History in Argentina

Chronology of the Ford Taunus in Argentina

Then we will see year after year a summary of the history of the Taunus in Argentina...

FROM THE BEGINNING... TAUNUS.

Ford Germany Taunus produced from the 1939, the European model for excellence, many years before that Ford models manufactured Argentina Argentines popularly known by this name. From 1939 to 1970 only a few units came to our country, most of them were from the '57 and '58, or the fabulous "bathtub" of the early 60s. Destiny wanted to early 70s, the royal lineage of European landing in the middle Pampas to write a new chapter in its history.

1970/1973 - CHRONICLE OF THE PAMPAS TAUNUS.

Continuing with the impressive historical legacy, Germany incorporates the latest Ford vehicle line that has retained the name Taunus in the old continent. This new project forced the German and English work together to develop a common model. Once developed the product, neither the British nor the Germans gave to their beliefs and kept the name for Germany Taunus and Cortina in England. Vehicle was based on the initials of their names, hence TC1 (Taunus / Cortina / 1st version). At this early stage, the English model differed from his brother in German Details of bodywork, only to be similar.

Taunus TC1	Cortina TC1

This new German Taunus was produced with a variety of bodywork:

- Sedan 4 door.

- Sedan 2 door.

- Coupe fastback.

- Turnier (rural or family with 4 doors).

Concerning the design work to ensure the continuity and evolution, looking elements in the ancestors (Taunus P3, P5, P7, OSI), but without neglecting any detail given of the first American.

By the beginning of the 70s, industry and the national automobile market began to expand their horizons. The previous decade with the dominance of cars that American automotive culture to our of great note. Medium or small vehicles were monopolized by the European brands Peugeot, Fiat, Renault and some unsuccessful attempts. To be more specific, Fiat had a very successful small as 600 in 1500 and the medium versions saloon, coupé and van. Renault and Peugeot offered Gordini was the dominant medium of all its models 403 and 404.

The'70s were a decade of investment, especially in its infancy and primarily for vehicles of medium and small segments. Hence were born:

Dodge 1500: this vehicle brought to the English Argentina Chrysler had a mechanically simple and robust. Adding a contemporary design of its time. Into their developments was that the English were able to get the old motor 3 banks in the Taunus in the early 60s, now with 5.

Fiat 125: The Fiat 1500 was replaced by 1600, the latter with a more modern look but with the mechanics of 1500 almost intact except for the additional 100 cm3. Luego a partir de 1972 Then from 1972 onwards finally joined the 125 offering a revolutionary new engine of 1600 cm3 with a double camshaft head. The latest technology at the time.

Peugeot 404/504: authentic middle two coexisted for the 70s, despite being one of the other developments in Europe. The aristocratic French models actually offered to the public comfort and elegance while the power was not strong. Undoubtedly they were the owners of the medium segment also demonstrating strength and nobility.

Renault 12: the terminal of the diamond brought Argentina to its most recent major champion. This small to medium intentions traction front and 1100cm3 just based on its robustness, reliability and affordability of the bases to become one of the vehicles sold Argentina.

Fiat 128: the new little Italian was the stronger competitor in its segment of R12. Incorporating cutting edge technology offered this car with its excellent range of models for a good price.

Pacheco at the makers of the market trying to discover what would be suitable for introducing the model in Argentina and stop being completely out of the conversation of the "middle." Ford was going through good times in terms of sales, but without doubt the election of the new model was crucial.

Aereal view of the Ford plant in Gral. Pacheco, Buenos Aires

As the three options were presented: the Maverick, the Escort and Taunus.

Maverick: This car was an American model that was designed to follow the footsteps of the first Mustang, only have 2 doors for four seats. Was made in Brazil and finally there is a designed 4 door version.

Ford Maverick

Escort: The new European model descended from those small Taunus late 60s. Was considered too small for the Argentines. Finalmente  Ford finally joined some units of this model in the Republic of Uruguay.

Ford Escort

Taunus: The size and diversity of the body made the medium outside the European Ford election to take place in Pacheco, incorporating the first dynasty of European models of the brand manufactured and sold in Argentina. It recently joined the German line is manufactured here in two body: coupé and 4 door sedan.

