Monterey Car Week witnessed a heartbreaking event last weekend with the destruction of a historic concept car. The 1979 Ford Ghia Probe I ignited while on its way home, resulting in a complete loss of the vehicle. Recently released photos reveal the charred remnants of this once-stylish wedge-shaped design, and the damage is extensive.
These images were posted by the Ford’s owner, Scott Grundfor Company, which also possesses two other vehicles from the Probe concept lineup. According to a Facebook update, the charred car has been relocated back to the company’s collection, where it was housed prior to the fire incident. In the upcoming weeks, the team plans to sift through the remnants of the car, which reportedly includes some “miraculously preserved artifacts.” How these items survived the blaze remains a mystery, considering the car’s extensive damage.
In one external photograph, the car’s condition is pitiful, with all paint and trim incinerated. The exposed metal has warped from the heat and rapidly rusted. Additionally, the heat has shattered all the glass components and ruined the tires, although the distinctive wheels appear to be relatively intact. The interior, however, seems to have suffered the worst damage, with everything non-metallic reduced to ash.
Despite the extensive damage to this innovative concept car, Grundfor has expressed no intention of discarding it. The vehicle is firmly in their possession and is “never to be discarded.” Future plans for the car remain uncertain, with Grundfor only hinting at “potential plans for the future.” Whether restoring the Ghia Probe is feasible is up for debate, given that numerous parts were custom-built. However, considering Grundfor’s expertise in restoration, they may be eager to demonstrate their capability in reviving such a severely damaged vehicle. A successful restoration could lead to an impressive comeback story.
.
