Hmmm. So I'm not a Ford fan. I've had over 50 cars. Amongst those, one Ford, and that was a loathsome Mk3 Escort. That car took it upon itself to ignore the key in the ignition, and decide itself when it would go. And when it wouldn't. Trips through the Tyne Tunnel were undertaken after crossing fingers, placing a piece of lucky heather under the seat and speaking nicely to the car whilst caressing the steering wheel and dash top in a 'I love you and please don't stop' kind of way. Don't get me wrong. I like looking at old Sierras, Capri's, XR2's etc. But I'm just not a Ford guy. So this purchase has surprised me more than anyone. I have got to know a nice fella around the NE classic car shows. He shows his Ford Probes. Has six of them, and a nice chap he is too. I had a sit in one of his Probes a few months back, and was pleasantly surprised. Pop up lights. Unusual. Mazda V6 lump. Ticked a few boxes.
So, this particular one? It came onto my radar quite by chance on Facebook. Only 2 owners. The seller had basically had it stored away for about four years, other than getting it out for an MOT each year. It had been owned by a dear friend of his, and he'd passed away from cancer four years ago, and he was sorry to see it go, but he was relocating down South for work reasons. I went to see it on a horrible day. Heavy rain fell as I looked round it. Yes, I'm fully aware that it's the worst thing you can do, as the rain hides the bad bits, but I had no choice. Looked straight and solid, started (with a jump), ticked over nicely, and drove pretty well. Felt like it was holding back a bit, but I put that down to lack of use and needing the cobwebs blowing out. These are becoming quite a rare sight on UK roads now, with only about 600 24v's left registered. So, seeing as I like things that are slightly unusual, the deal was done.
Details?
1996 Ford Probe 24v
2.5 litre Mazda V6 engine (164bhp)
Manual
62k miles
Laser Tint Red
Tan leather interior
Electric seats
Electric windows, mirrors and sunroof
Ice cold air-con
Cruise control
Yeah. A Probe. I have to admit that I was one of the masses that had a downer on these. Based on what? Well, the disappointing early reviews from the motoring journo's who were desperate for a successor to the Capri. I don't think the car recovered from the (in hindsight, unfair) panning it got on launch. As I said, I based my opinions on these reviews. And I'm happy to say my opinions have been well and truly changed. It's so very obviously an underrated car Drives and handles well, sounds good, nice and comfy. Will pick up it's skirt when necessary. And it's got pop up lights!!
First viewing pics...
Tons of history...
The drive home showed up the first issue to sort. The NS rear calliper was sticking. Got home from near York over the moors without any other issues. Once home, a second issue...the battery was goosed. First day = replacement calliper, new pads, two new tyres and a new battery. Battery tray cleaned before the new one went in....
First wash/clay/polish....
The eagle eyed amongst you may have spotted the paint fade. The colour gradually fades from front to rear. I think the main owner must have had the car parked in the same spot over the years, facing it's end towards the sun. Something like that anyway.
Other bits to sort...
The usual scabby sunroof...
Hideous rubber mats. Sorted...
Original wheels, a bit corroded...
Engine bay in need of a clean...
Lights work...
Wiper arms tidied up...
First arty location shoot...
Grotty behind the fuel filler flap....
Faded scuttle...
New smarter plates...
Random pics...
Wheels refurbed...
Getting there with the engine bay...
5mm spacers all round...
At it's first show, an evening one at Walworth Castle...
Can't quite believe this front driving lamp still works...
I've got some Ring front fogs in the garage, but they're just too big...
Rear wiper arm tidied up...
It's all about the little details isn't it? I've never like the fried egg look...
And that's basically where I am with it at the minute. Except it's in the body shop for a respray as I write this. The other main thing to sort is the power ariel, which doesn't rise. I'm ok with it at the minute, as I have put in a nice Alpine head unit with Bluetooth connectivity, so I can stream my music from my phone, but I'll definately get it sorted at some point.
A car which I had low opinions of, which has really surprised me, and has become a 'keeper'..for now...as much as anything is a 'keeper' anyway. Very underrated.
So, this particular one? It came onto my radar quite by chance on Facebook. Only 2 owners. The seller had basically had it stored away for about four years, other than getting it out for an MOT each year. It had been owned by a dear friend of his, and he'd passed away from cancer four years ago, and he was sorry to see it go, but he was relocating down South for work reasons. I went to see it on a horrible day. Heavy rain fell as I looked round it. Yes, I'm fully aware that it's the worst thing you can do, as the rain hides the bad bits, but I had no choice. Looked straight and solid, started (with a jump), ticked over nicely, and drove pretty well. Felt like it was holding back a bit, but I put that down to lack of use and needing the cobwebs blowing out. These are becoming quite a rare sight on UK roads now, with only about 600 24v's left registered. So, seeing as I like things that are slightly unusual, the deal was done.
Details?
1996 Ford Probe 24v
2.5 litre Mazda V6 engine (164bhp)
Manual
62k miles
Laser Tint Red
Tan leather interior
Electric seats
Electric windows, mirrors and sunroof
Ice cold air-con
Cruise control
Yeah. A Probe. I have to admit that I was one of the masses that had a downer on these. Based on what? Well, the disappointing early reviews from the motoring journo's who were desperate for a successor to the Capri. I don't think the car recovered from the (in hindsight, unfair) panning it got on launch. As I said, I based my opinions on these reviews. And I'm happy to say my opinions have been well and truly changed. It's so very obviously an underrated car Drives and handles well, sounds good, nice and comfy. Will pick up it's skirt when necessary. And it's got pop up lights!!
First viewing pics...
Tons of history...
The drive home showed up the first issue to sort. The NS rear calliper was sticking. Got home from near York over the moors without any other issues. Once home, a second issue...the battery was goosed. First day = replacement calliper, new pads, two new tyres and a new battery. Battery tray cleaned before the new one went in....
First wash/clay/polish....
The eagle eyed amongst you may have spotted the paint fade. The colour gradually fades from front to rear. I think the main owner must have had the car parked in the same spot over the years, facing it's end towards the sun. Something like that anyway.
Other bits to sort...
The usual scabby sunroof...
Hideous rubber mats. Sorted...
Original wheels, a bit corroded...
Engine bay in need of a clean...
Lights work...
Wiper arms tidied up...
First arty location shoot...
Grotty behind the fuel filler flap....
Faded scuttle...
New smarter plates...
Random pics...
Wheels refurbed...
Getting there with the engine bay...
5mm spacers all round...
At it's first show, an evening one at Walworth Castle...
Can't quite believe this front driving lamp still works...
I've got some Ring front fogs in the garage, but they're just too big...
Rear wiper arm tidied up...
It's all about the little details isn't it? I've never like the fried egg look...
And that's basically where I am with it at the minute. Except it's in the body shop for a respray as I write this. The other main thing to sort is the power ariel, which doesn't rise. I'm ok with it at the minute, as I have put in a nice Alpine head unit with Bluetooth connectivity, so I can stream my music from my phone, but I'll definately get it sorted at some point.
A car which I had low opinions of, which has really surprised me, and has become a 'keeper'..for now...as much as anything is a 'keeper' anyway. Very underrated.