Lost 1983 Ford Probe IV Concept Car by Ghia Resurfaces on Facebook Marketplace

A rare 1983 Ford Probe IV Concept by Ghia has unexpectedly surfaced on Facebook Marketplace, and for car history fans, this is a huge moment. The listing doesn’t show an asking price, but it’s believed this car is one of only two Probe IV concepts ever built. The other example is permanently displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

When Ford Designed the Future on Purpose

The Probe series began in 1979, when Ford Motor Company partnered with Ghia to explore extreme aerodynamics. The goal wasn’t style alone. Ford wanted to see how low drag could go if designers weren’t limited by production rules.

Each Probe pushed further than the last. Probe III even influenced real cars like the Ford Sierra and Merkur XR4Ti. Sadly, the original Probe I was destroyed in a trailer fire in 2024, making surviving Probe concepts even more important.

Why the Probe IV Is Special

The Probe IV debuted in 1983 with an astonishing drag coefficient of just 0.15. That number still beats nearly every modern production car. Ford was so proud of it that the figure was displayed right on the car.

This wasn’t a functional vehicle. The Probe IV has no engine, steering, or drivetrain. It’s a design sculpture built to prove how far aerodynamic thinking could go when nothing else got in the way.

A Design That Still Feels Modern

Even today, the Probe IV looks futuristic. The long sloping hood, sharp triangular headlights, and glass that dips below the beltline feel like ideas designers are still chasing decades later. The rear strakes and partially hidden taillights are pure 1980s concept-car confidence.

Many enthusiasts consider the Probe IV the best-looking of the entire Probe lineup, and it’s easy to understand why.

Condition and Reality Check

The listing notes missing components, cosmetic wear, and a collapsed rear glass area that will need repair. But this car was never meant to be perfect. It was meant to survive—and inspire.

Why It Should Be Preserved

The Probe IV represents a time when Ford wasn’t afraid to experiment and think long-term. These concepts helped shape future design language and influenced real cars that followed.

If the right buyer steps in, this Probe IV shouldn’t be modified or “finished.” It should be preserved exactly as it is—a rare reminder of when Ford was willing to imagine boldly, even if the future never reached the showroom.

View the Facebook Marketplace Listing: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/834112459228425/