1984 Ford Maya Concept: Sleek Design and V6 Engineering

The 1984 Ford Maya was a compact two-seater, mid-engined targa coupé developed as a realistic prototype intended for limited daily production, with an emphasis on reducing industrial investment. Italdesign conceived the Maya with the goal of making it possible to bring the car into production within 24 to 36 months without major design modifications. Its shape followed a strong wedge profile reminiscent of the Mangusta, Boomerang, and Tapiro, though with smoother surfacing, resulting in a drag coefficient of 0.28. Measuring 4210 mm in length, 1830 mm in width, and 1140 mm in height, with a 2410 mm wheelbase, the Maya combined compact dimensions with balanced proportions. Designed for the American market, the front end featured a soft-nose bumper made from deformable plastic filled with polyurethane resins.

The targa roof was removable and matched the color of the car body. Its rear cover was hinged to the roof and tilted upwards together with the buttresses for access to the engine compartment. The interior followed Italdesign’s functional philosophy, with all controls integrated into a fixed disc on the steering wheel hub, leaving the wheel rim clear. The steering wheel itself was adjustable for both height and reach. The dashboard extended across the width of the car and flowed into the door panels, with digital instruments arranged in a band, including speedometer and tachometer.

The Maya was powered by a Ford USA experimental prototype engine mounted transversely in a mid-engine configuration. This 3.0-liter, 60° V6 engine had 24 valves, four per cylinder, and produced 250 horsepower at 6400 rpm. Fuel was supplied by two side-mounted tanks with a combined capacity of 80 liters, and cooling was handled by a front-mounted aluminum radiator assisted by electric fans. Suspension used double coil-over shock absorber units with adjustable spring rates, and all four wheels were fitted with ventilated disc brakes and Michelin TRX tires.

Storage space was provided behind the seats and in a front luggage compartment, offering a combined volume of about 120 liters. The spare wheel was located in the engine compartment. With its mid-engine layout, carefully tuned chassis, and aerodynamics, the Maya was developed to achieve a top speed close to 250 km/h while retaining production feasibility.