The Probe I, owned by the Scott Grundfor Company, caught fire while in an enclosed car trailer on the highway. When the blaze was extinguished, only the basic frame of the car remained.
Designed by Ghia, the Probe I was the first of five concept cars Ford built from 1979 to 1985. The company created these vehicles to showcase advanced aerodynamic designs with a focus on fuel efficiency.
The Scott Grundfor Company expressed their sorrow in a statement:
"It is with utter sadness and a heavy heart that we have lost our 1979 Ford Ghia Probe I Prototype in an accident on the highway late in the day on Sunday after showing the car at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. We are a family-oriented company, and it feels like we have lost a member of our family today."
Before setting itself on fire in a trailer, the wedge-shaped concept car was on display at Pebble Beach.
The Probe I was built on a modified Fox platform and was slightly longer than the 1979 Mustang. It featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive. The interior boasted 1980s digital technology, making it a significant piece of automotive history.
This concept car played a crucial role in shaping Ford's future designs. It pointed towards a more aerodynamic future for the company and influenced the design of the Ford Taurus. The Probe I also inspired the production Probe car, which was originally intended to be the new Mustang.
Ford Probe I Ghia Concept
The Scott Grundfor Company plans to bring the remains of the Probe I to Arroyo Grande to keep with other Ghia/Ford bodied prototypes in their collection. Given the extent of the damage, it's unlikely the car will be rebuilt.
Source: Motor1