Since the decision the project was called "TONI" (all names of projects worldwide, Ford received the name of woman). It took negotiations with both the American and European divisions, the race against the clock had started. The implementation of the project required the importation of German units, development of tools, dies and molds, local suppliers and all that is necessary to nationalize the Taunus

At this stage of history is an interesting detail, the first project to motorize the Taunus was a design based on the modification of a 6-cylinder engine to 4 cylinder Falcon, similar to as it had begun GM Opel K 180 with the national. The advantage of these engines was to reduce costs of investment and development given the large number of parts in common between 6 and 4 cylinder. Fortunately the opportunity arose to develop the model of 4-cylinder engines produced at the Ford plant in Lima in the U.S. and the draft amendment of 6-cylinder engine was sideways. New Lima 4-cylinder engines were more modern technology. Were only similar to those of the Taunus Europeans who, despite sharing the same engine capacity have little to do with each other. As expected, the engines of American origin, now available Taunus national, were much heavier than their colleagues in the Old World, thus adjusting the car required a change in the structure, front and weight distribution. The Argentinien Taunus are the result of adaptation of an American engine and a body of German so we can find parts and pieces metric inch, a true hybrid. The Taunus was the first car sold from Europe, where this model the initial foot point to continue producing and selling vehicles only from the origin to this day.

1974 - THE YEAR EXPECTED.

1974 Ford Germany to begin thinking about the evolution of the Taunus TC1, TC2 his successor. This new car would look almost the same for Germany como para Inglaterra. to England. This will work in a complete redesign would result in a vehicle which, despite maintaining the same platform, new panels would have almost all of the exterior bodywork. As for the interior work is making a significant change to incorporate new panels and dashboard. These changes took effect on Taunus Argentines that following this change matrices were German, and a board similar to the most advanced of the new German Taunus. Another detail is that 1974 was the last year in Germany that produced the Ford fastback coupé, which was replaced in its entirety by the 2-door sedan next generation. Therefore, these matrices also came to Pacheco to continue coupés.

Taunus in the Pampas were originally manufactured only four-door versions 2, and L for the base to the most luxurious GXL, using these classifications in the same manner as their brethren in Europe.

After so long in development in June 1974, the first unit being a model Taunus L. From this date the units of production were used as a prototype to improve and adapt the car with promises of future launch in September

Those who followed were three months of intensive work, procedures were undertaken impressive development and long caravans traveled the performance, efficiency, noise, etc... It traveled thousands of miles by the most extreme and inhospitable country such as the Route 40 by the high steps of the Cordillera, Santiago del Estero and beyond the Straits of Magellan. Also places like the salt of Cordoba without doubt that this strenuous work would bear fruit and the new product is more than one, great machine, combining comfort with strength and economy. Not only the national roads witnessed the arduous undertaking of development, the tracks were used as a laboratory where engineers took all kinds of data comparing the new Ford with their imported cars in its class at that moment in history nationally.

The magazines of the era as Corsa published in more than one occasion in the articles that showed photographs of the Taunus who were spied on in places like the Autodromo Oscar Alfredo Galvez or Rafaela.

26 SEPTEMBER 1974 - THE DAY HAS ARRIVED.

Ford Taunus was presented to the society under the premise "The Boy from Ford." A los modelos L y GXL se les sumaría el modelo coupé recién a principios del año siguiente. A L models and GXL are joining the new coupé model early next year.

Taunus L: The first unit was produced on June 3, 1974. The cheapest version of the car has a 2000 cm3 engine, carburetor and Galileo mouth of a compression ratio of 7.5:1 suitable for common fuel.

Taunus GXL: The first unit was produced on June 26, 1974. It would be the most luxurious. In its first year of manufacture could be eligible in the election of two engines: the 2000 cm3 low compression model L and from October 4 to the 2300 cm3 engine with carburetor Solex 34-34 double mouth and compression ratio of 8.4:1, only suitable for special naphtha.

As standard equipment would tire plate design sporting simulating the glorious British Mini-Lite, side moldings, chrome window frames, moldings in the queue and the choice between several color combinations, both for the vehicle to the upholstery and vinyl roof. By October 9, 1975 the grill with auxiliary lights to be left optional built to standard.

