top of page
Story Cars Logos (500 × 500 px) (4)_edited.png

1988-1989 Ford Saguaro by Ghia

  • Writer: Story Cars
    Story Cars
  • Dec 8, 2021
  • 3 min read

Built by Ghia of Turin, the aerodynamic, seven-passenger Ford Ghia Saguaro concept featured a steeply raked windshield angle, fastback roof, and flush door glass and door handles. Wraparound taillights accented the rear, and the liftgate draped over onto the roof. The Ghia Saguaro had its debut in Italy a year earlier, then arrived in North America to be exhibited at the 1989 Chicago show.


Capable of seating seven passengers, the Saguaro featured flush four-sided glass on the side doors, flush exterior door handles, and a sleek windshield angle. The unique 19-inch wheels were placed farther from each other than on standard vehicles. Air intakes were placed inboard each headlight for improved engine cooling during off-road driving. The interior featured two seats up front, three in the middle, and two in the back. Both rows of rear sears could also fold flat to create extra luggage space. The rear hatch was hinged on the roof, enabling larger objects to be loaded into the car. Electronic digital instruments lined the dashboard.


Silver blue mauve with ice blue leather trim and grey cloth interior.


The Ghia Saguaro concept pushed the SUV envelope in a different direction. Designed on the Ford Mondeo platform, it focused on the car-like attributes of successful SUVs, emphasizing straightforward daily use and enjoyment while retaining some design characteristics of SUVs.


Giuseppe Delena, who was Design Manager at Ghia at the time, worked on the Ghia Saguaro and recalled, "The concept was to take the idea of an SUV - but remember, this was 1988 - but rather than the rugged aspect we wanted to concentrate on a street version of the SUV...the high position...and combine it with the sleekness of a sporty car. ...Shade the rugged sportiness more toward road sportiness. We came up with the idea of a hybrid. ...It was particularly interesting, with big wheels and tires. We had to get a fast windshield to get the appearance of a very slick vehicle. The front end was particularly similar to other later vehicles with the horizontal louvers and interrupted by fog lamps."


The Ghia Saguaro concept presents a wedge profile behind a distinctive oval grille with horizontal elements. It is interrupted by fog lights wrapping around the front corners under elongated ovoid headlight covers. A fastback, the SUV look, and utility are preserved by the Ghia Saguaro concept's high tail. 19" wheels wear tires with an outside diameter of over two feet, communicating the Ghia Saguaro concept's all-elements capability with their massive presence. The side windows are flush with their frames, and the door handles are recessed for lower drag and reduced wind noise.


Interior seating is unusual for 1989 but highly functional, a 2-3-2 arrangement with individual front seats, a modified bench second seat, and backward-facing seating for two in the rear. Both back seats fold to convert the Ghia Saguaro concept into a spacious cargo carrier. The hatch-style rear gate was hinged well up into the roof to make room even for tall items when it is open. A vertical glass element lies below the spoiler that terminates the wedge line. This lower glass gives the driver a better sightline behind the Ghia Saguaro concept. Delena commented on the interior form development, "The front seats were integrated into the console - they seem to be coming out of the console - to form a cocoon around the driver and passenger. The colors - a cool light green - are fresh and interesting."


The Ghia Saguaro is a full-interior platform concept constructed of fiberglass. The doors do not open. The wheel covers are plastic, and the tire treads and sidewalls are custom cut. The front wheels turn by pushing them, a function known in the car show world as "kick-steer." The paint and interior show their age and are not in good condition. The left rear quarter window is missing.


Today, the Ghia Saguaro concept might be known as a "cross-over" model, a term that had yet to enter the auto design lexicon when this concept was created. Taking the most popular SUVs and family sedans features, it was an early foray into a segment that is still evolving today, over a decade after the Ghia Saguaro concept was built.


Source: www.chicagoautoshow.com; Concept Car Central; www.christies.com

Images: Ford; Concept Car Central



Comments


Most Recent

Explore Concepts by Category

News

News

Discover the cutting-edge world of concept cars and prototypes in our blog, showcasing the latest innovations and designs that are shaping the future of the automotive industry.

