Concept Car Of The Day: 1978 Ford Megastar II - AllCarIndex
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In 1978, Ford Motor Company unveiled the Megastar II, a bold new concept car created to commemorate the company's 75th anniversary. Revealed at the Ford Design Center in Dearborn, Michigan, the Megastar II was developed at the Ghia Studio in Turin, Italy, Ford's international design hub. Based on the European Ford Taunus, this striking vehicle showcases futuristic styling and innovative features that reflect Ford's vision for the future of automotive design.
The Megastar II is a sleek, wedge-shaped sedan with a distinctive silver and black exterior, accented by an orange tape-stripe scheme. This three-door, five-seater car is a direct successor to the Granada-based Megastar, which had previously made appearances at auto shows in both Europe and the United States. While the Megastar II retains the Taunus' four-cylinder engine, four-speed transmission, and aluminum road wheels, it incorporates significant modifications to its design and structure. The floor pan has been shortened at the rear, and the fuel tank and spare wheel have been repositioned to optimize space. Additionally, the front bulkhead has been moved forward, and the vehicle's nose has been extended to accommodate a long, chisel-shaped front end.
The car's overall dimensions—165 inches in length, 68.8 inches in width, and 48.4 inches in height—give it a compact yet futuristic profile. It sits on a 101-inch wheelbase and features an all-steel body that emphasizes both performance and aerodynamics. The front of the Megastar II is defined by a louvered aerofoil grille, with four recessed headlamps protected by clear plastic covers. Below the impact-absorbent front bumper, an air dam is integrated to enhance stability at high speeds.
Design enhancements extend to the rear, where the tailgate opens up to the top of the rear bumper and is supported by gas-filled struts, providing easy access to the luggage area. In contrast to its predecessor, where only the rear window could be opened, the Megastar II's tailgate improves utility, and the rear seats can be folded individually to expand cargo space. Electrically operated teardrop-shaped door windows, front-hinged rear quarter windows, and glass panels built into the louvered center pillars further enhance the car's unique design and provide better visibility for rear-seat passengers.
Inside, the Megastar II features a black leather interior with orange-striped carpeting that reflects the exterior design. The Taunus’ original instrument module is retained, integrating the vehicle's instruments, heater, and radio controls into a single monitor unit set behind a padded, four-spoke steering wheel. The tinted screen of the monitor ensures no unwanted reflections, while the illuminated controls provide ease of use in all lighting conditions.
One of the standout elements of the Megastar II is its attention to aerodynamic efficiency. According to Filippo Sapino, managing director of Ghia Studio, the car's sleek, rakish design contributes to improved fuel economy and overall performance. The vehicle's small frontal area, short rear, and clean lines, with minimal external protrusions, reduce air resistance, making it more energy-efficient. Even details like the fuel filler cap, which features spring-loaded panels that sit flush with the bodywork, have been engineered to minimize drag.
The name "Megastar II" is prominently displayed on each rear-quarter panel, written in a special futuristic script designed to commemorate Ford's 75th anniversary. This script, inspired by the graphic representation of a molecule, adds a distinctive touch to the vehicle's avant-garde appearance.
Although the Megastar II is not intended for mass production, it stands as a testament to Ford's innovative spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design. As part of the company’s 75th-anniversary celebration, the Megastar II represents a glimpse into the potential future of Ford vehicles, combining cutting-edge design with practical enhancements aimed at improving performance, efficiency, and overall driving experience.
