Ford Corrida Concept: Ghia’s Bold Vision of a Compact Sports Car

Unique ONES - In the world of automotive design, concept cars often act as imaginative showcases, blending artistry and engineering to give enthusiasts a glimpse into the future. The Ford Corrida Concept by Ghia is one such car, representing Ford’s exploration of small sports coupe possibilities and featuring Ghia’s signature design influence. 

The Ford Corrida Concept by Ghia built on a Fiesta platform with a 90-inch wheelbase, included gull-wing doors, hinged at the top and folding in the middle. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

This unique vehicle made its debut at the 1976 Turin Motor Show, arriving just as the Ford Fiesta was introduced. It was Ford's first Fiesta-based concept, crafted to display a bold, sporty vision built on the mechanics of their new small car. The Corrida, meaning “bullfight” in Spanish, symbolized a spirited, daring approach to compact car design, unlike anything Ford had offered before.

The Ford Corrida Concept by Ghia made its debut as the first Fiesta-based concept car at the Turin Motor Show in November 1976. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Built on a Fiesta platform with a 90-inch wheelbase, the Ford Corrida Concept by Ghia was purposefully crafted to look sleek, compact, and dynamic. The vehicle was notably lightweight, thanks to an aluminum body and wheels that enhanced both performance and fuel efficiency. Ghia’s design included gull-wing doors, hinged at the top and folding in the middle, making it easier to enter and exit even in confined spaces—ideal for urban environments where parking could be tight. This dramatic touch not only added a futuristic appeal to the car’s look but also showcased practical thinking in its construction.

The Ford Corrida Concept by Ghia was crafted to be sleek, compact, and dynamic, combining hatchback versatility with coupe styling for a sporty edge. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The Corrida’s rear hatch design offered a smart solution for storage within a compact coupe. The hatchback was split into two parts: an upper section that opened upward and a lower portion that could lock in an open position, extending the car’s carrying capacity. This split-hatch design allowed the Corrida to achieve a modular feel, a quality that was highly unusual in sports car concepts of that era. This feature blended the flexibility of a hatchback with the aesthetic appeal of a coupe, adding versatility to the vehicle’s sporty identity.

The Ford Corrida Concept by Ghia was powered by a Fiesta engine, its lightweight aluminum construction and aerodynamic touches suggested that it would be responsive and quick, aligning with its sporty aspirations. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Inside, the Ford Corrida Concept continued to challenge norms with a unique approach to interior design. The dashboard featured a modular, compartmentalized arrangement that organized the controls into box-like sections, creating a futuristic feel and enhancing driver convenience. This segmented look, combined with bold orange tones and black accents, underscored the vehicle’s avant-garde nature. Ghia’s attention to detail made the cabin feel driver-focused, with a sporty, cockpit-like atmosphere. The car was designed to deliver an engaging experience behind the wheel, reflecting Ford’s desire to blend style with function in every inch of the Corrida’s design.

Inside, the Ford Corrida Concept defied norms with a modular, compartmentalized dashboard that organized controls into box-like sections for a futuristic, driver-friendly design. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

A significant aerodynamic feature of the Corrida was its electrically operated headlamp flaps. These could open and close flush with the body to reduce drag when not in use, enhancing the car’s streamlined design. Even though the Corrida was powered by a standard Fiesta engine, its lightweight aluminum construction and aerodynamic touches suggested that it would be responsive and quick, aligning with its sporty aspirations. This feature demonstrated Ghia’s knack for combining aesthetic choices with practical engineering.

The Ford Corrida Concept by Ghia's rear hatch design offered a smart solution for storage within a compact coupe. (Picture from: AROnline)

Debuting the Ford Corrida Concept at the 1976 Turin Motor Show was a strategic choice. Italy, known for its appreciation of compact and stylish cars, provided the ideal audience to introduce a small Ford vehicle with a European flair. The concept car also highlighted Ford’s willingness to explore new directions with the Fiesta platform, envisioning a small, front-wheel-drive sports coupe that could still maintain Ford’s hallmark practicality. At the time, Ford’s Project Bobcat, which launched the Fiesta, was seen as a significant risk. However, the success of the Fiesta and the excitement around the Corrida showed that there was demand for compact cars that could deliver a compelling mix of practicality and performance. | 16OY7JXNyfk |

The Ford Corrida Concept by Ghia stands as an intriguing chapter in automotive history, capturing an innovative spirit within the context of a compact car. Though it never reached production, the Corrida hinted at what Ford’s smaller vehicles could become—sporty, stylish, and engineered with distinctive European-inspired design. This concept not only showcased Ford’s capacity for creativity but also opened the door to future designs that would bring flair and versatility to compact cars, leaving a lasting mark on Ford’s legacy in automotive innovation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ARONLINE | CARSTYLING.RU | CARROZZIERA-ITALIANI ]

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