Ford Brezza

Vehicle Overview

The Ford Brezza, a unique concept car developed by Ghia, represents a bold exploration of aerodynamic efficiency combined with sleek design. Debuting as a one-off prototype, the Brezza was designed and fabricated by Ford’s Ghia S.p.A. studios in Turin, Italy. Remarkably, it holds the distinction of being the first car fully designed by a woman for a major automotive manufacturer, marking a significant milestone in automotive design history. Built on the floor pan of the American Ford EXP two-seater, which itself was based on the Ford Escort, the Brezza utilized a 1.6-liter engine from the Escort, offering a blend of compact performance and practical engineering. This foundation made the Brezza not only visually appealing but also grounded in proven mechanical reliability. One of the most striking features of the Ford Brezza is its commitment to aerodynamic innovation. Ghia designed the car to compete with contemporary concepts focusing on airflow and efficiency. The car’s design features include skirted rear wheels and retractable headlights, both contributing to reduced drag and a smooth silhouette. Additionally, fairings placed ahead of the wheels help manage airflow underneath the car, channeling air efficiently to optimize cooling and stability. The radiator, fully ducted to maximize efficiency, draws cooling air through slots located beneath the car’s nose, utilizing undercarriage airflow to extract hot air from the engine bay. These features collectively contribute to the Brezza’s impressive drag coefficient of just 0.30. The car’s exterior aesthetics are enhanced by flush window frames and electrically operated windows, maintaining the vehicle’s clean and modern appearance. Practicality is not overlooked, with luggage space thoughtfully integrated in both the front and rear, as well as behind the seats, ensuring the Brezza’s usability despite its sporty form. Inside, the Brezza’s interior reflects its futuristic concept with a bold red and black dashboard, designed to captivate and engage the driver. Analog gauges are mounted behind a plastic screen that covers a protruding instrument box, adding a touch of retro-futurism. The automatic gear lever is conveniently placed below the temperature and radio controls, emphasizing ergonomic design. The Brezza’s powertrain is equally distinctive, featuring a 1.8-liter supercharged CVH engine mated to an automatic transmission. This combination provided ample power for a lightweight, aerodynamic prototype. With only 837 km on the odometer, the Brezza remains in original condition, a testament to its careful preservation. Its hand-crafted steel body showcases Ghia’s craftsmanship and Ford’s commitment to design innovation. The Brezza exemplifies the creative synergy between American engineering and Italian design, capturing the essence of futuristic automotive thinking while setting a precedent for aerodynamic and aesthetic integration. As a one-of-a-kind prototype, it continues to intrigue collectors and automotive historians alike.