Ford Taunus 12M (P4). 1962–6 (prod. 680,206). 2- and 4-door saloon, 3-door estate, 2-door coupé. F/F, 1183, 1498 cm³ (V4 OHV). Also called the Cardinal in development (Ford of Britain’s Consul Cortina was codenamed Archbishop), Taunus P4 was Ford’s first front-wheel-drive car, and its first use of a V4. Originally meant to rival the Volkswagen 1200 (1954–60) in the US, but it proved unsuitable economically, and was never produced or sold there. Far bigger than Ford of Germany would have preferred, having begun work on its own Volkswagen 1200 (1954–60) rival, but so much had been invested Stateside, the German arm was forced to adopt it. Looking it belonged to a segment one size above, but not that much roomier than its GM rival, the Opel Kadett A. Understeer was unfamiliar to drivers at the time. Base model with 40 PS, which felt underpowered; improved with 50 PS 1·5. Sporting TS models had 55 and 65 PS. Coupé from 1963. Minor trim changes 1965, and front disc brakes replaced drums.

Manufacturing location: Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Marque: Ford | Model: Ford Taunus | Predecessor: Ford Taunus 12M (G13 AL) | Successor: Ford Taunus P6

q.v. Ford Consul Cortina

Off-site link

• P. Niedermeyer: ‘The Real Story of How the American Ford FWD Cardinal Became the German Ford Taunus 12M—from Dearborn with Love’, Curbside Classic, December 18, 2018