The recent destruction of a vintage concept car from 1979 worth $1,000,000 in a vehicle trailer fire along state Highway 1 in Monterey has left car enthusiasts and collectors in shock. The incident occurred on the Munras Avenue offramp from northbound Highway 1 at about 7 p.m. on Sunday, with the Monterey Fire Department responding to the scene. The first crew to arrive found the trailer fully engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading to nearby vegetation.
Inside the trailer was a rare Ford Probe I Ghia concept vehicle, a unique car with a wedge-shaped design, futuristic glass canopy, and drag-reducing features like covered rear wheels and pop-up headlights. The owner of the vehicle, Scott Grundfor Company, stated that a crash on the highway sparked the trailer fire. The car had just been showcased at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, adding to the tragedy of its loss.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the classic car company expressed their devastation at the loss, likening it to losing a family member. They were grateful that their team member driving the trailer at the time of the accident escaped unharmed and prevented the fire from spreading further. The fire department managed to prevent the fire from reaching the tow vehicle, minimizing the damage to only minor injuries. The total loss was estimated at around $1,028,000, a significant blow to the collector car community.
Multiple agencies, including Cal Fire, the California Highway Patrol, and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the incident to assist with traffic control and containment efforts. Despite the intense blaze, only one firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation, with no other casualties reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with authorities working to determine the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of the valuable vintage vehicle.
The destruction of the 1979 Ford Probe I Ghia concept car serves as a reminder of the fragility of rare and historic automobiles. The loss of such a unique and valuable vehicle has sent shockwaves through the car collector community, highlighting the importance of safety measures when transporting and showcasing these prized possessions. As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, enthusiasts mourn the loss of a piece of automotive history and hope for stricter safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.