A highly unique Ford Probe I Ghia concept car was consumed by flames in California just after being showcased at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
For the past two decades, this iconic vehicle has been under the care of the Scott Grundfor Company, who expressed their devastation 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 Concoursd’Elegance,” the firm shared. "We are a family-oriented company, and it feels like we have lost a member of our family today.”
Reduced to ashes
The Ford Probe I, unveiled at the 1979 Frankfurt Motor Show, resulted from clever design and engineering. Designed and constructed by the renowned Ghia design house in Turin, Italy, this concept car boasted a striking aerodynamic shape that aimed to enhance fuel efficiency. Ford's claims at the time were impressive: a drag coefficient of just 0.25 and a fuel economy of 6.0L/100km at 90km/h.
The car’s wedge-shaped silhouette, rear wheel covers, expansive rear glass house, and luxurious tan leather and red cloth interior made it a true standout. Inside, the Probe I was packed with futuristic features like touch-sensitive switches, a keycard ignition and an electronic entertainment system.
And unlike many concept cars, the Probe I was fully functional. Built on a modified Foxbody Mustang platform, it was powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Sadly, this automotive masterpiece met an untimely demise. The owners have confirmed that the remains of the Probe I will be placed alongside other Ford/Ghia prototypes in their collection.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but thankfully, no injuries were reported. The quick thinking of the driver prevented the fire from spreading to nearby vegetation, and while firefighters responded promptly, they were unable to save the concept car or its trailer.
