Concept Car Of The Day: 1983 Ford Trio

Jun 23, 2024

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In March 1983, the Geneva Motor Show saw the world debut of the smallest four-wheeled passenger car ever to bear the Ford badge - the Ghia Trio. This unique microcar, measuring just 2,408 mm in length, was designed to seat two passengers in addition to the driver.

The Trio stood out for its innovative seating arrangement, with the driver's seat positioned centrally and two passenger seats set back in an "arrowhead" configuration on either side. Despite its compact size, the staggered seating layout allowed three adults to comfortably fit within a width of only 1,362 mm.

Economy of operation was a key focus during the design and construction of the Trio at Ghia's Turin workshops. The microcar featured lightweight materials throughout, including a honeycomb sandwich floor made of glass fiber and kevlar, aluminum and glass fiber seat frames, and metacrylate light assemblies.

Powered by a rear-mounted 250 cc twin-cylinder, two-stroke engine, the Trio was intended for urban use with a fuel economy of less than 4 liters/100 km and a top speed of 80 km/h. The interior was cleverly designed to maximize space, with features like a hinged drop-down side window for easy toll payment and lightweight soft shopping bag storage on either side of the driver.

Ghia Operations Managing Director Filippo Sapino explained that the Trio's layout was based on the idea that urban vehicles often operate with just the driver onboard. However, the addition of two passenger seats allowed for short trips with extra passengers when needed.

The compact dimensions of the Ghia Trio made it a practical and efficient urban vehicle, offering a unique driving experience for those looking for a small but versatile car. With a lightweight construction, innovative features, and a focus on passenger comfort, the Trio was a standout at the Geneva Motor Show and a glimpse into the future of urban mobility.