A unique concept car, believed to be lost, has unexpectedly appeared for sale on a popular online platform.
Unexpected Find on an Online Platform
Facebook Marketplace is a place where you can find the most incredible things, from small items to super-rare specimens. As proof of this, one seller has listed the genuine first Ford Probe IV concept for sale. This is not a copy or a replica, but the original car that was thought to be lost forever. It has returned from oblivion, and its owner is ready to part with it.
History and Characteristics of the Concept
The car, first spotted by Ford Authority, is currently located in Spring, Texas, and has the correct plate: 1983 Ford Probe IV Concept, chassis 001. It was built by the Ghia atelier for Ford as part of the automaker’s program to study advanced aerodynamics in the early 1980s.
The seller is currently accepting offers, setting an approximate price of $11,111. It’s important to note that this Probe is essentially a design study. It is not drivable, so don’t expect to get a unique car for daily use for this money.
Aerodynamic Achievements of the Probe Program
The Ford Probe program began in 1979 when the company commissioned Ghia to investigate how radical aerodynamics could improve fuel efficiency. By the time the Probe IV debuted in 1983, these efforts had resulted in a concept that reportedly achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.15. This figure would still make many modern production cars blush.
Of course, the Probe IV cheated a bit, ignoring things like safety standards, suitability for everyday driving, and, in this case, even the presence of a powertrain.
Construction and Purpose
The car’s composite body is mounted on a wooden chassis with steel subframes carrying the wheels. The suspension is manually adjustable for testing, and the electric front spoiler shows how far ahead of its time this machine was.
This is the very first built specimen, used specifically for wind tunnel testing and development. For many years, it was believed to be lost.
Place in History and Price Expectations
Now it has reappeared, joining its only known sibling, chassis 002, which sold for approximately $125,000 in 2022 and is now at the Petersen Automotive Museum in California.
Given that specimen 001 is not drivable, its price is unlikely to be as high. At the same time, it is undoubtedly a piece of automotive history waiting for a new owner.
The appearance of such an artifact on an ordinary classifieds platform is a reminder of how many unique prototypes and concepts may be scattered across private collections or even garages, waiting for their time. Its technical solutions, especially aerodynamic ones, remain impressive even after four decades, demonstrating the boldness of engineering thought of that era. The future of this particular specimen is likely to be tied to a museum or specialized collection, where it will be preserved as a vivid example of the pursuit of efficiency in automobile manufacturing.