Descripción
This 1968 OSI 20M TS 2. 3 Coupé is a nice example of the rare and beautiful four-seat grand tourer built in limited numbers by OSI in Turin for Ford of Europe.
Ford commissioned OSI to build a new flagship luxury coupe to seat four in comfort and Italian style. The OSI 20M TS used the 'Cologne’ V6 engine and running gear of the Taunus 20M combined with it's own unique monocoque bodyshell and luxurious interior. The car was sold and serviced by Ford dealerships in continental Europe where it became commonly known as the ‘Ford -OSI'.
OSI was originally established as the manufacturing arm of the prominent design studio Ghia. They built approximately 2, 200 of these elegant coupes over a short production run between 1967 and 1968. It’s generally agreed that only around 200 of these rare cars now remain. Even fewer of these are the later 2. 3 litre engined cars, such as this example, which provide a useful power increase over the early 2. 0 litre engined cars.
Designed by Sergio Sartorelli, who is recognised as one of the top designers of the period, the OSI successfully combined the elegant styling and presence of an exotic coachbuilt Italian coupe with Ford running costs. The Taunus 20M based chassis also provided plenty of practicallity, 2 adults can sit in the back and there is a good-sized boot.
There are also many nods to the Mustang in the OSI's styling and detailing. In many ways it was Ford of Europe's first attempt to replicate the glamour of the classic American pony car. Keen observers will note the similarity of their styling in side profile and the rare steering wheel straight out of the Shelby GT350.
Today this combination of exotic styling and practicality is arguably even more attractive. The crisp lines of Sartorelli’s beautiful design remain and most parts are still available from Ford specialists or have been remanufactured by the OSI enthusiast community. If you’re in the market for a coupe from the golden age of Italian coachbuilding, but aren’t so keen on the purchase or running costs of more exotic marques, then these cars are ideal.
For more information, see the recent Ford video celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the company’s rarest and prettiest models. I'm unable to post the link here, but the video can be found using the search term 'celebrating 50-years of ford osi'.
I imported this example (Chassis No. HB02741) to the UK in 2014 from long term ownership in Italy with the help of a marque specialist. It is currently UK registered on an age related number plate. The original Italian Logbook, number plates and ownership history are available.
The car is an older restoration, however the bodywork and paintwork are still in very good condition. The exterior brightwork and interior have also been restored. They are complete and in good condition, but would benefit from some improvement to bring them up to the same standard as the rest of the car.
The car was fully serviced and mechanically re-commissioned when imported to the UK. It is mechanically very original, the only modifications being electronic ignition and a period new old stock Abarth Sport Exhaust. The car runs very well and the Abarth Exhaust definitely gives it more of an Italian accent! With its smooth V6 engine and airy cabin it fits the bill of a comfortable grand tourer, providing plenty of that feel good factor which make classic sixties Italian ‘Gran Turismos’ feel special. I’ve driven the OSI on several Classic Car Tour events covering up to 300 miles per day over challenging mountain roads with no reliability issues.
Over the winter months the car has been kept in museum quality heated and de-humidified storage, which has greatly helped to maintain it’s condition. I’d be happy to provide a more detailed description of the condition and work carried out on request.
With concours examples now fetching £ 70, 000 this is an excellent opportunity to acquire a well cared for solid example of these rare and collectible coupes, which can be enjoyed as it is or further improved to make an excellent example.
