Concept Car Of The Day: 1989 Ford Fiesta Bebop

Aug 04, 2024

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In 1989, Ford introduced the Fiesta Bebop, a versatile and dynamic pickup design created for sports-minded drivers. This concept vehicle was showcased at the Frankfurt International Motor Show 1989, displaying its unique features and capabilities to the public.

Designed by the Ghia Design Studio in Turin and Ford designers at the Research and Engineering Centre in Essex, the Fiesta Bebop was a two-seater pickup that stood out with its multi-coloured exterior paint scheme. The interior featured blue Recaro bucket seats with contrasting turquoise inserts, incorporating unique Fiesta motifs into the upholstery material.

Equipped with special features like removable spot lamps that could double as torches, adjustable roof racks, fold-flat tailgate, and an electrically controlled tonneau cover, the Bebop was versatile both inside and out. It also boasted innovative elements like cooling ducts, aerodynamic front spoiler, and ground clearance provided by 15" alloy road wheels.

Under the hood, the Fiesta Bebop was powered by a 1.8 litre naturally aspirated diesel engine, offering a blend of performance and efficiency. The design manager, Graham Symonds, emphasized the versatility of the Fiesta by creating this multi-purpose pickup for the leisure market.

While the Bebop concept showcased the potential for a new variation of the Fiesta, Ford was keen on gauging customer feedback and keeping their options open for production. The jazzy and sporty design of the Fiesta Bebop captured the essence of versatility that the Fiesta lineup represented in 1990.

Looking back at this innovative concept from Ford, it's clear that the Fiesta Bebop was ahead of its time with its unique features and design elements. The fusion of practicality and style in this pickup concept left a lasting impression on the leisure market segment, setting the stage for future innovations in the automotive industry.