Ford Focus

Vehicle Overview

The Ford Focus Concept from 1992, designed by Taru Lahti and built by Ghia, is an extraordinary example of automotive sculpture. This visionary concept car showcases an intricate blend of shapes, textures, and materials, seamlessly integrating both conventional and unexpected design elements. The Ghia Focus debuted at the 1992 Turin Show, captivating automotive enthusiasts and designers alike. J Mays, Ford’s Vice President of Design, described it as “a concept that is as close to a piece of art as you’ll ever find.” Camilo Pardo, now Chief Designer at Ford’s Living Legends studio, collaborated with Lahti at Ghia during its development. He highlights the organic textures, materials, and fluid shapes that define the concept’s innovative aesthetic. Underneath its striking exterior, the Ford Focus Concept is engineered on a shortened 100mm Escort RS Cosworth floorpan, featuring a full-time four-wheel-drive system. Power comes from a turbocharged and intercooled 16-valve 2.0L Cosworth engine producing 227 horsepower. The lightweight carbon fiber composite body keeps the curb weight at just 2,100 pounds. The vehicle rides on 18-inch split-rim alloy wheels, concealed by full plastic wheel covers and wrapped in custom Goodyear tires, designed to complement the overall styling. The Ghia Focus is a roadster, equipped with a removable hardtop that stows under the rear hatch, alongside a folding soft top for additional versatility. The concept’s design begins with a rounded nose, incorporating a Mustang-inspired hood scoop and sleek, clear-covered projector headlights. Horizontal canard fins define the front corners, while the air intake for the radiator, intercooler, and engine is positioned below the nose. A unique side protection bar extends from the front door to the rear quarter, enhancing both aesthetics and function. The rear fenders rise above the wheels for rollover protection, gracefully curving inward to sculpt the rear deck. The tail and marker lights consist of irregularly placed small round lights that elegantly flow across the rear corners. A single SuperTrapp exhaust outlet is integrated beneath the license plate within the gunmetal-painted carbon fiber bodywork. Inside, the Ford Focus Concept exudes craftsmanship and innovation. The cockpit floor is finished in curved, formed wood, while the seats and door panels are upholstered in thick natural saddle cowhide in brown and tan. The steering wheel features asymmetrically curved steel rod spokes supporting a laminated wood rim. The instrument cluster, mounted on an exposed steering column, is encased in wound wire sleeves, which also enclose the adjustment cables for the exterior mirrors. The console and rear deck trim showcase hand-formed, brushed, and clear-coated steel, preserving the craftsmanship of Ghia’s metal artisans. The shift lever is a sculptural masterpiece, crafted from sinuous metal rods resembling grapevines, topped with an asymmetrical wooden grip designed for ergonomic comfort. Every element of the Ford Focus Concept highlights meticulous artistry and groundbreaking design, reminiscent of the masterpieces created by Jean Bugatti, Joseph Figoni, and Franco Scaglione. The 1992 Ford Focus Concept by Ghia remains an automotive icon—an elegant fusion of art and engineering. Its avant-garde design, innovative use of materials, and sculptural execution make it a timeless inspiration in the world of concept cars.