1981 Ford Cockpit: A Futuristic Urban Commuter - AllCarIndex
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In 1981, Ford Motor Company's International Design "think-tank," Ghia Operations of Turin, Italy, introduced the world to three exciting new concept cars. Among them was the Ford Cockpit, an innovative three-wheeled city car with seating for two. While there were no plans to manufacture these specific vehicles, they provided designers with the opportunity to explore a wide range of concepts and features that could be adapted for future production vehicles.
The Cockpit was designed as a possible urban commuter car of the future, offering outstanding projected fuel economy paired with optimum cruising speed for inter-city highway transportation during an energy crisis. Weighing in at only 770 pounds, this tiny car was projected to get better than 75 miles per gallon from its motorcycle-like engine. Its triangular chassis, equipped with additional side support bars, carried all mechanical components, while the transverse-spring front suspension and rear-mounted powerplant promised a smooth driving experience.
Access to the Cockpit's tandem seating position was through a full-weather-sealed framed canopy, front-hinged and lift-assisted by hydraulic struts. The windshield was made of laminated glass, and the canopy and rear window were of tinted reinforced plastic. The futuristic design and airflow-management techniques incorporated in the body lines of the Cockpit made it a stand out among the crowd.
The A.C. Ghia, another concept introduced by Ghia Operations, was a luxury, mid-engined, two-seater sports car constructed on a British sports car chassis with a transverse-mounted three-liter V-6 engine. Its advanced body represented a wedge-shaped, all-steel concept with excellent visibility and wide ducts for rear brake and engine cooling. The A.C. Ghia featured two sets of headlamps for improved aerodynamics and a permanent rear spoiler for added style.
Lastly, the Avant Garde, based on the award-winning European Ford Escort, was a sleek 2-plus-2 sports coupe with a drag co-efficient reaching .30, thanks to wind-tunnel research. The bumper and spoiler were integral units, and the bodywork flowed smoothly from the low front end to the shallow, raked windshield. With large areas of tinted glass and innovative design features, the Avant Garde was a true representation of aerodynamic excellence.
The three prototype vehicles, including the Ford Cockpit, made their debut at the 1981 Geneva International Motor Show, captivating audiences with their futuristic designs and innovative features. While these specific vehicles may never have gone into production, they certainly sparked the imagination of designers and enthusiasts alike, paving the way for future automotive innovations. The 1981 Ford Cockpit remains a symbol of a bygone era, where creativity and groundbreaking ideas were at the forefront of automotive design.
