The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Ford Maya II ES concept car by Italdesign.
The Ford Maya II ES was not a conventional show car but a crucial research concept developed by Italdesign in 1985 as part of Ford’s GN34 project. The goal was to create a mid-engine, two-seat coupé designed for potential low-volume production of 50 units per day for the U.S. market. This concept evolved from Italdesign’s initial Ford Maya concept, introduced at the 1984 Turin Motor Show. Inspired by the premieres of prototypes like the Lotus Etna, Ford commissioned further refinements, leading to the creation of the Maya II ES with a revised design and a secondary prototype—the Maya II EM—featuring a functional longitudinally mounted engine. While the overall architecture remained consistent with the original, the ES introduced smoother lines based on Ford’s specifications. One notable design feature, requested by Ford, was a central air intake reminiscent of those found on Ferrari models, enhancing both aesthetics and cooling efficiency. An interesting anecdote surrounds the car’s color. Ford initially requested a bright red paint scheme, likely to compare it against other GN34 design proposals. However, after the vehicle was returned to Italdesign, it was unexpectedly repainted in two shades of metallic grey, diverging from Ford’s original directive. This change highlights the dynamic balance between manufacturer preferences and design team decisions. Although the Ford Maya II ES never reached production, it remains a testament to the collaborative innovation between Ford and Italdesign. As part of the GN34 program, it exemplifies a moment in automotive history where design experimentation and engineering advancement were key drivers of development.
It’s true: In the ’80s, Ford aimed to make a sultry-looking supercar with better grip and handling than anything else on the road, including the Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach. It would have best-in-class ride quality, easy-to-live-with practicality, and a price tag comparable to a Chevrolet Corvette or Porsche 944. And it came close to reality … before being dropped in favor of an SUV. This is the story of the GN34.
