Based on the architecture of the Fiesta XR2, the Ghia Barchetta was an advanced concept for a two-seat sports car, an attractively open market niche at the time. Barchetta was inspired by the barchettas of the 1950s. It achieved Ford’s goal of demonstrating the potential of an affordable sports car, intriguing European driving enthusiasts about its production possibility.
Barchetta was finished in silver with matte dark grey bumpers and wraparound front indicators and fitted with perforated 13-inch wheels with Goodyear NCT tires. XR2’s 1.6-litre, 16-valve engine powered it. The Ghia Barchetta’s shape can be recognized in the eventual Capri sports car created by Ford Australia.
Source: Ford Media Site
Images: Concept Car Central; Ford; JOHN LLOYD Collection