1981 AC Ghia: A Forgotten Concept Built on the AC 3000ME - AllCarIndex

In 1981, renowned Italian design house Ghia collaborated with Ford to create a unique concept car based on the AC 3000ME platform. This collaboration, known as the AC Ghia, was envisioned as a potential rally contender, with plans to bring the car into limited production.

The AC Ghia was constructed using a standard AC 3000ME chassis. Contrary to some reports, the chassis itself was not shortened by 8 inches; rather, the overall body of the vehicle was designed to be 8 inches shorter than the production 3000ME. This modification gave the car a more compact and aggressive appearance, aligning with the rally-focused vision behind its creation.

Under the rear deck, the AC Ghia featured the same mechanical setup as the AC 3000ME. It was powered by a transversely mounted Ford V6 engine, with a displacement of 2994 cc. This engine produced 138 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and delivered 235 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. The mid-engine layout allowed for optimal weight distribution, supporting the car’s sporting intentions. Performance figures included a top speed of over 200 km/h.

In terms of dimensions, the AC Ghia measured 4,000 mm in length, 1,650 mm in width, and 1,170 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,300 mm. These proportions contributed to the car’s compact yet balanced stance.

Initially finished in silver, the concept later appeared in black. Despite speculation and rumors about Ford producing 500 units annually with factory backing, the project never moved past the prototype stage. Only one AC Ghia was ever built.

This sole example eventually resurfaced at a Christie’s auction in Dearborn on June 16, 2002, where it was sold by Ford for £23,500.

Today, the 1981 AC Ghia remains a rare and intriguing footnote in the history of performance car design—a unique fusion of British engineering and Italian styling that never made it to full production.