1979 Ford Probe I Ghia: History Lost in Flames
In the world of automotive design, few vehicles capture the imagination quite like concept cars. These one-of-a-kind creations serve as showcases of innovation, design, and engineering prowess, often pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automobile manufacturing. One such iconic vehicle was the 1979 Ford Probe I Ghia concept car—a striking wedge-shaped marvel designed to exemplify Ford's aerodynamic expertise. Tragically, this piece of automotive history was destroyed in a fire while being transported from the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
A Showcase of Aerodynamics and Design
The 1979 Ford Probe I Ghia was the brainchild of Ford's chief designer Don F. Kopka, in collaboration with the renowned Italian design firm Carrozzeria Ghia. The car's design was a testament to the era's fascination with aerodynamics and futuristic aesthetics. Although it might not have been immediately apparent, the Probe I was built on the Fox-body Mustang platform, a detail that connected it to Ford's production lineup in a subtle yet significant way.
The Probe I's wedge-shaped nose was a product of extensive wind-tunnel testing, which allowed Ford to achieve a drag coefficient 37 percent lower than that of contemporary sports coupes. This aerodynamic efficiency was a key selling point of the concept, which featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder Mustang Cobra engine capable of producing 170 horsepower—a respectable figure for its time.
The concept car's design included distinctive rear-wheel covers and a unique glass cabin, elements that made it stand out among its peers. The Probe I was first unveiled at the 1979 Frankfurt Auto Show, where it quickly gained popularity and became known as a symbol of Ford's forward-thinking design philosophy.
The Ill-Fated Journey from Pebble Beach
The Scott Grundfor Company, a renowned collector and restorer of classic cars, had been the proud custodian of the Ford Probe I Ghia concept for over two decades. The company had acquired the car from Ford Motor Company, the vehicle's original owner, and had carefully maintained it as part of its collection of Ghia/Ford-bodied prototypes.
The Probe I was most recently showcased at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it was featured in the Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars and Prototypes class. However, what was meant to be a triumphant return to the public eye ended in disaster. As the Probe I was being transported from the event, a fire broke out, completely destroying both the car and the trailer it was being carried in.
The news of the fire was confirmed by the Scott Grundfor Company in an Instagram post that expressed the deep sense of loss felt by the team. "We are a family-oriented company, and it feels like we have lost a member of our family today," the post read. "Scott and myself [Drew] have been lucky stewards of this work of art and piece of automotive history for over 20 years, as we are the grateful second owners, Ford Motor Company having been the first . . . We are forever lucky to be a part of this car's history, however tragic this event was."
The Legacy of the Probe I Ghia Concept
The 1979 Ford Probe I Ghia was the first of five Probe concept vehicles that Ford developed between 1979 and 1985. Each of these concepts explored new ideas in automotive design and engineering, with the Probe I setting the stage for its successors. Although the vehicle is now lost, its legacy lives on as a symbol of innovation and creativity in the automotive industry.
The Scott Grundfor Company plans to bring the remains of the destroyed car back to its collection, where it will reside among the rest of the company's Ghia/Ford-bodied prototypes. While the loss of the Probe I is undeniably tragic, it also serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in preserving and transporting priceless pieces of automotive history.
Reflections on the Loss
As enthusiasts, we often marvel at the sight of rare and unique cars being driven or displayed at events like Pebble Beach. However, the tragic destruction of the Ford Probe I Ghia concept highlights the delicate balance between preserving history and sharing it with the world. While we may begrudge the idea of locking away these treasures in private vaults, it's important to recognize the dangers that come with taking them out of such heavily controlled environments.
The loss of the Probe I is a poignant reminder of the importance of safeguarding our automotive heritage. Though the car itself is gone, its impact on the world of design and its place in history remain indelible. As the Scott Grundfor Company mourns the loss of this irreplaceable vehicle, the automotive community joins them in remembering the Probe I Ghia for what it was: a bold statement of innovation and a true icon of its time.
