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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Ford GT70

1971Coachwork by Ghia

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1971
Body style
Coupé
Engine
V6
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 GT70, a competition car produced in a limited run of six units by the American automaker Ford from 1970 to 1973, stands as a testament to the company’s foray into rally racing. Designed by Ercole Spada, the GT70 was manufactured by Ford UK in 1970 specifically for participation in the World Rally Championship. Engineered to compete with rear-engine rally cars like the Porsche 911 S Coupé and the Renault Alpine A110 1600, the GT70 featured a mid/longitudinal-engine layout and rear-wheel drive. Len Bailey, the chief engineer behind the Ford GT40 project, was brought in to assist in designing and developing the body and chassis. The car made its debut at the Brussels Motor Show in 1971, but despite its promising start, the GT70 faced numerous challenges in the rally world. Issues such as insufficient chassis rigidity, a cramped cockpit, and a high center of gravity with the original V6 engine led to limited success. Intended to be a contender in the rallying scene, changes in the regulations of the emerging World Rally Championship and the competitive edge displayed by the contemporaneous Escort RS 1600 led Ford engineers to abandon the project in 1973. The GT70 featured four-wheel independent suspension and was initially designed to accommodate various engine options. The early models were equipped with the 2.6-liter V6 Colonia engine from the Ford Capri RS2600, producing 240 horsepower (179 kW). However, Ford France later replaced the V6 with a Cosworth BDA inline-four engine, reducing weight and lowering the car’s center of gravity. Constructed with a fiberglass body for weight savings, the GT70 rode on 13-inch wheels. Only six units were ever built, each with its own unique history. Despite encountering challenges in various rallies, including engine, suspension, and brake issues, some GT70s left a lasting legacy. One was restored in 2002, featuring a Cosworth BDG 2-liter engine. Another speciment was redesigned by Filippo Sapino at the Ford Design Center Europe in Turin and crafted by the newly acquired Carrozzeria Ghia, debuting as a concept car at the 1971 Turin Motor Show. The car featured alloy wheels from the Ford RS2000. The intricate story of the Ford GT70 showcases the complexity of automotive development and the pursuit of excellence in the world of rally racing.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Concept

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
V6

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Ghia
Manufacturer · Documented
Ford
Designer · Documented
Ercole Spada

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

53° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino General · legacy_preserved
Date
1971
Chassis
General

Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. 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
Ford Media Center — Ford Heritage collection / GT70 media.ford.com Manufacturer official heritage

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history1 dated records

THE CONVERSATION

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