Price £8995
Although the Ford Taunus is a common sight on the German classic scene, it’s rare in the UK, making it ideal for the Ford collector who has everything. This one is in excellent condition throughout and drives faultlessly. While it could be used daily, its low mileage of 92,502km (57,478m) – backed up by a full set of service stamps and MoT certificates back to when it first needed one – and impressive overall condition would make it an ideal show car.
The white paint with contrasting blue roof looks gorgeous. There are no blemishes or areas of rust anywhere and the car presents extremely well overall. The body panels are straight and there are no blemishes to the glasswork. Chrome trim is in fine condition without pitting or weathering. Underneath, the car has a fresh coat of black stone-chip paint; the chassis, wheelarches and leaf springs are not corroded at all. The original hubcaps are spotless and the wheels wear Atlas white-wall tyre trims all round. The tyres themselves look to be wearing evenly and have adequate tread left.
The superb interior matches the rest of the car. The patterned bench seat is comfortable and has not collapsed or ripped and the headlining is clean and tight with no areas of sagging. The matching door cards are in the same excellent condition and the door jambs and kickplates are tidy. The carpets are well-fitted and dry – there is no evidence of any water leaks here. The simple dash looks great and the gauges all work perfectly, while the rest of the switchgear functions correctly and the windows move freely without sticking or squealing.
The engine bay is exceptionally clean and tidy and the blue painted rocker covers are a nice nod to the roof colour. The car is still running on six-volt electrics but everything works as it should and with a little bit of manual choke from cold the engine springs eagerly into life. It soon comes up to temperature and sounds healthy with a steady idle at tickover. There are no rattles, knocks or leaks and no smoke from the exhaust, which is in great condition with no holes or dodgy hangers. A new Weber 34ICH carburettor was fitted in 2017.
The V4 motor pulls consistently in every gear. Steering is feather-light and the car steers accurately with no slack or any vibrations through the wheel; although there’s a slight pull to the left.
The manual column shift works well and every gear slots in positively and smoothly. The brakes work perfectly, the pedal has good feel to it without being spongy and the car pulls up straight. There are no unwanted noises when stopping. The car doesn’t vibrate or rattle when out on the road and it feels well put together.
This is a rare car, and technically interesting too – this Taunus used front-wheel drive a decade before any British-sold Ford did the same. For what it is, in this country and in such good condition with such a comprehensive history file, £8995 looks like great value. This is one of four cars for sale tested in the latest issue, part of 23 pages of buying tips and advice, including Quentin Willson’s Hot Tips, Ads on Test and Buying Guide in collaboration with Hagerty insurance in the latest issue of Classic Cars.
Price £8995 Engine 1183cc, V4, ohv, Weber 34ICH carburettor Power 50bhp @ 5000rpm Torque 58lb ft @ 2400rpm Top speed 78mph 0-60mph 26sec Fuel consumption 29mpg Length 4248mm Width 1594mm