| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1971 |
| Production Years: | 1970 - 1976 discontinued in 1976 |
The 1971 Ford Taunus Coupe (GBCK) represents a quintessential classic coupe from Ford's European lineup, produced between 1970 and 1976. This generation of the Taunus coupe exuded a stylish and sporty character tailored to drivers seeking a combination of elegant design and robust performance. Although specific dimensions can vary slightly depending on exact model configurations and optional equipment, the Ford Taunus Coupe (GBCK) of this era generally measured approximately around 4,575 mm (180.1 inches) in length, about 1,720 mm (67.7 inches) in width, and had a height close to 1,350 mm (53.1 inches). Curb weight typically ranged near 1,100 to 1,200 kg (2,425 to 2,645 lbs), providing a balance of lightweight agility and road presence. The coupe's size positioned it comfortably in the mid-sized segment for its period, offering a lower profile and sportier stance compared to sedan variants while maintaining practicality for daily driving. Featuring a sleek fastback roofline and two-door layout, the Taunus Coupe's compact dimensions made it a popular alternative for enthusiasts who appreciated both form and function. This generation of the Taunus coupe was known for its solid build quality and distinctive styling cues, bridging the gap between classic European design and Ford's engineering ethos. For classic car collectors and enthusiasts, the 1971 Ford Taunus Coupe (GBCK) remains a notable model that reflects the design and automotive trends of the early 1970s European market.
Discover the standout features that make the 1971 Ford Taunus Coupe a leader in its class
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The Ford Taunus Coupe (GBCK) produced between 1970 and 1976 measures approximately 4,430 mm (174.4 inches) in length, making it a compact coupe by early 1970s standards. Its width is about 1,680 mm (66.1 inches), allowing for a relatively narrow profile compared to modern cars. The height stands at roughly 1,350 mm (53.1 inches), giving the car a low, sporty stance typical for coupes of that era. These dimensions contribute to its sleek look and confirm its classification as a compact two-door coupe notable in the Ford Taunus lineup of the time.
The wheelbase of the 1970-1976 Ford Taunus Coupe (GBCK) measures approximately 2,610 mm (102.8 inches). This moderate wheelbase length strikes a balance between stability and agility, providing an engaging driving experience. A wheelbase of this size enhances cornering ability and maneuverability, making the coupe responsive for winding roads, while still providing enough length to promote a stable ride at cruising speeds. Overall, this dimension was well-suited to the sporty yet practical design philosophy Ford pursued with the Taunus Coupe during this period.
The Ford Taunus Coupe (GBCK) from 1970 to 1976 has a curb weight of approximately 1,100 to 1,200 kilograms (about 2,425 to 2,645 pounds), depending on the engine and trim level. This relatively light weight for a coupe of its size positively impacts both fuel efficiency and performance. A lighter curb weight means the car requires less energy to accelerate and maintain speed, contributing to better fuel economy, which was especially valuable during the 1970s energy concerns. Additionally, this weight aids in enhanced handling responsiveness and braking performance, making the Taunus Coupe a spirited car to drive.
The Ford Taunus Coupe (GBCK) typically seats four occupants, configured as two front bucket seats and a rear bench-style seat suitable for two passengers. Being a coupe, the interior focused on providing a snug yet comfortable environment for driver and front passenger, with adequate legroom and headroom for average adults. Though the rear seats are more suitable for children or shorter journeys due to limited legroom, the design maintained a balanced cabin space that emphasized the sporty nature of the coupe without severely compromising practicality.
The Ford Taunus Coupe (GBCK) features a fuel tank capacity of approximately 50 liters (13.2 US gallons / 11 UK gallons). This capacity allows for a reasonable driving range before refueling, depending on the engine and driving conditions. Given the car’s modest fuel consumption typical of compact coupes from the 1970s, drivers could expect around 500 to 600 kilometers (310 to 373 miles) on a full tank under normal mixed driving conditions. This made the Taunus Coupe well-suited for both daily commutes and longer touring drives.
Yes, the Ford Taunus Coupe (GBCK) will fit comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length of about 4,430 mm (174.4 inches or roughly 14.5 feet), and a width of 1,680 mm (66.1 inches or 5.5 feet), it is smaller than many modern vehicles and well within typical garage dimensions. Most single-car garages are designed to accommodate vehicles up to around 5,000 mm (196.9 inches or 16.4 feet) in length and 2,500 mm (98.4 inches or 8.2 feet) in width, so the Ford Taunus Coupe poses no challenge when parking indoors. Its low height (1,350 mm or 53.1 inches) only adds to the ease of storage.
The Ford Taunus Coupe (GBCK), produced from 1970 to 1976, was a modern evolution compared to its predecessor, the Ford Taunus Coupe of the late 1960s. Generally, the GBCK generation grew slightly in overall dimensions, offering a longer wheelbase and increased length, enhancing passenger comfort and ride stability. While the predecessor models were more compact and less refined, the GBCK brought more contemporary styling, improved interior space, and better handling dynamics without dramatic increases in size. This careful growth allowed the newer generation to maintain agility while improving usability and comfort.
In terms of dimensions, the Ford Taunus Coupe (GBCK) was quite competitive with other popular European coupes from the early 1970s, such as the Opel Manta A and the Alfa Romeo GT Junior. Its length of roughly 4,430 mm (174.4 in) and width near 1,680 mm (66.1 in) positioned it as a compact, sporty coupe. Compared to the Opel Manta, the Taunus Coupe was slightly larger and offered a more comfortable interior. Against Italian sportier coupes, it presented a more practical alternative with a balance between performance and usability. Overall, it catered well to drivers looking for style and moderate size without sacrificing ease of parking or maneuvering.
The Ford Taunus Coupe (GBCK) was offered with a range of inline-four and V6 engines throughout its production from 1970 to 1976. Engine capacities varied from approximately 1.3 liters up to 2.3 liters in some V6 variants. These engines produced power outputs between roughly 60 to over 100 horsepower depending on configuration, delivering respectable performance for a mid-size coupe of the era. The combination of relatively light curb weight and decent power yielded a balanced driving experience characterized by smooth acceleration and responsive handling, making the Taunus Coupe a popular choice among enthusiasts who wanted style without excessive complexity.
The Ford Taunus Coupe (GBCK) featured a modest but practical trunk space for its class, with an estimated cargo capacity around 300 liters (approximately 10.6 cubic feet). While not large compared to sedans or hatchbacks, this space was sufficient for typical daily needs such as groceries, luggage for a weekend trip, or smaller sports equipment. The coupe configuration limited rear seat folding options found in hatchbacks, but the trunk's accessibility and reasonable size made it a functional choice for drivers prioritizing sporty styling without completely sacrificing practicality.
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