Concept Car Of The Day: 1976 Ford Prima - AllCarIndex
Support our project
Help us to keep our content free by donating.
Your contribution helps cover technical costs and continue our research.
Help us to keep our content free by donating.
Your contribution helps cover technical costs and continue our research.
Ford Motor Company unveiled a new mini-sized concept car, the Prima, which could be transformed into four different vehicles, including a two-seat sports coupe and a four-seat station wagon. The collaboration between Ford's Design Center in Dearborn, Mich., and Ford Ghia Operations in Turin, Italy, resulted in an innovative and versatile vehicle.
The Prima made its public debut last month in California and was set to be displayed at the Society of Automotive Engineers' Automotive Engineering Congress and Exposition in Detroit's Cobo Hall. With a 90-inch wheelbase, the Prima was shorter than a 1976 Pinto but had a variety of removable tops that allowed for different body styles.
Gene Bordinat, Ford vice president - Design, explained that while the Prima was an idea car, it incorporated technical and design features to meet the current market demands for an economical and utilitarian vehicle. The transverse-mounted engine and front-wheel drive of the Prima enabled the wide range of body styles within the same basic vehicle.
The Prima's steel tops were easily interchangeable with simple latches, and the various configurations included a sports coupe, a fastback, and a station wagon. The aerodynamic properties of the Prima, with its clean lines and low frontal area, were designed for exceptional fuel economy.
Featuring a red all-steel body and forged-aluminum wheels painted white, the Prima stood out with its unique design. The interior boasted tan contoured leather bucket seats, and the rear seat could be utilized to increase storage space in different configurations.
Under the hood, the Prima was equipped with Ford of Britain's Kent 1100-cc four-cylinder engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The spare wheel and tire were cleverly mounted in the engine compartment to maximize utility space in the rear of the car.
Overall, the Prima showcased Ford's commitment to innovation and versatility in designing a compact yet practical vehicle that could adapt to different needs and preferences.
