Ford Taunus 12/Ford Taunus 12M/Ford Taunus 15M (G13/G4B). 1952–9 (prod. 215,265 12M, 134,127 15M). 2-door saloon, 3-door estate, 2-door convertible. F/R, 1172 cm³ (I4 SV), 1498 cm³ (I4 OHV). Modern bodywork for Ford’s compact range, with only Borgward having a three-box, ponton, full-width design at the time of launch in Germany. Characterized by globe on the front. The 12M (Meisterstück) was the first launched. Launch engine an underpowered 1·2 unit based on a prewar design (albeit with 38 PS, rather than 34 PS), with three-speed manual, and rigid rear axle. Suspension and rear axle had prewar origins. Cabrio by Karl Deutsch from December 1952. Four-speed manual from 1953, and three-door estate. Expensive compared with the Volkswagen 1200 (1954–60), and basic 12 introduced to counter it, though it was deleted by 1955, when the range was refreshed. Larger OHV unit from 1954, for 15M, to rival Borgward Isabella and Opel Olympia Rekord, 15M de luxe from 1955. Saxomat automatic clutch optional from 1957.

Manufacturing location: Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Marque: Ford | Model: Ford Taunus | Predecessor: Ford Taunus (G93A) | Successor: Ford Taunus 12M (G13 AL)