Concept Car Of The Day: 1977 Ford Megastar - AllCarIndex

Concept Car Of The Day: 1977 Ford Megastar

Aug 19, 2024

In 1978, Ford Division unveiled the Megastar, a concept car designed by Ford's Ghia Operations in Turin, Italy. This futuristic family car was showcased at major auto shows in the United States during the model year.

The Megastar featured a four-door wedge-shaped aluminum body based on the European Granada, with the capacity to accommodate up to five people. It was powered by a European three-liter Ford V-6 engine and had independent front and rear suspension systems.

One of the standout features of the Megastar was its extensive use of glass, with 80% of the front doors and 60% of the rear doors made of glass. The car also had a unique panoramic windshield set at a low angle to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy.

The design team at Ghia also incorporated other innovative elements, such as a louvered air intake for the radiator, an aerodynamic spoiler in the front bumper, and a foam-filled rear bumper for impact absorption.

Inside, the Megastar had a luxurious interior with contoured front and rear seats upholstered in a honey-colored velvet-like material. Dark brown leather was used for the dash and door-trim panels, while a thick cut-pile carpet covered the floors.

The car also boasted practical features like a fold-down rear seat to expand the luggage area, as well as air conditioning, automatic transmission, and power steering. Safety was a priority with the inclusion of head-restraint systems, inertia safety belts, and built-in fire extinguisher and first aid kit.

Overall, the Ford Megastar was a vision of the family car of the future, blending cutting-edge design with practical features and safety considerations. Though the Megastar never made it to production, its legacy lives on as an iconic concept car from Ford's history.