Ford Probe

The Ford Probe

The Ford Probe was a sleek, front-wheel-drive sports coupé that arrived in UK showrooms in 1994. The second-generation Probe was positioned as an affordable alternative to cars like the Toyota Celica and Volkswagen Corrado, featuring pop-up headlights, a distinctive wedge-shaped design, and a choice of 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre V6 engines. It was actually based on a Mazda platform and shared many components with the Mazda MX-6, being built alongside it in Michigan.

Typically, Ford Probe buyers were young professionals or sports car enthusiasts looking for something different from the usual Ford offerings. The car particularly appealed to those who wanted a sporty-looking vehicle with reasonable running costs, often attracting customers in their late 20s to early 40s. However, the Probe struggled to find its market in the UK, where it was sold from 1994 until 1997, with only around 15,000 units sold during its brief time in British showrooms.

The Probe's legacy in the UK is rather mixed. While it offered good performance and distinctive styling, it suffered from an identity crisis - traditional Ford buyers found it too radical, while sports car enthusiasts were sometimes put off by the Ford badge. The model was ultimately considered a commercial disappointment, leading to its discontinuation after just three years in the UK market. Today, the Probe has developed something of a cult following among enthusiasts, though it's remembered more as an interesting curiosity than a mainstream success. Surviving examples are now quite rare, making them an increasingly collectible modern classic.

Here are 7 Ford Probe used car sales records for you to browse through.