Sleek Italian Influence: Unveiling the Ford GT70 Concept of 1971

Forgotten ONES - In the annals of automotive history, few cars capture the imagination quite like the Ford GT70. Born from an era of fierce competition and relentless innovation, the GT70 stands out not just for its performance but for its design. A unique and sometimes overlooked chapter in Ford's history, the GT70's transformation under the guidance of Filippo Sapino at the Ford Design Europe studio in Turin, realized by the newly acquired Carrozzeria Ghia (acquired by Ford in 1970), called Ford GT70 Torino Concept showcases a blend of engineering prowess and aesthetic brilliance.

The Ford GT70 Torino Concept, crafted as a showcase vehicle in 1971, utilizes the chassis from the 6th 1970 Ford GT70 racer. (Picture from: ArchivioPrototipi)

This remarkable car emerged from Ford's ambitious attempt to dominate the World Rally Championship, embodying the company's dedication to pushing boundaries in both function and form. As we all know, in 1970, Ford embarked on a mission to create a rally car that could compete with the best in the field, including formidable opponents like the Porsche 911 S Coupé and the Renault Alpine A110 1600.

The initial design of the GT70 featured a mid-engine layout and rear-wheel drive, crafted by Ercole Spada and developed by Len Bailey, a key figure behind the iconic Ford GT40. The car crafted only six units, initially powered by a 2.6-liter V6 Colonia engine from the Ford Capri RS2600, producing an impressive 240 horsepower.

Here is a press sketch of the Ford GT70 Torino Concept by Filippo Sapino. (Picture from: CarDesignArchive)

However, the journey of the GT70 was fraught with challenges. The car struggled with chassis rigidity, a high center of gravity, and a cramped cockpit, which hampered its performance in the grueling conditions of rally racing. Despite these issues, Ford remained committed to refining the GT70, experimenting with different configurations, including replacing the heavy V6 engine with a lighter Cosworth BDA inline-four engine. These modifications aimed to improve the car's balance and handling, crucial for success in rallying.

The Ford GT70 Torino Concept debuted a blend of performance and elegance at the 1971 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: ArchivioPrototipi)

Amidst these developments, the design of the GT70 caught the eye of Filippo Sapino, a talented designer at Ford Design Europe. Sapino's vision for the GT70 was to transform it from a pure rally car into a concept that showcased both performance and elegance. This vision culminated in a one-off concept car that was unveiled at the 1971 Turin Motor Show. The Ford GT70 Torino Concept designed by Filippo Sapino was built based on the sixth 1970 Ford GT70 racer, making it a unique blend of rally heritage and innovative design.

Filippo Sapino, an adept designer at Ford Design Europe, envisioned transforming the GT70 from a rally car into a concept highlighting both performance and elegance. (Picture from: ArchivioPrototipi)

Sapino's design for the GT70 concept was nothing short of revolutionary. He envisioned an angular and sleek body that exuded a sense of modernity and sophistication. The car featured a distinctive flat decklid and faux fastback buttresses, creating a streamlined profile that was both aggressive and refined. Alloy wheels from the Ford RS2000 complemented the design, adding to its sporty and dynamic appearance.

The interior of the GT70 Torino Concept reflected the practical needs of rally drivers while incorporating elements of luxury and comfort. (Picture from: Carstylingru)

Underneath its stunning exterior, the GT70 Torino Concept retained the core elements that made it a formidable rally car. The chassis was designed to offer a balance between weight and rigidity, by using components from existing Ford models like the Taunus and Cortina. The brakes, sourced from the Mark IV Zephyr, ensured reliable stopping power, essential for high-speed racing.

The inclusion of alloy wheels from the Ford RS2000 enhanced the sporty and dynamic appearance of the Ford GT70 Torino Concept design. (Picture from: ArchivioPrototipi)

The interior of the GT70 Torino Concept reflected the practical needs of rally drivers while incorporating elements of luxury and comfort. The simple cockpit, developed with input from renowned rally drivers like Roger Clark, Hannu Mikkola, and Timo Makinen, was designed to provide maximum functionality. Despite the focus on practicality, Sapino infused the interior with touches of elegance, making it a pleasant space for both racing and regular driving.

The Ford GT70 Torino Concept featured a distinctive flat decklid and faux fastback buttresses, creating a streamlined profile that was both aggressive and refined. (Picture from: ArchivioPrototipi)

The 1971 Turin Motor Show debut of the GT70 Concept was a moment of pride for Ford and a highlight of Sapino's career. The car drew significant attention for its bold design and innovative features, standing out in a sea of automotive marvels. It represented Ford's ability to push the boundaries of design and engineering, merging the worlds of high-performance rallying and stylish road cars.

The Ford GT70 Torino Concept's chassis was designed to offer a balance between weight and rigidity, by using components from existing Ford models like the Taunus and Cortina. (Picture from: Carstylingru)

While the GT70 project ultimately did not achieve the racing success Ford had hoped for, the concept designed by Filippo Sapino left a lasting legacy. It showcased the potential of combining advanced engineering with cutting-edge design, inspiring future generations of automotive designers and engineers.

The Ford GT70 Torino Concept, powered by a lighter Cosworth BDA inline-four engine and equipped with brakes sourced from the Mark IV Zephyr, ensured reliable stopping power crucial for high-speed racing. (Picture from: Carstylingru)

The story of the 1971 Ford GT70 Torino Concept designed by Filippo Sapino is a testament to the power of vision and creativity in the automotive industry. It highlights how a car, initially conceived for the rough and tumble world of rally racing, can be transformed into a design icon. Today, the GT70 Concept remains a cherished piece of Ford's history, a symbol of the company's innovative spirit and dedication to excellence. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | SECRET-CLASSICS | WIKIPEDIA | LOTUSESPRITTURBO | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | ARCHIVIOPROTOTIPI | CARSTYLING.RU | CARDESIGNARCHIVE | STORY-CARS ]

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