As Seen on TV

As Seen on TV

Explore a collection of rare concept cars and prototypes that have made memorable appearances in movies and TV shows. From iconic classics to futuristic marvels.

Featured

Featured

Story Cars featured articles include in-depth coverage of the rarest concept cars and prototypes.

Bikes

Bikes

Discover the world of concept and prototype motorcycles, featuring new designs and technologies that push the boundaries of riding and innovation.

Trucks

Trucks

Discover a collection of concept trucks and prototypes, showcasing groundbreaking designs and innovations from the past and present that have shaped the future of transportation.

Illustrations

Illustrations

Explore nostalgic illustrations of classic cars, featuring vintage ads, brochures, and educational artwork that capture the design and spirit of cars from the past.

1920s

1920s

Explore the 1920s automotive revolution with groundbreaking concepts, rare prototypes, and iconic designs that defined the Roaring Twenties.

1970s

1970s

Explore the innovative car concepts, prototypes, and rare models of the 1970s, a decade of experimental designs and performance breakthroughs in automotive history.

1980s

1980s

Discover the bold and futuristic car concepts, prototypes, and rare models of the 1980s, a decade defined by cutting-edge technology and sleek design innovations.

2010s

2010s

Explore the groundbreaking car concepts, prototypes, and rare models from the 2010s, highlighting futuristic designs and advancements that shaped the automotive industry.

For Sale

For Sale

View the rarest vehicles for sale on the market! We bring concepts, movie cars, and other exotic vehicles to the light from eBay, Facebook, dealership websites, and other marketplaces.

1930s

1930s

Dive into the 1930s, where automotive elegance meets innovation, showcasing rare prototypes, stunning concepts, and timeless pre-war masterpieces.

1960s

1960s

Discover the groundbreaking car concepts, prototypes, and rare models from the 1960s, showcasing bold designs and engineering feats that defined an era of automotive evolution.

1990s

1990s

Explore the iconic car concepts, prototypes, and rare models of the 1990s, featuring groundbreaking designs and innovations that shaped the future of automotive history.

1940s

1940s

Discover the groundbreaking concepts, prototypes, and rare cars of the 1940s that redefined automotive innovation and design in a post-war era of ingenuity.

1800s

1800s

Explore the pioneering 1800s, where the first automobiles emerged, blending engineering marvels and visionary concepts that shaped the future of transportation.

1910s

1910s

Explore the 1910s era of concepts, prototypes, and rare cars, showcasing groundbreaking designs that defined the early evolution of automotive innovation.

1900s

1900s

Discover the origins of automotive history with 1900s cars, featuring pioneering concepts, prototypes, and rare models that shaped the future of transportation.

1950s

1950s

Explore the innovative concepts, prototypes, and rare cars of the 1950s, showcasing the bold designs and technological advances that shaped the automotive industry.

Gallery

Gallery

Explore a stunning collection of HD images featuring iconic car concepts, prototypes, and rare models, highlighting the creativity and craftsmanship of automotive design.

2020s

2020s

Discover the innovative car concepts, prototypes, and rare models of the 2020s, showcasing cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and futuristic automotive designs.

2000s

2000s

Discover the bold and innovative car concepts, prototypes, and rare models from the 2000s, showcasing cutting-edge technology and design that defined the era.

Videos

Videos

Explore our featured collection of concept cars, prototypes, and rare vehicles with captivating stories, complemented by engaging videos.

1700s

1700s

Explore the steam-powered pioneering 1700s, where the first automobiles emerged, blending engineering marvels and visionary concepts.

Polls

Polls

Cast your vote on the best cars of all time! From classic vs. modern releases to groundbreaking concepts, prototypes, custom builds, and stunning designs.

Gifts & Guides

Gifts & Guides

Find the perfect gifts for car lovers with our expert guides and reviews. From accessories to gadgets, we help you choose the best gear for any auto enthusiast.

bottom of page