1989 Ford Fiesta Bebop

Official press release:

THE FIESTA BEBOP

A Versatile Pick-Up for the Leisure Market

A versatile, multi-purpose, off-road, leisure model of the Ford Fiesta will be displayed on the Ford stand at this year's Frankfurt International Motor Show (September 14-24).

This special two-seater, Fiesta pick-up has been developed jointly by the Ghia Design Studio in Turin and Ford designers working in the Company's Research and Engineering Centre at Dunton, Essex. They have been under the direction of former British Olympic swimmer, Graham Symonds, now Ford's Design Manager responsible for small car programmes.

Multi-colour Design

Codenamed "Bebop", this versatile multi-coloured, multi-purpose Fiesta is finished in an eye-catching paint scheme of white, yellow, turquoise, blue and violet.

The interior trim scheme is equally adventurous, featuring deep blue Recaro bucket seats with contrasting turquoise inserts. These incorporate blue and yellow Fiesta motifs woven into the upholstery material.

Electrical Control for Tonneau Cover

Two spot lamps, one of which can be removed and used as a torch at the end of a two-metre wander lead, are built into the roof of the Bebop to form part of the adjustable roof rack. The load compartment is also flexible with removable tubular steel side bars, a fold-flat tailgate which extends the load length to 1.5 metres and a high security tonneau cover which is locked in the closed position by electrically controlled pressure bars.

The Bebop's cab is equally versatile. For increased ventilation the rear window can be hinged in the open position or can be completely removed from the vehicle. The complete rear bulkhead of the car, which incorporates a special load container, can also be detached and left at home in the garage.

Special Cooling Ducts

Cooling ducts are built into the bonnet of the Bebop. Twin long range driving lamps and an additional cooling duct are housed in the aerodynamic front spoiler while the tailgate incorporates the rear spoiler. Additional ground clearance is provided by the 15" diameter alloy road wheels.

The innovative external paint scheme graduates from bright yellow at the front to white at the rear through a graduated cascading rock and gravel motif designed to emphasize the versatility and off-road leisure capability of this concept Fiesta.

Range of Engines

Powered by a 1.8 litre naturally aspirated diesel engine driving through a five-speed transmission, the Bebop could be manufactured with either manual or automatic transmission and petrol engines ranging from 1.0 to 1.6 litres.

"Our brief was to explore and demonstrate the versatility of the new Fiesta," says Graham Symonds. "So we started with the five-door configuration and developed into it this multi-purpose pick up for the leisure market.

"However, we have made certain that this variant could be manufactured in one of our Fiesta plants alongside the present three and five door models and light van. As always, we are waiting to see the reactions of our customers and keeping our options open".

Fiesta versatility was the theme in 1990 which created the Fiesta Bebop.

This jazzy Fiesta-based concept was a dynamic pickup design geared to sports-minded drivers.

It presented a cheeky new face, roll-over hoop behind the passenger cabin, front and side-wall spoilers and RS air slits in the hood, all wrapped in a customised paint scheme that transformed from yellow at the front to white at the rear with the use of blocks of colour at the transition point. White wheels provided another distinctive design feature that lent a sporting air to this vehicle.

SOURCE: Ford

Engine & performance:

Position: front

Type: Ford Fiesta, 4-cylinder, diesel

Capacity: 1753 cc

Power: 60 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque: 110 Nm @ 2500 rpm

Dimensions:

Length: 3740 mm

Width: 1610 mm

Height: 1325 mm

Wheelbase: 2445 mm