Ford incorporated the new technology and details that conservatives are not typically oval clients see in their cars. This presented a challenge because the car had to overcome resistance to accepting any new car that generates more to convince users that it was as or more robust than their domestic relatives. Undoubtedly it was.

Details for the Taunus range and relevant to the period:

First 4-cylinder Ford engine Argentina.

Ford's first engine to be Argentina camshaft at the head commanded by a toothed belt.

Ford first dual-circuit brake servo operated for the entire range of the spectrum.

Ford first Argentine to have front disc brakes standard on all versions.

Argentine first Ford to incorporate a self-independent front suspension, with the inclusion of the first box rack and pinion.

Argentine first Ford rear suspension with coil springs.

Argentine first Ford to incorporate a box of 4 synchronized gears for the full range of series.

Ford first to incorporate an Argentine interior with individual seats for the full range of series.

1974 was a very good year of sales for the Taunus being only three months sales of 4766 units would be.

1975 - BORN A FRIEND OF WIND.

On January 30, 1975 launched the Taunus as coupé. This model completes the range of bodies meant for our country and be sold initially in a single version, the GT. Pseudonym used for his peers in Europe which means Gran Turismo. This novel was the first vehicle that Ford coupé manufactured in Argentina. 101 units were built for launch as early as December 2 1974 some of which were used as prototypes to improve their product.

The new coupé was missing something, being that all vehicle manufacturers in the country had a pseudo-sports among its options except Ford. Being essentially equal to the sedan, only differed by him "dynamic" 2-door with his novel fastback roof form, emulating the classic Mustang from the 60 Europeans and their relatives or OSI Ford Capri. Low and wide, the body of the Taunus had good arguments that ensured a successful future in the country, combining good power weight ratio, robustness and performance.

The coupé had accessories of distinctive touch their high back seats (something appealing at the time), the elliptical wheel was the same as that of the GXL or L, but the GT had a gray background and the silhouette of multiple circles background black simulating, holes, plus the grip of the steering wheel was cooked to leather wrapped hand. The exterior was fitted with tires of GXL, the grille incorporating auxiliary headlights but this time with their "sticks" painted all black. The trunk lid was painted satin black tail lights highlighting the sporting character.

How could we have the optional vinyl roof which unfortunately has been in a few units. In its first year would be sold coupés 2484. The press gave him the award of the Taunus "Order of the Year" for the first time.

1976 - A STEP FORWARD.

Taunus TC2 was launched in Germany.

In 1975 Argentina has experience. Using the data and concerns suggested by customers and technical specialists from the dealer network was developed modifications to improve vehicle. One of these improvements was a change in the ratio of 3.73:1 differential for a longer 3.54:1 which is better suited to the car. It also changed the compression ratio for engines, now the passing of 2000 cm3, and 7.5:1 to 8:1 in 2300 cm3 passed 9:1 to 8.4:1.

Due to low demand, it stopped offering the choice of engine 2000 cm3 GXL for models, being the ultimate use of this model to 2300 cm3

L to join the chrome trim on windows, trim around the trunk and tail lights. Inside the door panels become larger, and unlike the others can not see the top panel of sheet metal inside the door.

1977 - WITHOUT CHANGES.

Technically not introduced any major changes. But in terms of L only optional for this year includes an option to the customer's different from others. It was a combined treatment of two-tone paint, using the character of the lateral lines of the car to cut the color gray mink (body) and gray cloud (applied) or jungle green (body) and gold sol (applied). The Taunus "Duotone" (Two Tone) is a real Taunus rarity among the Pampas Taunus.

1978 - THE TREND DOES NOT STOP.

As of January 10 was included for all models as optional equipment Taunus air conditioning. Improved braking system incorporating a new level of servo pump and much more efficient. But the biggest option was to come when, from mid-year "Ford offers no more changes." On August 1 began to offer the GT and GXL models with automatic gearbox. Officially designated as "AUTOMATICc" adds a logo outside the upper left side of the trunk lid and inside the lid of the glove. The automatic models were the result of several years of study, development and testing.

The mechanism was completely reviewed, the changes ranged from the new group of change, a new differential ratio longest 3.31:1 (automatic only) and even changed the values of carburetion and tuning.

Undoubtedly, people who worked for the history of the Taunus in our country did so with passion, tenacity and conviction by a steady improvement.

