1981 Ford Cockpit (Ghia)

THE COCKPIT — one of Ford Motor Company’s concept cars of the late 1980’s and 1990’s – is projected to achieve fuel economy better than 75 miles per gallon in city driving. The three-wheeled car, which seats two persons in tandem, was so named because it resembles the cockpit of a fighter plane. The hinged canopy lifts hydraulically. The car is powered by a 12-horsepower, 200cc, single-cylinder engine mounted inside the rear wheel. It is 119 inches long, 56 inches wide, 48 inches high, and weighs 770 pounds – about one-third the weight of today’s Ford Escort. The Cockpit is a featured attraction in Ford Division’s 1982 auto show exhibit.

Ford Division, Public Relations Department

Displayed at the 1982 show, the Ghia Cockpit three-wheeler was a mileage champ, offering fuel economy of better than 75 miles per gallon. The bubble canopy recalled the styling of a fighter jet, but the 200cc, 12 horsepower engine provided less-than stellar acceleration and top speed. This commuter special featured a sophisticated hydraulic suspension and was lightened by the extensive use of plastic, including the entire canopy structure.

www.chicagoautoshow.com

According to Ford, the two-seat Cockpit could achieve fuel economy better than 75 miles per gallon. Seating two people in a tandem position, and featuring a single rear wheel driven by a motor, the Cockpit was intended for use in heavily-congested cities. The three-hinged canopy lifted hydraulically upward, revealing an aircraft-style cockpit, hence the car's name. Powered by a 12-horsepower 200cc single-cylinder motorcycle-like engine, the Cockpit offered the dual advantage of outstanding fuel economy linked with optimum cruising speed to provide acceptable inner-city highway transportation during an energy crisis. The triangular chassis, with additional side support bars, incorporated all the mechanical accessories. The windshield was made of laminated glass and the canopy and rear window were made of reinforced plastic. The transverse-spring front suspension was controlled by hydraulic shock absorbers. While the rear-mounted engine and driving wheel were set at the apex of the chassis and sprung by two integral coil spring shock absorbers.

Concept Car Central