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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Ghia Action

1978Coachwork by Ghia

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1978
Body style
Coupé
Engine
V8
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 Ghia Action is widely regarded as one of the most striking and innovative show cars ever created, showcasing the bold design vision of the 1970s. Designed by the talented Filippo Sapino, the Ghia Action was unveiled at the 1978 Turin Auto Salon, instantly capturing the attention of car enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. With its aggressive, angular lines and futuristic appearance, the car featured one of the most severe wedge shapes ever seen in automotive design at the time. This sharp, aerodynamic form gave the Action an unmistakable presence, blending cutting-edge style with technological innovation. At the heart of the Ghia Action was a rear-mounted DFV Formula One V8 engine, a powerful and sophisticated powertrain that hinted at the car’s racing heritage. The engine, originally developed for Formula One racing, brought an unmistakable performance edge to the vehicle, making it not only a showcase of design but also a true performer. This unique engine configuration set the Ghia Action apart from conventional concept cars, embodying a thrilling marriage of style and substance. One of the most striking aspects of the Action was its completely enclosed rear wheels, a feature that was both radical and futuristic for its time. This design choice not only contributed to the car’s sleek and streamlined silhouette but also showcased the potential for new, more efficient vehicle shapes. By enclosing the rear wheels, the Ghia Action aimed to minimize aerodynamic drag, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and performance in its design ethos. The Ghia Action was not just a car but a statement of what the future of automotive design could look like. Its blend of high-performance engineering and visionary aesthetics made it one of the most memorable concept cars in history. Although the Ghia Action never made it to mass production, its influence continues to be felt in the world of automotive design, inspiring countless designers to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Concept

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
V8

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Manufacturer / Body Builder · Documented
Ghia
Designer · Candidate
Filippo Sapino
Design features · Recorded
Wedge

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

Torino General · legacy_preserved
Date
1978
Chassis
General

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

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

No publishable archival references are currently catalogued for this vehicle.

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history1 dated records
  1. Unassigned chassis · Event

    Torino

THE CONVERSATION

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