NATIONAL NEWS

1979 Ford Probe I Ghia concept car worth $1 million destroyed in trailer fire

Aug 19, 2024, 8:27 PM | Updated: 8:31 pm

A 1979 Ford Ghia Probe 1 concept car appeared destroyed inside a burned-out trailer on the Munras A...

A 1979 Ford Ghia Probe 1 concept car appeared destroyed inside a burned-out trailer on the Munras Avenue offramp from state Highway 1 in Monterey, Aug. 18, 2024. (Monterey Fire Department, KPIX via CNN Newsource)

(Monterey Fire Department, KPIX via CNN Newsource)

(CNN) A vintage concept car from 1979 worth $1 million was destroyed in a vehicle trailer fire along state Highway 1 in Monterey, authorities and the car’s owner said Monday.

The incident happened on the Munras Avenue offramp from northbound Highway 1 at about 7 p.m. Sunday. The Monterey Fire Department said the first crew to arrive found the trailer fully engulfed and the fire spreading to nearby vegetation.

Inside the trailer was a Ford Probe I Ghia concept vehicle, a wedge-shaped car with a futuristic glass canopy and other drag-reducing features such as covered rear wheels and pop-up headlights. The owner of the vehicle, Scott Grundfor Company, said a crash on the highway sparked the trailer fire. The vehicle had just been shown at the Pebble Beach Concoursd’Elegance on Sunday.

“We are a family oriented company, and it feels like we have lost a member of our family today,” the classic car company said in an Instagram post Monday. “We are incredibly grateful that our team member driving the trailer at the time this accident occurred was unharmed, and his immediate action prevented this tragic loss of our car from spreading to local foliage and of course to other people who were driving on the highway in Monterey at the time.”

The fire department said crews prevented the fire from spreading to the tow vehicle and were able to detach it from the trailer, leaving the vehicle with only minor damage. The total loss was estimated at around $1,028,000.

Cal Fire, the California Highway Patrol, and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the incident and helped with traffic control.

One firefighter was slightly injured during overhaul operations, the fire department said. No one else was hurt.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talk prior to a NATO ...

Jim Morris, Associated Press

Justin Trudeau reportedly says Trump’s talk of making Canada a US state is ‘a real thing’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says President Donald Trump’s talk of making Canada the 51st state is “a real thing” and is linked to the country’s rich natural resources.

1 hour ago

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, claps as Tesla and SpaceX CEO ...

Anthony Izaguirre associated press

19 states sue to stop DOGE from accessing Americans’ personal data

Nineteen Democratic attorneys general have sued President Donald Trump to stop Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing Treasury Department records.

1 hour ago

This photo provided by the U.S. Coast Guard on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, shows a small commuter plane t...

Becky Bohrer and Hallie Golden, Associated Press

Missing commuter plane found crashed on Alaska sea ice and all 10 aboard died, authorities say

A small commuter plane that crashed in western Alaska on its way to the hub community of Nome was located Friday on sea ice, and all 10 people on board died, authorities said.

5 hours ago

People stand at the Eielson Visitor Center with a view of North America's tallest peak, Denali, in ...

Associated Press

Alaska Legislature asks Trump to retain Denali’s name instead of change it to Mount McKinley

he Alaska Legislature has passed a resolution urging President Donald Trump to reverse course and retain the name of North America’s tallest peak as Denali rather than change it to Mount McKinley.

6 hours ago

Violinist Stefan Jackiw holds the 1714 Joachim-Ma Stradivarius at Sotheby's auction house in New Yo...

Associated Press

A Stradivari violin made in 1714 sells for $11.3M at auction

A violin made in 1714 by the legendary luthier Antonio Stradivari sold for $11.3 million at an auction in New York on Friday, short of estimates that would have made it the most expensive instrument ever sold.

9 hours ago

FILE - A thick haze hangs over Manhattan in New York on July 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, Fi...

Associated Press

22 states sue New York state, alleging environmental fund is unconstitutional

Twenty-two states sued New York state on Thursday, contending that a new law forcing a small group of major energy producers to pay $75 billion into a fund to cover climate change damage is unconstitutional.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

1979 Ford Probe I Ghia concept car worth $1 million destroyed in trailer fire