A 1989 Ford Probe is currently listed for sale in Novosibirsk, Russia, for 415,000 rubles. The vehicle, while not new, is notable for its collaborative American and Japanese engineering.
The sports liftback coupe, based on the Mazda MX-6 platform, features a 2.2-liter gasoline engine producing 145 horsepower. The odometer indicates 123,000 kilometers, and the vehicle registration certificate shows a history of more than four owners.
The seller describes the car as being in good condition, mentioning that the undercarriage has been treated with anti-corrosion protection. They also highlight the presence of a “good” sound system.
The Ford Probe was originally intended as a potential successor to the Ford Mustang. However, due to backlash from Mustang enthusiasts, it was released as a separate model. The body design, characterized by an “aerodynamic wedge” shape, was conceived by the Italian design firm Ghia. The car’s design included retractable headlights and a focus on a low drag coefficient, contributing to its futuristic appearance.
The Ford Probe gained some fame through appearances in popular media of the 1990s, including the film “Jurassic Park” (1993), the Aerosmith music video “Amazing” (1993), and the television series “Baywatch”.
Despite mixed reviews, particularly regarding the absence of rear-wheel drive, the Ford Probe is remembered as a unique blend of American design and Japanese reliability. The second generation of the Probe, released in 1993, featured an even more daring design, but the original 1989 model remains a memorable example of a “Japanese-American” car from its time.