The mid-engine alternative from Ford 40 years ago
01/08/2026
It's not as if Ford didn't think about how to turn the GT40's racing success into sales revenue. A series of concept cars were created, including the Mach II, the GT70, the GN34, the GT90 and the IndiGo.
In the mid-eighties, presented in April 1986, the American Ford people showed the Cobra 230 ME as a concept car and collection of ideas intended to demonstrate solutions for two-seater sports cars with a mid-engine (original Ford statement).
The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine from the Mustang was used as the engine for the sports car. However, extensive modifications were necessary to achieve 230 hp. The engine was given a double camshaft cylinder head with four valves per cylinder and the maximum speed was raised from 5000 to 8000 rpm.
The designers created a streamlined body with folding headlights and flexible integral bumpers. The double spoiler at the rear and the air intakes were also striking.
At 408.6 cm long, 177.8 cm wide and 119.4 cm high, the Ford was relatively compact, but had two luggage compartments (in the front and rear). During development, particular attention was paid to providing the occupants with more headroom than was usual with the competition and making it easier to get in and out of the car thanks to the door design.
The press release quoted the Vice President of Design at Ford USA, Donald F. Kopka:
""Experience we gain with this prototype could very soon be incorporated into series production. Without a doubt, a car of this caliber would give many people a completely new driving experience.
The photo and press release can of course be found in the Zwischengas archive.
