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1986 Ford Mustang Probe GTP

Changes to racing regulations create opportunities for some while making others obsolete. When the FIA Group C introduced new regulations in the early 1980s, Ford moved quickly to capitalize on the changes. Working with German car builder Zakspeed, Ford's C100 sports racing car had initially been intended for Group 6 competition, but later as a Group C car. Power was from a 4.0-liter Cosworth DFL V8 engine which was later replaced with a 3.3-liter unit. The C100 often showed tremendous potential during qualifying sessions, but was plagued by reliability issues. A pair of victories were earned at Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft in 1982 and another victory in 1983 at Thundersports. Ford's involvement with the C100 project ended in 1983.

When Ford shifted its attention back to its home shores and IMSA's GTP class, initially partnering with Jack Roush to build the Bob Riley-designed, front-engine Mustang GTP. Zakspeed assisted Ford during the 1985 season with developing a prototype powered by the turbocharged 2.1-liter, four-cylinder engine that was developed for the Mustang GTP (based on the earlier Ford BDA).

The new car, named the Ford Probe GTP, was given a carbon monocoque, a transaxle of Zakspeed's design that carried Hewland internals, Kevlar bodywork, and powered by a 650 horsepower Ford engine. Wearing Ford livery, the GTP Coupe was raced by Zakspeed USA. In total, six examples of the Probe were built.

Among the racing career highlights was a second-place finish at Watkins Glen and Sears Point in 1985, and an outright victory at Laguna Seca in 1986. Ford racing driver Lyn St. James broke 12 international speed records with the Probe including the female closed-course speed record with a one-lap average of 204.223 mph (the previous being 189 mph). In setting these records, St. James received full factory support and worked in conjunction with Goodyear.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: GTP 86-05

This Ford Mustang Probe GTP is equipped with a 129 cubic-inch DOHC four-cylinder engine fitted with a MoTec Electronic Engine Management and is paired with a five-speed manual Zakspeed/Hewland transaxle. It has four-wheel ventilated disc brakes and an independent double-wishbone suspension.

It is believed that this Ford Mustang Probe GTP was the one used by Lyn St. James to set the 12 international speed records. Le Mans winner Klaus Ludwig drove it 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.

After the 1986 season, this Probe GTP along with two others were sold to Tom Milner Racing and were used to compete in the 1988 IMSA GTP season on a partial schedule. The three Probes were later raced by Swiss racer René Herzog, one of which ran in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1990 with Herzog and Harald Grohs driving.

In 2005, the Probe was purchased by William M. Wonder, having been restored to 1985 specification and livery, which included an engine rebuild by Ted Wentz with the period Magneti Marelli engine-management system replaced by a modern MoTec unit.

by Dan Vaughan