Ford Probe I

The Ford Probe I Ghia Concept Car marked the resurgence of the “American Dream Car” era, originally inspired by Harley Earl’s Buick Y-Job in 1939 and continued by GM’s Motorama Extravaganzas in the 1950s. By the 1970s, the concept of purpose-built Dream Cars had nearly vanished, but Ford, in collaboration with the famed Turin-based design firm Ghia, reignited this legacy. Ghia, known for its illustrious coachbuilding heritage since 1915 and as the former home of design legends like Giugiaro, Tjaarda, and De Tomaso, handcrafted this singular, fully functional prototype. The Ford Probe I emerged from Ford’s Project Alpha, spearheaded by Don Kopka, head of Ford’s design department. Kopka envisioned a vehicle that prioritized aerodynamic efficiency to address the fuel economy crisis sparked by the 1973 energy crisis and subsequent CAFE regulations. While critics feared that aerodynamic cars would all look alike, Kopka believed in combining efficiency with distinctive style. His approach led to the creation of the Ford Probe series, beginning with the 1979 Ford Probe I, which aimed to challenge Ford’s outdated upright and flat-fronted designs. Designed at the Ford Dearborn Design Center, the Probe I features a strikingly aerodynamic silhouette, boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.25 significantly lower than the 0.40 typical of contemporary coupes. Its pointed, sleek shape, flat wheel covers, pop-up headlights, and skirted rear wheels were a visual manifestation of Kopka’s progressive vision. Introduced at the 48th Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 1979, the Probe I garnered widespread attention, reinforcing Ford’s commitment to innovation. This hand-crafted prototype features a steel and glass body, accented by a red finish with black lower body sides. The fixed tinted glass roof and tinted windows enhance its futuristic appeal. The interior, upholstered in red cloth with tan leather trim, features functional gauges and a uniquely styled dashboard. The car is built on an extended Mustang Cobra Fox chassis, powered by a 170HP turbocharged 2.3-liter Mustang Cobra engine, paired with an automatic transmission. Tragically, in 2024, the automotive community mourned the loss of the Ford Probe I after it was involved in a highway accident while returning from the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Although the car was irreparably damaged, the driver remained unharmed, thanks to quick action. The Scott Grundfor Company, which preserved the Probe I for over two decades, expressed profound sadness, but vowed to honor the legacy of this iconic concept. The Probe I remains a symbol of Ford’s innovative spirit and the relentless pursuit of aerodynamic excellence.