New Ford Focus Vignale Concept

A surprise star headlines Ford’s La Collection Focus at the 2004 Paris Motor Show: a concept car inspired by the new Ford Focus.

"The Ford Focus Vignale Concept is an elegant, stylish design model with a dual personality, design flair and contemporary details that hint at classic Italian sports cars," says its chief designer, Ehab Kaoud.

Sitting alongside the all-new Focus production range as it makes its debut in Paris, the Focus Vignale Concept is a one-off design study that explores the potential for future Focus derivatives.

"We believe the dynamic design of the new Ford Focus offers tremendous promise from which we can develop additional models that truly inspire desire in our customers," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s European Vice President for Product Development. "The Ford Focus Vignale Concept clearly demonstrates the intriguing possibilities to expand the all-new Focus family into specific niches."

The Focus Vignale Concept takes its inspiration and name from the renowned Italian designer, Alfredo Vignale (1913 – 1969), who has an historical connection with Ford’s European design heritage.

His Carrozzeria Vignale company produced many stylish, coachbuilt sports cars during the 1950's and 1960's and joined Ford Motor Company’s De Tomaso Automobili in 1969.

"Imagine. You get up early in the cool of a summer morning for a spirited drive in your coupé around those empty mountain roads . Then you head down to the coast for lunch, where the sun is hotter and the promenading crowds soak up the atmosphere watching people go by in their convertibles. That is exactly the kind of day this car is made for!"