The era of European sports coupés also shaped Ford's strategy: in collaboration with its longstanding O.S.I. partner Ford (Ford Anglietto Torino), the OSIpartner Ford (Ford Anglietto Torino), the OSI 20mTS was created as the Italian answer to the trend towards the "European Mustang" - a path that Ford later successfully continued with the Capri. O.S.I. was responsible for the design (Sergio Sartorelli), development and production of the 20m TS and, as the Italian manufacturer, bore the entrepreneurial responsibility. Ford supplied the floor assembly, chassis and engine for the two-year cooperation. The collaboration ended with the launch of the Ford Capri. The high production costs of the high-quality OSI 20mTS and the absence of Ford supplier parts not only ended the model history, but also the complete vehicle production at O.S.I.; from then on, the plant produced stamped parts as a supplier. One of the co-owners was the wheel manufacturer Fergat, whose wheels are still part of the original equipment today.
Not a Ford
The frequently used term "Ford OSI" is misleading in the case of the OSI 20mTS. The OSI 20mTS Coupé is an independent Italian Gran Turismo (2+2 seater) and was developed, designed, produced (KBA number: 4033 for OSI), distributed and sold under its own brand by Officina Stampaggi Industriali (OSI) in Turin.
Historical background
- In the 1960s, Ford was looking for a coupé for the European market that would build on the success of the Mustang. This later became the Capri. As early as the mid-sixties, Ford commissioned an Italian coachbuilder to develop a coupé in parallel. OSI designed the OSI 20mTS in record time, brought the vehicle to production maturity and thus aroused Ford's interest.
- Ford then supplied OSI with the floor assembly, engine and technology. Numerous components also came from Maserati and Alfa Romeo - common for OSI as a manufacturer specializing in body construction.
- For sales purposes, Schwabengarage, Europe's largest Ford sales partner, purchased a large proportion of the 1967 production and sold it through the Ford dealer network. OSI took over the warranty for the body and equipment; the engine and chassis were covered by the supplier's warranty.
- A convertible variant, which was also designed, did not make it into series production
- With the market launch of the Capri and the termination of the contracts by Ford, OSI 20mTS production was discontinued at the end of 1968 - also due to the price at that time of over DM 15,000 compared to DM 9,600 for the Capri.
Anniversary celebration on the occasion of the Belmot Oldtimer Grand Prix 2026
The rare sports coupé of the 1960s is rarely seen on the roads today. Of almost 2200 vehicles built, around 280 examples exist worldwide as parts carriers or ready to drive; registered vehicles are estimated at around 80.
This year, the Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring will be the big stage for the special anniversary. The OSI International Owners Club will be on site in the AMG Arena during the OGP, answering questions about history, technology and restoration and introducing interested visitors to the special world of OSI vehicles. A special highlight is the drive around the Nordschleife on Saturday afternoon - a unique opportunity for impressive photo opportunities.
In recent years, the number of high-quality restored OSI 20mTS has risen continuously. While technical spare parts are relatively readily available, the bodywork, interior and add-on parts generally require extensive work. However, specialized workshops and certain original components are still available - a good time for collectors and restorers to take a closer look at the model.
The OSI Owners Club International
The OSI Club preserves the heritage of all models built by OSI. We digitize available documents, maintain knowledge and history and support owners and interested parties worldwide with information, networking and practical tips. Anyone with an OSI is welcome to join us.
Further information can be found on the OSI Club website.
