Just in time for the death of the last descendant in Europe - the Ford Mondeo - Motorbuch-Verlag has published a new book by Alexander F. Storz about the Ford Taunus, which formed the Cologne mid-size class until 1982. The subtitle promises "All generations since 1945" - and thus sells the work short, so to speak. Storz is not above explaining in detail how the Ford Taunus came about through the assembly of American models in Berlin and how it - after the Eifel and Rhineland models - was to confirm its status as a "German product" with its name.
Each model series from the "Buckel" G73 to the "Knudsen", which is of course called by its correct name "Taunus TC", has its own extensive chapter dedicated to it in chronological order; the "big" Taunus P2, P3, P5 and P7 as well as the small G13, P4 and P6. In addition to the series products from Cologne-Niehl, Storz also deals in detail with the convertibles from Deutsch. Rarer models from Karmann or Migö are included in the respective model chapter, as are the motorsport entries.
Photos from the roadside
The quality of the photos and the accompanying captions is particularly noteworthy. It feels like half the book's knowledge is contained in the small comments under the pictures, as Storz has taken the trouble to identify every model in the street scenes. Even streetcars and construction machinery are named by type. This dedication to the seemingly uninteresting deserves recognition. With the predominantly historical photos, it is not so much the technical quality as the motif that appeals. In addition to factory, advertising and press photos, Storz's book contains a lot of everyday snapshots that delight with their period color - and of course all have a Ford at the center.
Solid text without tables
Linguistically, there is nothing to complain about either, apart from the current fashion of using the word "contemporaneous" when what is actually meant is "simultaneous". The texts are pleasant to read and never start to bore despite their high information content. It's just a shame that there is no pure information section with data boxes or price and equipment lists. If you're looking for specific information, you'll have to browse a little - which you'll be happy to do with these photos.
On the other hand, Storz also goes into the licensed Hyundai 20M, Ford Taunus Tiger and Otosan Taunus, which are rather unknown in this country, as well as the Group's internal competitors from France (Ford and Simca Vedette) and England (Consul and Cortina).
Conclusion
"Ford Taunus Story" is a book that is as informative as it is attractive. For 34.90 euros or 49.90 francs, the buyer gets a comprehensive overview of all continental European mid-range Fords up to 1982 with an extra dose of nostalgia. Storz' Ford Primer is just as suitable for browsing as it is for information.
Bibliographical information
- Title: "Ford Taunus Story"
- Authors: Alexander F. Storz
- Publisher: Motorbuch Verlag
- Edition: 1st edition April 2022
- Format: Hardcover, 230 x 265 mm
- Scope: 208 pages, around 400 illustrations
- ISBN: 978-3-613-04439-5
- Price: EUR 34.90 - CHF 49.90
- Buy/order: Online at Motorbuch-Verlag, online at amazonor in relevant bookstores
