The story of Ghia – part 1
The beginning In tracing the genealogy of coachbuilding firms, it turns out that they originated in the early years of the last century as…
Renault T600 A
The Renault T600 A concept car made by Ghia.
Vehicle Overview
The Renault T600 A, developed in 1958 through the collaboration between Renault and Carrozzeria Ghia, represents a compact concept car that explored forward-looking solutions in urban mobility. Positioned as an experimental vehicle, the T600 A incorporated an advanced cab-forward layout, placing the passenger compartment above the front axle. This configuration, typically reserved for light commercial vehicles, allowed for a maximized interior space within a short overall length, emphasizing practical urban functionality. The exterior, shaped under Ghia’s direction, featured smooth, continuous surfaces and understated detailing. The body was compact and low, with integrated headlights and a minimalist front treatment. The design language reflected the restrained aesthetic of the late 1950s while introducing subtle cues that anticipated evolving forms of European city cars in the following decade. The T600 A’s proportions, with a short front overhang and a relatively voluminous rear, resulted in an unconventional but balanced silhouette, deliberately prioritizing cabin space over traditional bonnet length. Built on mechanical components derived from the Renault Dauphine, the T600 A was powered by a rear-mounted engine. This layout not only contributed to improved traction in slippery conditions but also enabled the unusual frontal packaging of the cab-forward architecture. The chassis and drivetrain configuration aligned with Renault’s ongoing commitment to rear-engined layouts during this period. While conceived as a functional response to urban transport needs, the T600 A remained a prototype. Its execution reflected Renault’s interest in investigating space efficiency, while Ghia’s involvement ensured a coherent design approach rooted in Italian styling principles. The model demonstrated how a compact car could be reconceived through structural and visual re-evaluation, offering an alternative to conventional European sedans of the time. Constructed with an emphasis on minimalism and purpose, the Renault T600 A stands as a study in spatial innovation. Its bodywork and layout illustrate a period in which industrial design and engineering were increasingly intertwined in response to postwar mobility challenges.
Technical Specifications
-
Body
-
Year1958
-
MakeRenault
-
ModelT600
-
CoachbuilderGhia
-
Length (mm)N/A
-
Width (mm)N/A
-
Height (mm)N/A
-
Units builtN/A
-
Engine TypeN/A
-
MakeN/A
-
ModelN/A
-
Cylinder CapacityN/A
-
Number Of DoorsN/A
-
Six Month RateN/A
-
Twelve Month RateN/A
-
Date Of First RegistrationN/A
-
Year Of ManufactureN/A
-
CO2 EmissionsN/A
-
Fuel TypeN/A
-
Tax StatusN/A
-
TransmissionN/A
-
ColourN/A
-
Type ApprovalN/A
-
Wheel PlanN/A
-
Revenue WeightN/A
-
Tax DetailsN/A
-
Mot DetailsN/A
-
TaxedN/A
-
motN/A
-
MakeN/A
-
Cylinder CapacityN/A
-
RegistrationN/A
-
Year Of ManufactureN/A
-
CO2 MissionsN/A
-
Fuel TypeN/A
-
Tax StatusN/A
-
ColourN/A
-
Type ApprovalN/A
-
Wheel PlanN/A
-
Revenue WeightN/A
-
DESIGNERN/A
Subscribe
Login
Please login to comment
0 Comments
Oldest
