Ford’s Probe series kicked off in 1979 as a full on response to those eye-watering fuel costs and the tightening grip of efficiency regulations. In Turin, Ghia designers got together with Ford engineers to come up with a whole series of experimental vehicles designed to really ratchet down that aerodynamic drag, and by the time the fourth one landed in 1983, it was the real deal: a white fastback hatchback that seemed to just materialize out of thin air.
The aim of the engineers had been to shave off a drag coefficient of 0.15, a feat that rivaled some of the most advanced fighter jets at that time. A clever idea they had was to slap flexible membranes over the wheels which allowed them to move the car when the wind was churning up behind it. In keeping with their clean lines, the flush glass, the hidden wipers, and that nose with no gaping holes for air intakes were all part of the equation. To pull off that ultra-clean look they managed to stash away the radiator and aircon components in the back somewhere and buried the intake vents under the wheel wells.
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The IV’s interior was all about subtle elegance, with four comfortable seats in soft grey velour that you’d almost have to duck down into to get a sense of how frickin’ low they were. Because of the incredibly low roofline, the first design, Chassis 001, was essentially a static model that functioned as both a wind tunnel and a display. It was only a wooden frame with a steel subframe supporting a composite body, with no engine, transmission, or other components to speak of. Ford only managed to create one more prototype after that, Chassis 002, which included a working 1.6-litre turbocharged engine.
Chassis 001 has been missing for about 20 years; it was sold at an auction in 2002. However, based on a Facebook Marketplace listing, it appears to now be in Spring Texas. Chassis 002, on the other hand, fared well at auction, selling for $125,000 in 2022 and currently residing in the Petersen Automotive Museum.
