Rare Opportunity: Own a Piece of Automotive History with the 1983 Ford Probe IV Concept Prototype
The rise of the electric vehicle market in recent years has brought attention to the importance of aerodynamics in improving driving range. Vehicles like the Lucid Air and Mercedes-Benz EQS boast impressive drag coefficients of 0.197 and 0.20, respectively. However, back in the early 1980s, Ford and Italian design house Ghia collaborated to create the Probe IV Concept, a series of low-drag prototypes with a remarkable claimed drag coefficient of 0.152.
The 1983 Ford Probe IV Concept was designed for wind-tunnel testing rather than road use, allowing for extreme low-drag design without the constraints of safety regulations. Unlike modern production models that must meet strict safety standards, the Probe IV showcases the potential of pushing aerodynamic design to the limit. Despite being over four decades old, the Probe IV remains an impressive example of innovative aerodynamics.
One of the two existing Probe IV Concept prototypes, chassis #001, is currently up for sale on Bring a Trailer. This example, previously part of a private collection in Texas, lacks essential components like an engine, transmission, brakes, and steering system. Despite its non-functional state and imperfections, such as a sagging roof and missing parts, the Probe IV Concept represents a significant piece of engineering history and a rare opportunity for collectors.
With only two Probe IV Concept prototypes ever built, the opportunity to own a piece of automotive history is limited. The current bid for chassis #001 is $1,500, with the auction set to end on March 22. For enthusiasts and collectors interested in owning a unique and historically significant vehicle, the Probe IV Concept offers a glimpse into the innovative world of aerodynamic design.