Ford Blue Car

The Ford Blue Car study was a remarkable project carried out by Ghia with an unparalleled level of speed and secrecy. The effort was so discreet that, to this day, there is only one known photograph of the prototype – a snapshot taken as a memento during its air shipment. Beyond that, no additional images or documentation have surfaced, making this study shrouded in mystery. The prototype was built on the platform of a Fiat 127, retaining all the original mechanical and volumetric dimensions of the base vehicle. This decision was integral to maintaining consistency in the study, ensuring that the design could evolve without altering the underlying technical specifications. The final product, referred to as the “Blue Car,” was a key point of reference during the early development stages of the Ford Fiesta I Series. Filippo Sapino and Tom Tjaarda, both prominent figures in automotive design, were involved in this study, and their work likely influenced the design direction for the Fiesta. The Ford Blue Car prototype served as an important reference in refining ideas that would later be incorporated into the iconic Fiesta I Series, a model that would go on to become a cornerstone of Ford’s compact car lineup. The drawings on display were created by the talented Paolo Martin, and they are the only known original sketches of the Blue Car prototype. These drawings hold immense historical value, especially considering that the 1:1 scale drawing was destroyed and no further documentation of the project remains. As a result, these artworks are the sole surviving link to a fascinating chapter in automotive history. The secrecy and rapid pace of the study, combined with the limited surviving materials, make the Ford Blue Car an intriguing example of how automotive design can evolve under intense pressure and confidentiality.