to minimize drag when the headlights were retracted. The rear pillars of the vehicle were equipped with cut-outs to improve rear visibility, enhancing both the car’s functional performance and its dynamic design. Functionality was a key focus of the AC Ghia’s design. Air ducts were placed behind the doors to channel airflow to the engine and brakes, helping to cool critical components during high-performance driving. These thoughtful design elements ensured the car would perform well on the road, combining style with technical sophistication. In addition to the AC Ghia, Ghia also extended the ME 3000 chassis to build the Quicksilver, a unique mid-engined sedan with four doors and four seats. The Quicksilver shared the same attractive design sensibility as the AC Ghia but catered to a different market, offering a more practical, family-friendly configuration without sacrificing style or performance. The AC Ghia remains an iconic concept that exemplifies Ghia’s expertise in blending performance, innovative design, and luxury. Although it never entered production, its bold design and technical features left a lasting impression on the automotive world.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 1
- Production type
- Concept
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- V6
- Displacement
- 2,994 cc
- Power (hp)
- 138 hp
- Engine speed
- 5,000 rpm
- Torque
- 235 Nm
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
- Specification notes
- 1981 AC Ghia concept retained the AC 3000ME mechanical package: transverse Ford V6 2994 cc, 138 hp at 5000 rpm, 235 Nm, RWD, wheelbase 2300 mm, dimensions 4000 × 1650 × 1170 mm. No later Scottish/Alfa-engined 3000ME developments are inherited.
Dimensions & accommodation
- Wheelbase
- 2,300 mm
- Length
- 4,000 mm
- Width
- 1,650 mm
- Height
- 1,170 mm
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Ghia
- Manufacturer · Documented
- AC
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 |
|---|---|
| 1981 AC Ghia / 3000ME concept www.allcarindex.com | Specialist concept reference |
| 1981 AC ME3000 (Ghia) www.carstyling.ru | Design history reference |











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