Eager to capitalize on the FIA Group C regulations in the early 1980s, Ford partnered with German car builder Zakspeed to build the C100, a design that, while fast, could not regularly compete for race wins. Ford then shifted its focus to the US and IMSA’s GTP class, initially partnering with Jack Roush to build the Bob Riley-designed, front-engine Mustang GTP. For the 1985 season, Ford went back to Zakspeed and asked for a competitive prototype powered by the turbocharged 2.1-liter, four-cylinder engine that was developed for the Mustang GTP – and based on the earlier Ford BDA. The innovative, clean-sheet design featured a carbon monocoque and Kevlar bodywork, and the 650 hp Ford engine was mounted to a transaxle of Zakspeed’s design that carried Hewland internals. The new car was named the Ford Probe GTP, and it would be raced by Zakspeed USA in Ford livery. Six examples of the Probe were built in total, including the car offered here, chassis 05.

In 1985, Ford racing driver Lyn St. James asked about the possibility of using a Probe to set the female closed-course speed record, which at the time was 189 mph. Ford agreed, and in conjunction with Goodyear, St. James was given full factory support for a run into the history books. On her way to a one-lap average of 204.223 mph, St. James broke 12 international speed records. It is believed by the consignor that 05 was used for this historic record. According to documents on file, this Probe GTP was driven by Le Mans winner Klaus Ludwig in the 1986 IMSA Laguna Seca 300 Km race, the Zakspeed team’s only victory before being dissolved at the end of the 1986 season. Unfortunately, chassisspecific records for the Probe GTP cars are not readily available, so identifying the exact racing history of 05 was not possible at the time of cataloguing.

Following the 1986 season, three Probe GTPs, including 05, were sold to Tom Milner Racing, and they competed in the 1988 IMSA GTP season on a partial schedule. Swiss racer René Herzog then purchased the three Probes, one of which ran in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1990 with Herzog and Harald Grohs driving. Chassis 05 was acquired by William M. Wonder in 2005, having been restored to 1985 specification and livery, which included a fresh engine rebuild by Ted Wentz. At this time, the period Magneti Marelli engine-management system was replaced by a modern MoTec unit, greatly increasing usability. The Probe GTP was driven on track just once in current ownership, and has been carefully maintained. It is offered with a spares package that includes a set of wheels, new wheel nuts, and an unpainted nose.

Offering an exciting opportunity for vintage racers or collectors of factory prototypes, while being an intriguing alternative to the Porsche 956 and 962, this Probe GTP is sure to enthuse those with an eye toward intrinsically rare racing machines.

*Please note that this vehicle is sold on a Bill of Sale