Forgotten prototypes: The Ford Probe V sliced through the air with little effort

With a drag coefficient of 0.137, the flying flounder inspired some Ford models of the 1980s

Photo by: Ford

By: Alberto Carmone

Dec 14, 2024 at 3:23am ET

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The pursuit of maximum aerodynamic efficiency is one of the main goals of manufacturers, and not just in the age of electromobility. For this reason, many brands have presented extremely futuristic concepts with a focus on aerodynamics. One example of this is the series of Ford prototypes, including the Probe V shown in 1985, which has nothing to do with the Ford Probe coupé presented later, except perhaps for its good wind resistance.

More aerodynamic than a jet

The Probe V is the last of five concepts developed by Ford between 1979 and 1985 to showcase the latest advances in aerodynamic design. Hand-built at Ford's Ghia plant in Turin, the prototype is fully functional and has an incredible drag coefficient of 0.137.

Ford Probe V Concept (1985)

Photos by: Ford

This value is lower than that of an F-16 jet and also 10 per cent lower than that of the Probe IV concept presented in 1984. By comparison, some of today's three most aerodynamic cars (including the Tesla Model S, Mercedes EQS and Audi A6 e-tron) have a drag coefficient of 0.20-0.21.

The Probe V has a steel body and plastic glazing, sliding doors and an electrically operated bonnet and tailgate. Another extravagant solution to the concept (carried over from the Probe IV) is a special flexible panel that wraps around the front wheels and allows the wheels to steer without compromising aerodynamic efficiency.

Head-up display in 1985

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Other features of the Ford include folding rear seats with a unique mechanism and a head-up display. The engine is a 1.9-litre turbo four-cylinder in mid-engine design, but its power output was never revealed.

Ford Probe V Concept (1985)

Photos by: Ford

Although the concept never saw the light of day, its styling influenced several models in the following years, including the Sable (sold under the Mercury brand) and the Taurus.