Car Spot: 1975 Ford Ghia Urban/Manx

The panic to go small

I remember the 70s well. There were gas shortages, and Japanese imports were hitting our shores with better gas mileage. Add to that a sluggish economy it forced manufacturers to rethink designs. As environmental awareness grew, America’s guzzling vehicles were no longer selling well. In response, automakers prioritized efficiency over aesthetics, placing engineers in charge of design and coming up with this week’s spot, a 1975 Ford Ghia Urban/Manx.

In 1975, Ford Motor Company, utilizing its recent acquisition of Carrozzeria Ghia, developed the Ghia Urban, later known as the Ghia Manx. This innovative concept was one of the first to utilize Ford’s Fiesta architecture-pioneering a shift toward small, fuel-efficient cars. Standing just 4 feet 6 inches tall and approximately 8 feet 6 inches long, it was a compact solution for urban living, promising reliable transportation amid rising fuel costs and traffic congestion.

With seating for four passengers and clever storage options, the Ghia Urban was designed to navigate crowded city streets. It made its debut at the 1977 Geneva Auto Show, embodying a new era of automotive design in response to contemporary challenges.

RELATED Spot: It was about the same size, but bombed in America, the Smart Car.

The one I found on display at the Lane Motor Museum on a recent trip to Nashville is a pushmobile made just to show off designs. It has no engine, driveline, or suspension beneath it.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my spot this week. Come back next Sunday for another one of my finds, along with some of its history. Have a fun rest of your weekend and a great week ahead.