1979 - TAUNUS GETS THE HELMET.

While in Argentina is working on projects and new horizons in Europe came to hear the latest version of the old continent, the Taunus / Cortina TC3.

Just as the Ford Falcon had its Sprint model, the model Taunus needed a distinctly sporting character and class. To do so since the launch of the GT engineers began working on a complete performance kit. This kit called SP (Special Performance) gave the GT coupé few more horse power, the result of a new carburetor Solex 36-36 opening simultaneously, a camshaft layout more "hot" and a new exhaust manifold sporting event in individual tubes, as the most notorious of a long list. The power was also noted in the appearance of the car.

Only three colors as an option in combination with each other (Gray and Ebony Black Cloud, and Cloud Gray Ebony Black, Cardinal Red and Black Ebony), chrome wheels with covers radio, plus an interior upholstered with so-called "competition" and a unique sports steering wheel Sandrini.

On September 17th was the day waiting for the "nuts," Ford had "Everything should be a sport." Impact from the beginning, the success did not arrive late and this was seen in a wider acceptance of the whole line. The SP Taunus GT coupés of 1979-80 were more differences with the rest of the range of Taunus-produced. Due to the requirements, the development of mechanical SP was perhaps one of the most difficult since its inception. Served for future mechanical Taunus had solid foundations, including extending the time passing by vehicles almost unchanged as the coupé Sierra XR4 Sierra Ghia SX and 1993.

1979 was the year when Ford finally had the ability to compete in track at los Taunus, en la novedosa categoría TC 2000, que comenzaba su historia organizando un torneo de presentación a fines de ese año. the Taunus, in the novel category TC 2000, which began its history by organizing a tournament submission to the end of that year. This was an ideal place for the Taunus coupés modified by Herceg know the glory of the high competition.

1980 - LA TRANSITION.

On June 6, 1980 is the unit number 100000 Taunus, this being a GXL.

On September 12, 1980 Argentina Ford produced its 750,000 th engine, which corresponds to a motor Taunus.

With the advent of the'80s, the Taunus began to be somewhat outdated. Without losing the strong footprint in sales was being planned since'78, the greatest change in the history of the Taunus in Argentina. The new project, called "TERESA", which would bring the car to the next level to be launched in 1981, TC3.

In fact in 1980 were left to produce the Taunus TC1 start making prototypes and the first units that would be in 1981. This occurred from November 27. Making the Most of enactment in 1979 of a new regime that allowed a greater amount of imported parts in the national units of the new cars had great number of English pieces.

1981 - NEW YEAR, NEW TAUNUS.

The future had arrived. Was introduced to society and the press at the Sheraton Hotel on December 17, 1980.

The new Taunus came to customers January 5. Coinciding with the festival of Kings presented as some dealers left without words to what they saw for the first time. Ignoring the TC2 model, the new Taunus the Pampas were very different from their predecessors. The silhouette of sedans changed almost completely appreciating a new flat roof with a glazed surface, and much more with the rest of the body panels completely renovated.

The new family Taunus was launched in all versions and models available to date, only the name was changed from the version of the luxury sedan GXL by Ghia, in honor of the Italian design center that carries out work for most versions of luxury of European models.

Forms of new Taunus were aligned with the times that were already competing with the imported cars that new laws and regulations allow the import of those days.

The mechanics took part in the SP tested in previous years, also went through a constant development in all respects and for all possible models (eg, paddle fan-flex fan). There were improvements to the brakes with a new set of servo and pump action more effectively, by incorporating a valve circuit inertial provided and differential, a new rear axle ratio for the range of 3.31:1.

As for the models coupés TC3 fast back, are unique in the world, and were only manufactured in the Floor of Gral Pacheco. Actually worked on the modifications of the parent's rear fender and headlights, the latter is manufactured in France for reasons of cost. The person responsible for this development was Tomadonni Eng.

The new Taunus L remained base model, but now could be ordered on the full range of colors Ghia.

As for the high range, the Ghia models y GT GT and brought all the elegance. These cars have four choices for upholstery, optional vinyl roof (only Ghia), alloy wheels (optional on Ghia, standard on the GT), leather upholstery, with stereos pasacassette, antenna electrical fittings in his wooden interior and side molding. It continued with the optional air conditioning (for Ghia, GT and GT SP) and automatic cash (only for Ghia, GT).

