1981 Ford Shuttler (Ghia)

The 129-inch-long Shuttler was nearly two feet than the Geo Metro, the smallest automobile on the American market in 1989. 50 inches high and 61 inches wide, the Shuttler seated two people, and was presented at the 1982 Brussels Auto Show. Boasting a modified Ford Fiesta chassis and an integral spoiler, the Shuttler was characterized by its wedge shape and integrated rectangular headlights. Rear air intakes were mounted on a double line shared with the taillights. Instruments were mounted in a pod located ahead of the driver, and the dashboard served as a full-width storage tray.

Concept Car Central

For Ghia, the possibilities for a city coupe continued to beckon at the start of the 1980s. The result of this inspiration was the Ghia Shuttler of 1981, which was also part of the recent Christie’s auction.

Based on a Fiesta platform, Shuttler was just 196 centimetres long. This two-door city coupe was finished in metallic anthracite with bold orange accent stripes. Inside, a plush grey and brown cloth interior carried through the orange accent stripes from the vehicle’s exterior.

The wedge-shaped body shape displayed a sporty demeanour, and featured an advanced feature for the time – flush-mounted side glass – plus faired-in enclosures for the side mirrors. Rear air vents were placed to connect between Shuttler’s tail lamps and its side accent stripe.

Ford Media Site

With Shuttler, under the direction of Filippo Sapino, Ghia managed to create a very attractive little city coupe that was, when it was new in 1982, the center of attention wherever it was shown. The small greenhouse slopes gracefully down to a deck so short it barely deserves to be described with the word deck.

Around the greenhouse, continuing the waistline created on the nose by the intersection between the hood and fender, Ghia has built an attractive and functional tray-style spoiler that builds from the middle of the door and wraps around the edge of the decklid which is actually part of the rear hatch.

Great care has been paid to the Ghia Shuttler concept's aerodynamics as well. The side window glass fits flush with its frames, mirrors are in faired-in enclosures and the door handles are recessed into the doors. A group of 20 holes punched into the hood helps to draw air into the engine compartment.

The interior of the Ghia Shuttler concept has two seats and is unusually well appointed with grey/brown suede cloth accented with orange covering the seats, dash (formed in a sloping tray for storage) and door panels. Ergonomics played and important part as there is ample room for two large adults plus luggage storage behind the seats. Easy access is provided by the hinged rear window/tailgate. The leather covered steering wheel is unique and attractively shaped with a wide single spoke pierced by a good-sized round hole. Instruments and switches are arranged in a cluster of four round housings on the steering column. There is even a small console between the seats with the power window switches, cigarette lighter and a small armrest. The bodywork of hand-formed metal highlights Ghia's nearly century-old reputation for quality one-off concepts and innovative design.

"Cute" is a positive attribute in automobiles and the Ghia Shuttler concept is undeniably cute.

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