The early 1990s were an exciting time for sports coupes, and for me, the 1993 Ford Probe GT was the car that truly captured my attention. I wasn’t just drawn to its sleek, aerodynamic lines; I was looking for a capable machine to tackle the autocross circuit. The second-generation Probe GT, along with its Mazda MX-6 sibling, had a reputation for dominating the G Stock class, and even the 4-cylinder models were competitive in H Stock. So, in 1993, I found myself behind the wheel of a brand new Ford Probe GT, ready to put it to the test.
The ’93 model year was a sweet spot for the Probe. It had all the right ingredients for a fun, sporty drive straight from the factory. Under the hood was the responsive V6 engine that provided ample power for spirited driving and the nimble handling made it a joy in corners. Right away, I knew this car was destined for autocross.
To sharpen its competitive edge for autocross events, I made a few key modifications, staying within the Stock class rules, of course. A custom 2.5″ mandrel-bent cat-back exhaust system with a Supertrapp muffler was the first upgrade. This was a popular choice for Stock class racers, known for maximizing performance without sacrificing too much low-end torque, though some preferred the Borla cat-back for a slightly better bottom end feel. To further refine the handling and address the typical inside-tire wheelspin issue common in front-wheel-drive cars exiting tight corners, I swapped the front sway bar for a base Probe/all MX-6 sway bar. This subtle change effectively balanced the car’s handling characteristics, making it more neutral and responsive in autocross situations.
Beyond the autocross course, my 1993 Ford Probe GT became my daily driver and companion for countless adventures. Over 170,000 miles, it proved to be remarkably reliable, always getting me home, no matter what. It handled long highway drives with ease and remained fun to drive on twisty backroads. The seats, surprisingly, were more comfortable than those in my later Mustang Cobra – a testament to Ford’s attention to driver comfort in this sporty coupe.
In 1999, I finally fulfilled a long-held dream and acquired a Mustang Cobra. While the Cobra became my new performance focus, the Probe remained a trusty daily driver. However, by late 2000, the years of enthusiastic driving began to take a slight toll. The engine, though still running strong, was showing signs of wear with a noticeable dip in power. Undeterred, I sourced a low-mileage salvage yard engine with less than 30,000 miles. We took our time to inspect it thoroughly, confirmed its excellent condition, and then meticulously replaced all the gaskets, the timing belt, and the water pump during reassembly. Essentially, the Probe received a brand new heart, ready for many more miles.
Sadly, fate had other plans. Just 6,000 miles after the engine refresh, an unfortunate incident brought my time with the Probe to an abrupt end. A driver in a Honda Civic made a sudden stop on Telegraph Road, triggering a chain reaction. The car behind her, a Neon with faulty brake lights (verified by the investigating officer), stopped just in time. Reacting instinctively, I swerved to the right to avoid a collision, but unfortunately, clipped the Neon’s rear corner with the front left of my Probe.
The impact itself wasn’t massive, but it was enough to damage the inner tie rod, pulling it out of the steering rack. This seemingly minor damage proved to be the Probe’s undoing. The cost of replacing the rack, combined with the other collision damage, pushed the repair estimate over the insurance threshold, and the car was declared a total loss.
With a bittersweet feeling, I salvaged my aftermarket stereo head unit and the shift knob – a tangible memento of years of driving pleasure. The insurance payout, thankfully, was fair, especially after presenting receipts for the recent engine work. For a brief moment, I considered buying back the Probe, envisioning it transformed into a caged Club Racing Improved Touring car. However, the numbers just didn’t add up.
My beloved 1993 Ford Probe GT was auctioned off, eventually finding its way to Florida. For years afterward, I would receive service department welcome notices from Ford dealerships in Florida, a strange and poignant reminder of its continued existence somewhere out there.
Even now, years later, I still miss that 1993 Ford Probe GT. It was more than just a car; it was a reliable companion, a fun autocross machine, and a comfortable cruiser. In its final moments with me, it even seemed to sacrifice itself to protect me in the accident. And as a small tribute, its shift knob now resides in the glovebox of my Cobra, a quiet legacy passed on from one beloved car to another.
