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.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 8 photographs
Show 2 more photographs Show fewer photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
No publishable archival references are currently catalogued for this vehicle.











THE CONVERSATION
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