1997 Ford Probe 24v - Black this time

[Geordie]

So, some of you might remember I had a red Probe about two years ago. Treated it to a respray and lots of love, then reluctantly sold it. One of those sales that is instantly regretted. Here's the thread...

forum.retro-rides.org/thread/191913/1996-ford-probe-24v

I love these hugely under-rated cars. I love how they are generally unloved. I love how they are so good, but most people aren't aware of their abilities. Hands up, I was one of those who thought they were 'curse word', and a 'disappointing fwd successor to the Capri'. Put the whole Capri thing to one side and take the car on it's own merits, and they are cracking cars. The 2.5 litre V6 Mazda engine is super torquey, with tons of low down power (although you do feel like it could do with an extra gear on motorway runs). They have super comfortable seats, a very pleasant set of dash dials and pop up lights (and who doesn't love pop up lights!).

So this particular one was acquired in a swap deal with fellow member sonico33 for my Audi A6 Quattro. 117k miles, and a well known car in the large UK based owners club. It's been lowered, has had recent brake discs and pads, a Scorpion cat back exhaust system and some US bits and pieces (like the rear centre panel).

Thankfully, this one is in pretty good shape, and has no need of any paint. The plans? No real plans at the minute. Just keep it as it is. I think. It has a slight oil leak/drip, which I think is from one of the rocker cover gaskets, so that'll need sorting. There's not many of these about now (circa 250 of the 2.5 litre 24v version taxed by the end of Q1 2018), and I like the rarity of it.

Here it is as I picked it up...













So after a simple wash, clay, polish, 'extra shine', and a first coat of wax, here's how it shined up...





















Love the interior of these













17" multi-spokes....look good, but a bit of a chore to clean...



Engine bay...





First time out and about...





At it's first show, an evening one...





and shined up ready for it's second outing (at Ripon Racecourse)...







and back to back with the 600...

[peteh1969]

I think of the Probe as the 90's Corsair misunderstood & generally underrated buy those who sway the opinion of the majority and ignored,

What a find a nice looking example.

[astranaut]

That's a lovely thing, looks really good in black as well. Just bought what I guess is this ones successor, the Cougar, also in black, but prefer the probe

[turbotechnics]

I'd forgotten all about these. I can remember the bad press they got when new for "looking too American" but I must admit they've aged very well. That's a nice example you have.

[79cord]

Sounds like this example has been loved as well.
Was surprised to read the C&D comparison test thoroughly preferring these to their softer 626 coupé brothers & period competition. Hatchback practicality/sports balance has to give it a huge advantage over proper coupés & many sedans.

[Geordie]

Spent an hour or so under the bonnet today. Looks better already...

[pauly22]

Great looking car, wish more new cars would have pop up lights.

[07lilredwagon]

If I remember correctly, these cars were to replace our Mustangs....and there was such an uproar that they had it go its own way and (thankfully) redesigned the Mustang to what it is today.....a great move.

But the Probe, like over there, got a bit of a bad rap due to bad feelings about it potentially replacing a beloved pony car here in the US....even though the car was a solid performer in proper trim, and I always thought they looked great.

your example is in fine shape...very nice..


JP

[MiataMark]

In it's day I really didn't like the Probe but now it looks great! I did have a Mazda MX6 hire car in the US once.

Not sure about replacing the Mustang but in the UK wasn't the Probe meant to be the replacement for the Capri?

[shampooefficient]

It's cleaned up well!

[Spudgun]

Mate you have some serious taste in cars.
That's gotta be the nicest probe I have seen, they sound great too.

I remember hearing they were supposed to be the Capri successor but exactly where that came from I don't know.

A guy near me was talking about his 2.5 Probe only a few weeks ago, he scrapped it cos of a duff wheel bearing.
It sounded great had loads of add ons (tasteful) and a stainless exhaust and he scrapped it complete

[Geordie]

Apr 27, 2018 17:54:41 GMT Spudgun said:

A guy near me was talking about his 2.5 Probe only a few weeks ago, he scrapped it cos of a duff wheel bearing.
It sounded great had loads of add ons (tasteful) and a stainless exhaust and he scrapped it complete

Sounds like a bit of a shame that...

[peter96]

I haven't been on here a while and you got another Probe. That does look great in black and I do like the alloys. They really suit it. Nice buy Chris.

[Geordie]

Apr 30, 2018 13:05:27 GMT peter96 said:

I haven't been on here a while and you got another Probe. That does look great in black and I do like the alloys. They really suit it. Nice buy Chris.

Cheers Peter. Why have you not been on RR? Everything ok?

[peter96]

Hi Chris everythings ok just sort of lost interest in cars a bit. Rover had nothing done to it and didn't even see a bucket of water from October until a few weeks ago. I've the front stripped off the Minor and work has ground to a halt on that. Getting a bit of mojo back now with the bright nights so hopefully get some progress on both cars. Can't even remember if I started a thread on the Minor!

Peter

[edwardbear]

I love the probe. The shape of the car looks fast and the interior so comfortable.

It was ahead of its time

[w00dy]

You see so many Probes modified with questionable taste, but this one proves simple is better and looks great. Amazing how much of a transformation a good polish achieved. I loved them as a kid and my Father managed to get a very similar albeit standard black GT on a 24hr test drive.

I've just bought a first gen Probe and the jokes are already wearing a little thin!

[andyw]

I knew it wouldn't take long for you to get a new thread on your new purchase Chris.

[Geordie]

Not much to report on this one. The ABS light comes on more than it's off. Sensor? Ring? Something to investigate. It's got a bit of an oil weep. Not a leek as such, just a weep. Possibly a manifold gasket. Something else to look into.

It's been to two or three shows too, where it gets quite a bit of attention and interest. Comments like "You don't see many of these now" and "so why does it have a Mazda engine" are currently top of the list.

And I'm building up the shine with the wax.









Certainly looked shinier than the car of the guy who works in the shop next door today...

[Deleted]

Man,that black paint is awesome! Every car u ever owned is awesome!
One question though; when i polish a car,after a brief drive,it's just a "dust-magnet",and i have to wipe it down completely before i can put it away (anorak,i know).
Don't u have that problem?

Greetz!