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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Ford Microsport

1978Coachwork by Ghia

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1978
Body style
Coupé
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 Microsport by Ghia was a compact two-seater concept car designed to deliver both fun and fuel efficiency. Built on the 1.0-litre Ford Fiesta platform, this innovative vehicle aimed to blend sporty performance with practicality in a stylish and compact package. Measuring 10 inches shorter than the Fiesta, the Microsport’s design focused on reducing weight and maximizing efficiency, making it an exciting proposition for the urban driver of its time. One of the standout features of the Microsport was its construction. Lightweight aluminium panels were used extensively, complemented by impact-absorbing plastic materials at the front and rear. To further reduce weight, the windscreen, rear screen, and side windows were crafted from lightweight glass. This strategic use of materials not only enhanced performance but also contributed to the car’s sleek, futuristic aesthetic. Finished in a striking two-tone white and red paint scheme, the Microsport boasted a distinctly wedge-shaped profile, highlighted by a sharply sloping front grille. At the rear, twin air ducts added a sporty touch and ensured the design was as functional as it was eye-catching. This forward-thinking design language made the Microsport stand out as a bold concept for its era. Inside, the cabin reflected the same attention to detail. Black leather and red cloth adorned the seats, creating a sporty yet comfortable environment for driver and passenger alike. One of the car’s clever innovations was a unique plastic cover designed to separate the luggage compartment from the passenger area. This cover could be folded away to increase storage space, offering surprising versatility for such a compact car. The Ford Microsport by Ghia was more than just a concept—it was a vision of what compact, fuel-efficient sports cars could be. Its combination of lightweight materials, efficient design, and bold styling ensured it left a lasting impression as a forward-thinking showcase of Ford’s design and engineering ingenuity.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Concept

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Ghia
Designer · Documented
Paul Breuer
Manufacturer · Documented
Ford

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

Torino General · legacy_preserved
Date
1978
Chassis
General

Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _al_listing_engine_location. No award inferred.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
Autoappassionati — Paul Breuer in Ford-Ghia autoappassionati.it Designer archive and recollections history
Ghia Microsport historical summary en.wikipedia.org Independent model history with build document references
Carrozzieri Italiani — Ford Microsport www.carrozzieri-italiani.com Exact vehicle editorial

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history1 dated records
  1. Unassigned chassis · Event

    Torino

THE CONVERSATION

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