The Ford Probe I Ghia concept car, showcased at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, met a tragic fate as it burned in its trailer while leaving the prestigious auto show. Drew Grundfor of Scott Grundfor, Co., a renowned California restoration shop, confirmed the extensive damage caused by the fire. The Probe I was being towed on the freeway when a passing motorist alerted the driver, a Scott Grundfor employee, about smoke emanating from the trailer. Despite efforts to save the car, the fire had progressed to a point where the vehicle could not be rescued. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the driver’s quick actions prevented the fire from spreading to nearby vegetation. The cause of the fire remains unknown, leaving a cloud of mystery surrounding the unfortunate incident.
The Probe I Ghia was a groundbreaking concept car that made its debut at the 1979 Frankfurt Auto Show. Designed to showcase Ford’s vision of a family car for the 1980s, the Probe I stood out with its futuristic design elements. Featuring a low nose, pop-up headlights, a sleek fastback silhouette, and an abundance of glass, the Probe I resembled a spaceship on wheels. With a drag coefficient of 0.25 cD, the car boasted impressive aerodynamics for its time, positioning it between modern fuel-efficient vehicles like the Toyota Prius and Tesla Model 3.
Inside, the Probe I boasted a cutting-edge interior with touch-sensitive controls, digital gauges, and an access card instead of a traditional key. These advanced technologies hinted at the future of automotive design, paving the way for innovations that would become commonplace in vehicles over the next four decades. The car’s running gear was based on an extended Ford Mustang chassis, equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission. In response to the oil crisis of the 1970s, Ford claimed that the Probe I could achieve an impressive 39 miles per gallon at a steady speed of 56 mph.
Ford went on to produce a total of five Probe concept cars, with the 1982 Probe III serving as a precursor to the European-market Ford Sierra and the iconic 1986 Ford Taurus. While the Probe I never materialized as a replacement for the Mustang, it found its place in the market as a successor to the Capri. The 1989 Ford Probe, based on the front-wheel-drive Mazda MX-6, retained many design cues from the original Probe I concept, including its distinctive styling elements and aerodynamic profile.
Despite the tragic fire that befell the Probe I at Pebble Beach, Grundfor Co. remains committed to preserving the car’s legacy. With plans to bring the damaged vehicle back to their shop and display it alongside other concept cars, the company aims to honor the Probe I’s significance in automotive history. As one of the few surviving concept cars from its era, the Probe I holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike. Whether it remains a reminder of its past glory or undergoes a restoration to its former state, the Probe I’s story is far from over, promising the potential for a future unveiling that will reignite its legacy for generations to come.