1979 Ford Probe I Ghia Concept Burns After Monterey Car Week

By Kevin Joseph August 21, 2024

Those who appreciate vintage cars understand the importance of preserving history, even though there are sometimes unavoidable risks associated with showcasing these treasures.

[{"selector":"#anim-9fbe0172-74c6-444d-bc45-dcb27dde0863 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-50.02665987890769%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Sunday was a somber day for the classic car community as the unique 1979 Ford Probe I Ghia concept car met a tragic fate in a fire shortly after leaving the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

[{"selector":"#anim-47c773df-9d24-4ca2-9d17-f397f63a2e3e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-55.59209695475127%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Scott Grundfor Company, the car's owner, expressed their deep sadness on Instagram, saying that the loss of the Probe I feels akin to losing a beloved family member.

[{"selector":"#anim-761efcae-e9bb-4ce5-89c5-1f3f9d6e3a68 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(41.44042460157246%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

We have treasured this automotive masterpiece for more than two decades since it was first owned by Ford Motor Company.

[{"selector":"#anim-ad2f5459-5e6c-42d5-8a88-69c2ac98fcdb [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-64.1069080425782%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2700,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Despite the unfortunate event, we feel privileged to be a part of its rich history. The Probe I was created through a collaboration between

[{"selector":"#anim-86547b8f-90dc-4068-bff8-ab42c2389685 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-39.46754475748484%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2700,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

-Ford's chief designer Don F. Kopka and Carrozzeria Ghia. It was built on the Fox-body Mustang platform and boasted a unique wedge-shaped design.

[{"selector":"#anim-db28b4ce-91a9-44c9-84c9-9e485ccfe432 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(4.9512802902379%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Beneath its stylish exterior resided a powerful 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Mustang Cobra engine that generated an impressive 170 horsepower.

[{"selector":"#anim-efaefb40-cba0-49f1-b71d-3d723b46f4e9 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-59.538075770467394%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

The car's sleek design, perfected through wind-tunnel testing, had a drag coefficient 37% lower than other sports coupes of its time.

[{"selector":"#anim-763d74bf-9913-408c-8147-69a82bacb7fb [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(52.594361842651985%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

The Probe I gained fame at the 1979 Frankfurt auto show for its distinctive rear-wheel covers and glass cabin. This was one of the five Probe concept vehicles created between 1979 and 1985.

[{"selector":"#anim-0b79b60a-f7b9-406c-a335-713f8e33cbb2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(46.44921875490374%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Unfortunately, the car and its trailer were engulfed in flames while being transported from Pebble Beach, where it had been

[{"selector":"#anim-c59a0d6e-4d57-410b-b77d-7188311523e7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(55.726562587513264%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

-showcased in the Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars and Prototypes class. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

[{"selector":"#anim-1d887895-9cfb-41f8-86d2-a0b588b3b0f6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(47.07277961544641%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2700,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

The Scott Grundfor Company is excited to welcome the remains of the Probe I back to their collection. It will have the honor of joining other

[{"selector":"#anim-b993e8d1-b6e1-4d2c-a7bc-70c6b39fa250 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-52.74551059944066%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2700,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

-Ghia/Ford prototypes, ensuring that its legacy is preserved for years to come.

[{"selector":"#anim-7be2b54e-3358-4e6a-8294-aebddec3bf1e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.25863477310355%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]