Concept Car Of The Day: 1982 Ford Quicksilver

Sep 18, 2024

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The Ford Ghia Quicksilver, an aerodynamic, mid-engined, high performance five-seat luxury concept sedan, marked the third stage of a mid-engine design study which was begun at the Ford Ghia Studios in Turin in the late 1970s.

Donald F. Kopka, Ford vice president of Design, reflected on the challenge of venturing into unknown territory with the Quicksilver. He noted that there were few precedents to guide them, as previous mid-engine cars typically only had seating for four with small bench seats for rear passengers. However, completion of the unique concept car demonstrated that they could produce a practical five-seat, four-door sports sedan.

The interior accommodation influenced the side profile of the car, giving it a low, rounded nose, tapered belt-line, slanted windshield, and smoothly-contoured glass areas that also enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.

Initial tests revealed a drag coefficient of approximately 0.30 for the Quicksilver, though further fine-tuning of the body was expected to significantly improve this. The car boasted aerodynamic features like a flush-fitting belly pan, retractable headlamps, skirted rear wheels, and a new method of flush-mounting retractable curved windows developed by Ghia.

Powered by a transverse-mounted Ford 3.0-litre V-6 engine with a five-speed transmission, the mid-engine position allowed for a short hood housing the forward luggage compartment and spare wheel, with ample luggage space in the rear compartment.

Inside, the Quicksilver was trimmed in cloth with contrasting tweed panels in warm grey tones. The rear seat accommodated three people, while the sports front seats were specially designed in the Ghia studio. The dashboard featured classic round dials set asymmetrically, inspired by sectors of a circle stemming from the steering column, with an adjustable steering wheel.

The dimensions of the Quicksilver were: - Length: 15 feet - Wheelbase: 9 feet, 8 inches - Width: 5 feet, 9 inches - Height: 4 feet, 2 inches

The mid-engined, transversely-mounted Ford V6 engine had a capacity of 2994 cc, producing 138 hp at 5000 rpm and 235 Nm at 3000 rpm. The top speed was recorded at 200 km/h.

Quicksilver showcased innovation in design, engineering, and functionality, pushing boundaries in the realm of luxury concept sedans.