The Ford Megastar II was a concept car built by Ghia in 1978. The Megastar II was a five-passenger, wedge-shaped concept that rode on a 101-inch wheelbase. A two-liter four-cylinder engine powered it. Its two-door aluminum body had an extended front section and short, squaretail rear, designed to benefit stability and fuel economy. A copper-tinted windshield and door glass blended with the honey-colored velvet-like upholstered material. Ford displayed the first Megastar prototype at the 1978 Chicago Auto Show when fitted with a three-liter V-6.
The car was built for the family of the future. The car was based on Ford's European Taunus Sport. The Megastar II was fitted with a four-speed manual transmission, independent front and rear suspension, and aluminum alloy wheels.
The front of the car incorporates a louvered airfoil grille with four headlights recessed behind clear plastic covers. Additional halogen driving lamps are located beneath an impact-absorbent front bumper, also shaped for reduced wind resistance.
Megastar II's tailgate opens to the top of the rear bumper with the assistance of gas-filled struts. The rear seats fold down individually to provide additional luggage space.
Teardrop-shaped door windows are lowered electrically, and front-hinged quarter windows can be opened for the comfort of rear-seat passengers.
The interior of Megastar II features black leather upholstery and black carpeting with orange stripes to reflect the car's exterior color scheme. An instrument panel is a modular unit behind the padded four-spoke steering wheel. Instruments and controls always are illuminated behind a heavily tinted screen for reflection-free visibility. Dual exterior mirrors can be adjusted electrically from the driver's seat.
Source: Public Relations, Ford Division (1979) via www.carsandracingstuff.com; www.chicagoautoshow.com
Images: Ford Public Relations Photo via www.carsandracingstuff.com; Concept Car Central; www.chicagoautoshow.com