It is worth noting that the new line of GT models are not denominated Ghia. The new sports and SP have 5 possibilities of color combinations and stripes. New sports steering wheel in conjunction with an interior of any two tones was sublime taste and 100% sport.

By December 8, 1981 is incorporated as the optional power steering for the Ghia, the GT and GT SP.

1982 - THE BEGINNING OF THE END

By early 1982, they launched a new member to the family: the Taunus Ghia "S". This "S" was more than one leter, the units were sedans with mechanical Taunus coupé full SP. This incorporation was due to the number of clients seeking dealers in the incorporation of a car that had more power than a Ghia, but without losing the space to lead a comfortable family.

In this year were offered in models L a number of new options, such as seatbelts front inertial supported headrest mirror command with the right interior design new tires (which came as standard on the Ghia'81) and power steering. They were popularly called as the "B SERIES".

Despite the re-acquisition of the title "Order of the Year" and the best selling of the country, was a great breakthrough in history. Major events shook the economy and national sentiment. The Malvinas war would shatter the trade relations with England, a country from where large numbers of parts of the Taunus.

Germany Ford premiered the brand new successor, the Sierra (the Taunus and Cortina became known for duty Ford Sierra U.S. to be the unifying name in Germany and England), leaving the complicated situation to get the pieces that came from Europe to manufacture cars without missing nationals.

These drawbacks were that in a short period due to nationalize parts and suppliers. The difficulties were increasingly larger and higher costs so the solution was drastic. The days had its Taunus, Ford had decided to use the money for investment in Argentina to renew the assembly line and make the Sierra.

1983 - THE PASSION OF THE TAUNUS.

This year was the last to be built all the models of the coupé family. On April 5 it was learned the SP version of the flagship coupes, the new SP5. This car would be best remembered at the grassroots level due to the impact it generated in its release. Incorporated as a new major change gearbox 5-speed, never before seen in any Ford Argentina. The range of colors and decorative strips (only 4 options) once again to differentiate completely change even more. Also added a new front grille (Hella Made in Germany) painted the same color as the bodywork, added auxiliary lights.

Promotions generated expectations of higher performance, but the 5th. march was an element of comfort and fuel economy, as the car got the highest speed values in the 4th march. The new box 5ta. would be offered in other models as optional Taunus.

Another change was the modification of a new design of rear bench retainer, which solve a problem of leakage of oil which was very common in cars with over 50,000 kms. Undisputedly recently took advantage of the existence of the Taunus to test all possible changes that involve the premature Sierra.

On December 17 last was made Taunus coupé, leaving an important legacy as an icon of the mark in the country.

1984 - THE LAST YEAR OF THE REST OF OUR LIVES.

The units were sold last GT GT SP5 and remnants of the previous year. The Taunus L were the only models to be produced from start to finish in the history of the car in Argentinas. Undoubtedly the Taunus had been successful for several more years, if their production would have been possible and we see this reflected in their competitors such as the Peugeot 504 and 505 or the Renault 18, that being for the most part managed to national survival. Also We can see that was the best selling medium during its years of manufacture, being the second best selling car in history in this period. Surpassed only by the Renault 12, a vehicle's most popular and accessible. This should be the politics and economics did not allow him to survive and also complicates the success it deserved the Ford Sierra as his successor.

To give one last joy, Mario Gayroud TC won the championship in 1984 with a 2000 Ford Taunus coupé.

In its latest advertising showed a Ford Taunus Ghia model white, into a salon and the wedding march playing background, the announcer stated that "Ford is forever", which is undoubtedly true for many of us who We have a passion for the beloved Taunus.

The last unit was a national Taunus sedan produced 14 November 1984, but have come to patent and sell some models in 1985.

2000 - BORN CLUB TAUNUS ARGENTINA.

Now we are responsible for writing the story to follow...

Research: Lucas (29)

Editor: Lucas (29) / Carlos (01)

Editing: Carlos (01) / Luke (29)

Source: Club Taunus Argentina / Ford Argentina SA / Journal Corsa

Collaboration: Ford Argentina SA / Guillermo Molise / Ernesto Syriani

Buenos Aires - Argentina © 2008 Club Taunus Argentina