1996 Ford Vivace (Ghia)

Built in 1996, the Ghia Vivace is a concept created to reconcile aluminum space frame construction with practical packaging and aesthetic considerations. It is an example of the continuing search for creative designs that will adapt to new and evolving materials and construction techniques. It was created around the Ford Mondeo platform and 2.5 litre engine. The concept is a 2+2 coupe with intense emotional appeal in its rounded, tightly wrapped, high haunched appearance. It is intended to be dynamic and assertive. It is a platform concept without an interior. The construction is fiberglass, it is non-steering, and the doors and windows are fixed.

A styling exercise with engineering purpose, the Ghia Vivace demonstrates the successful blending of form and function, employing engineering and styling to create “design”.

The Ghia Vivace is one of a pair of concepts created to explore aluminum space frame construction techniques. Like its twin, the Ghia Arioso, the Ghia Vivace concept is an example of the continuing search for creative designs that will adapt to new and evolving materials and construction techniques.

The most exciting automobile layout, process or manufacturing technique is of no value if it cannot accommodate attractive and functional bodies. Designers are essential contributors to even the most esoteric engineering projects and are often called upon to render their contributions as physical manifestations. The Ghia Vivace concept is such an exercise, built to explore ways of reconciling aluminum space frame construction with practical packaging and aesthetic considerations.

The Ghia Vivace concept is a 2+2 coupe with intense emotional appeal in its rounded, tightly-wrapped, high-haunched appearance. Created around the Ford Mondeo platform and 24-valve 2.5-liter V-6 engine, the Ghia Vivace concept is intended to be dynamic and assertive. Its curved profile is accented by concave rocker panels and a concave stroke on its flanks that originates in the corners of the front bumper. At the rear the body side curves so quickly to the tail that it barely contains the rear tires, then terminates in a rounded tail and decklid that recalls classic coupes from Jean Bugatti with the modern touch of oval taillights mounted high at the corners of the backlight. A generous wheel/tire package carries on the Ghia Vivace concept's aggressive nature.

The Ghia Vivace concept is a platform concept without an interior. It is constructed in fiberglass and is non-steering. The wheel covers are plastic. Doors and windows do not open. The paint is applied over quick preparation showing the fiberglass weave on its surface and there are some nicks, scratches and cracking evident.

A styling exercise with engineering purpose, the Ghia Vivace concept demonstrates the successful blending of form and function, employing engineering and styling to create "design".