THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1980
- Body style
- Coupé
- Engine
- Inline-4
- Type
- Concept
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 Mustang RSX, unveiled by Ford in 1981, represented an intriguing departure from the traditional Mustang lineup. Designed by Paul Breuer and crafted by Ford’s Ghia studio in Turin, Italy, this concept car bore the initials RSX, which stood for Rallye Sport Experimental. Sporting a vibrant orange metallic finish, the Mustang RSX boasted a distinctive appearance that set it apart from its predecessors. The body featured simulated all-glass doors, contributing to its sleek and futuristic aesthetic. Additionally, a rear airfoil was integrated into the design to enhance directional stability and reduce wind resistance, further emphasizing the car’s performance-oriented design. In terms of performance, the Mustang RSX differed significantly from the production models. With a wheelbase nearly 6 inches shorter than the standard Mustang, it offered a more compact and agile driving experience. Powering the RSX was a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. This lightweight configuration prioritized agility and responsiveness, making it well-suited for spirited driving. While the Ford Mustang RSX ultimately remained a concept car and never entered mass production, it served as a testament to Ford’s innovative spirit and willingness to explore new design directions. Its unique blend of design elements, performance features, and bold styling made it a memorable addition to the Mustang lineage, leaving an indelible mark on automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Concept
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- Inline-4
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Ghia
- Designer · Candidate
- Paul Breuer
- 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 7 photographs
Show 1 more photographs Show fewer 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 |
|---|---|
| CarStyling.ru — 1980 Ford Mustang RSX (Ghia) www.carstyling.ru | Specialist design archive |
| Autoweek — Ford Mustangs that never were www.autoweek.com | Major automotive press history |
| Mustang Specs — 1980 Mustang RSX Concept www.mustangspecs.com | Independent marque specialist history |











THE CONVERSATION
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