--- title: "Lost Ford Probe IV Concept Surfaces on Facebook Marketplace" date: "2025-12-29" modified: "2025-12-29" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/lost-ford-probe-iv-concept-surfaces-on-facebook-marketplace" categories: - "Culture" - "For Sale" - "Ford News" - "History" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "concept" - "Ford" --- # Lost Ford Probe IV Concept Surfaces on Facebook Marketplace ![Ford Probe IV concept]() *This may not be the particular chassis that has resurfaced, but it is a Probe IV. \Ford\* You find some pretty fascinating things on Facebook Marketplace. One that surfaced recently, via *[Ford Authority]()*, was a Ford Probe IV concept car from 1983, reportedly one of two built. The other chassis currently resides at the Petersen Museum, but this one was rediscovered not long ago, per the listing, prompting the owner to take [offers on it via Facebook]() without an asking price mentioned. Ford introduced the first Probe concept in 1979. Built by [Ghia](), it had a wedge shape constructed on the automaker's Fox platform. The idea, which was still novel at the time, was to imbue an economy car with supercar-like proportions to reduce wind resistance and therefore increase fuel economy. The Probe II and III concepts emerged in the years that followed, with the Probe III's general design heavily inspiring the [Ford Sierra]()/[Merkur XR4Ti](). Unfortunately, the only surviving Probe I [burned away in a trailer fire]() in 2024. By the time Ford got to the Probe IV, Ghia had shaved its drag coefficient down to .15—a remarkably low figure that far beats any modern passenger car, and is proudly advertised via a decal on the car's rear deck. Of course, the Probe IV had it easy, being purely designed to slice through the air without consideration for safety or production. It also didn't have a powertrain or steering, which unfortunately reduces this concept to an art piece rather than a functional vehicle. ![]() ![]() ![]() But what an art piece it is. The Probe V that came in 1985 was even more radical, like a hovercraft that glided along the road surface, and I've always felt that the eventual Probe production car looks better than anyone ever gave it credit for. But this Probe IV was the best-looking of the lot. I'm a sucker for triangular headlights on a long, sloping hood, and the way the side windows extend past the belt line is really cool. It reminds me of BMW's recent [Neue Klasse concepts](), or the original proposal for the Chevy Volt, and I've always wished someone could find a way to bring such a feature to production while preserving passenger safety. The taillights, partially obscured by bodywork strakes, are a lovely '80s touch, too. ![]() **Facebook Marketplace** Without an engine, this Probe IV is built atop a wood frame with steel subframes in the front and rear. Being as old as it is, the seller mentions a number of missing components and blemishes, including a lost wheel cover, side mirrors, and a collapsed rear glass area that will need mending. Hopefully, someone comes to the rescue for a reasonable price. This Probe series kick-started what I consider to be a landmark run of [inspirational concepts]() from the Blue Oval, for those of us who can remember a time when Ford was about more than pickup trucks. It should be preserved, even if—and perhaps especially because—the brand itself has moved on. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() *Got tips on any other lost concept cars? Email the author at adam.ismail@thedrive.com* ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()