UKPOC forums

Recently bought this car at auction sight unseen. The photos on the auction where obviously of a different car to the one that turned up. The engine turns over but doesn't run. I believe the timing belt has snapped. The outside is ratty and the interior too. Is this worth saving or shall it become a doner vehicle to put others back on the road.

I've never owned a ford probe before but remember them from the 90's. I believe it will be a future fast ford classic due to the low numbers.

But is this one worth it at the moment?...

It's not the mileage that matters, it is the amount and whereabouts of the rust that make the decision to scrap or save.

Do they sell replacement panels for the Probe yet? Or repair panels?

First, how bad is the rust ?
If serious and you cannot fix it, then it will cost £X000.'s.
Next, getting the engine to run.
Is the timing belt broken ?
If so, fix it, £100 for parts or £500 if garage does it.
Still no guarantee it will run but certainly won't if not done !
If it runs , you have a 'runner', with every chance it will continue to give good service.

It’s non interference engine, so if belt has gone it ain’t the end of the world

Aaron front bumper looks ok if the car is to be broken .

Looking at the pictures, the biggest issues are going to be the body rust and the door rubbers. The ones you've got appear really quite bubbly, meaning they probably won't last much longer before starting to let water in.

The front wing isn't too much of a problem as replacements can be found, but the rear wheel arches will need repairing, or replacements fabricating as they're not available. You might be able to find another rust free example to steal them from, but you'd probably be better getting that one on the road rather than trying to swap body panels over.

While I'd love to see another one back on the road, it all depends on how much you're willing to spend on a future classic and whether you're in it for the long-haul or looking to get it done and sell it on quickly. If the former then fine, if the latter then they're not worth overly much at present so it depends how much you're looking to get out of it.

Thanks everyone for your time and advice. I've purchased a timing belt kit and will fit it when it arrives. Fingers crossed.

Fyi most of my restoration experience is with Mgb's which are much more rusty. But the replacement parts are also more readily available.