Concept Car Of The Day: 1975 Ford Flashback

Aug 30, 2024

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The "Ghia Flashback" was a true "head-turner" back in the day. It was a small luxury sports two-seater created by Ford Motor Company designers who combined the classic lines of past cars with features of a lightweight, fuel-efficient vehicle.

This unique car was the result of collaboration between Ford's Design Center in Dearborn, Mich., and the Ghia Operations of Ford in Turin, Italy. It was a metal, non-driveable design exploration rather than a production prototype.

The concept of a very small car was the starting point for designers who added proportions and visual features of sports and classic automobiles to create the "Ghia Flashback." Gene Bordinat, vice president - Design at the time, described it as a compact two-seater with special appeal to sports and classic car buffs.

While borrowing ideas from the past, the vehicle had a thoroughly modern overall design. With crisp lines, hard edges, large glass areas, and a tinted glass roof, the Ghia Flashback offered a spacious interior despite its small size.

The pearlscent apple green car was shorter than a Mustang II, with dimensions making it stand out on the road. It was built on an 84-inch wheelbase, with a unique overall height and width, making it a truly distinctive vehicle.

One of the key features of the Ghia Flashback was its convertible design, allowing for an open-air driving experience. The interior boasted a black-and-white color theme with leather and vinyl accents, complemented by white bucket seats and black carpeting.

Overall, the "Ghia Flashback" was a true testament to the innovative design work of Ford designers and engineers at the time. It served as inspiration for smaller, lighter, and more efficient future vehicles, proving that the past can truly influence the future of automotive design.