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If you’ve ever fantasized about the effortless joy of driving a two-seater convertible down a sun-soaked Italian coastal road, then the Ford Ghia "Barchetta" is about to make those dreams come true, albeit in concept form. Debuting at select auto shows across the U.S. this spring, the Barchetta is Ford's answer to the spirited roadsters of yesteryear, blending retro charm with modern sensibilities.
A Name with Character
“Barchetta,” which translates to “little boat” in Italian, perfectly encapsulates the ethos of this delightful roadster. Much like the gondolas gracefully navigating the canals of Venice, the Barchetta embodies a sleek, nimble design that's as eye-catching as it is functional. The name has been a beloved term for sporty two-seaters, and with the Barchetta, Ford aims to reintroduce the concept of affordable, fun-to-drive sports cars that appeal to a youthful audience.
Design: A Nod to the Classics
In true Top Gear fashion, let’s talk about looks. The Barchetta’s wedge-shaped silhouette immediately draws the eye. Designed collaboratively by Ford of Europe and Ghia Operations, this car captures the spirit of iconic roadsters from the ‘60s and ‘70s while offering a fresh take that wouldn’t be out of place on the bustling streets of today’s cities. The flush headlamps, integrated plastic bumpers, and sporty 13-inch wheels lend an air of sophistication, while the fast, 60-degree windshield adds a modern twist.
Donald F. Kopka, Ford's VP of Design, describes it as “a contemporary interpretation of the classic two-seat open-roof roadster.” And who could argue? The Barchetta looks like it was pulled straight from the pages of an automotive history book, ready to take on the modern world.
Mechanics That Make You Smile
Underneath its striking exterior lies the heart of the Barchetta: the front-mounted, 1.6-liter OHV four-cylinder engine sourced from the Fiesta XR2. Producing a modest 84 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a torque of 125 Nm at 2,800 rpm, it’s not about raw power here; it’s about the fun of driving. Pair that with a four-speed manual transaxle, and you’ve got the makings of a lively ride that invites you to take the long way home.
The Barchetta utilizes the Fiesta XR2’s platform and mechanical components, showcasing Ford’s ingenuity in creating a modern front-wheel-drive roadster. A scissors-type convertible fabric roof stows neatly behind the seats, allowing drivers to soak up the sun while feeling the wind whip through their hair—because what's the point of a roadster if you can’t enjoy the elements?
Dimensions That Speak Volumes
At a svelte 3,500 mm (137.7 inches) in length, 1,550 mm (61.1 inches) in width, and standing just 1,200 mm (47.1 inches) tall, the Barchetta is compact yet spacious enough to make you feel like you’re in control without being cramped. The wheelbase stretches to 2,290 mm (90.1 inches), ensuring a stable and enjoyable ride, even when cornering at speed.
Not Quite Ready for Production
Before you start dreaming of cruising down coastal highways in a brand-new Barchetta, it’s essential to note that Ford has no immediate plans to manufacture this gem. Instead, the Barchetta serves as a concept car to demonstrate Ford's capabilities in designing an affordable, attractive two-seater convertible. Kopka’s statement highlights this intention: "The Barchetta simply demonstrates to us that we could design an affordable and attractive two-seater convertible using modern FWD powertrain and chassis components."
A Glimpse of the Past, Fading Into History
The Ford Ghia "Barchetta" isn't some futuristic dream destined for tomorrow's roads. No, this was Ford's cheeky nod to the past, from all the way back in 1983. A time capsule of sorts, it serves as a reminder of the early ‘80s—a time when automakers were exploring ways to recapture the simplicity and fun of classic European roadsters. Although it never went into production, the Barchetta stands as a symbol of what could have been: a no-nonsense, affordable sports car designed purely for the joy of driving.
It may be forgotten by many, but for those who know, the Ford Ghia Barchetta remains a piece of motoring history, one that embodied a golden era of small, quirky, and unapologetically fun cars. It’s a car we can only dream about now, but in a way, maybe that’s exactly where it belongs—dreamland, the perfect place for a Barchetta to sail on forever.
