Ford Taunus

Introduction

The Ford Taunus was introduced in 1939 and became one of Ford’s key models for the European market, particularly in Germany. Named after the Taunus mountain range, the car was produced in several generations until 1994. It evolved from a compact saloon into a mid-size family car, with later versions sharing platforms with the Ford Cortina. Known for its practicality and affordability, the Taunus built a strong presence in Europe, South America, and parts of Asia.

Exterior

The Taunus’ exterior design changed significantly over its long lifespan. Early models had rounded, pre-war styling with simple chrome details. By the 1960s and 70s, the car adopted boxier lines, larger grilles, and squared-off headlights, aligning with European design trends. The final generations featured sleeker aerodynamics and modern proportions, with saloon, coupé, and estate versions available. Its styling reflected practicality while adapting to contemporary tastes.

Interior

Inside, the Taunus prioritized comfort and space for families. Early models had basic dashboards with minimal instrumentation, while later versions incorporated modern layouts with padded dashes, upgraded seats, and more refined trim. Depending on the trim level, interiors ranged from simple cloth seats to more upscale designs with woodgrain accents and better sound insulation. By the 1980s, the Taunus offered features like air conditioning and power accessories in higher trims.

Safety Features

For much of its production, the Taunus featured basic safety equipment such as seatbelts and reinforced doors. Later generations added disc brakes, crumple zones, and optional headrests. By the 1980s, some models introduced ABS brakes and improved crash structures, bringing it closer to modern safety standards. While never a leader in safety, the Taunus evolved to meet the expectations of family buyers.

Engine Trims

The Taunus offered a wide range of engines throughout its history. Options included small four-cylinder petrol engines, six-cylinder units, and even V6 engines in later models. Displacements ranged from 1.3 liters to 2.3 liters, with power outputs from around 50 hp in early models to over 110 hp in later trims. Transmission options included four-speed manuals, five-speed manuals, and automatic gearboxes in higher trims.

Maintenance

The Taunus was easy to maintain, with simple mechanicals and strong parts availability in Europe and South America. Regular servicing of carburetors, timing belts, and brakes was necessary for reliability. Rust was a common issue in older models, especially in northern climates, but mechanical durability was generally strong. Enthusiast clubs today provide support for restoration and parts sourcing.

Competitors

The Ford Taunus competed with the Opel Rekord, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 504. The Rekord emphasized German engineering, the Passat offered modern front-wheel-drive practicality, and the 504 was known for durability. The Taunus stood out with its affordability, range of body styles, and Ford’s strong dealer network in Europe.