| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1971 |
| Production Years: | 1970 - 1976 discontinued in 1976 |
The Ford Taunus (GBFK) generation, produced from 1970 to 1976, represents a significant era in Ford's European line-up, specifically targeting the mid-size sedan market with classic European styling and practical dimensions. Introduced as a 1971 model year, this Taunus iteration offered a balanced combination of size, performance, and everyday usability, appealing to families and professionals alike. The vehicle showcased a traditional three-box sedan design, known for its spacious cabin and trunk, suitable for both city driving and longer trips. The dimensions of the Ford Taunus (GBFK) positioned it in the mid-size category, providing adequate interior space without compromising maneuverability. While exact measurements can vary slightly by model variant and market, typical figures for the sedan include an approximate length of 4,430 mm (174.4 inches), width around 1,680 mm (66.1 inches), and height close to 1,390 mm (54.7 inches). These dimensions contributed to a comfortable seating arrangement for up to five passengers and a decent trunk volume for luggage or groceries. The body structure of the Taunus emphasized robust engineering combined with moderate curb weight, aiding in a smooth ride and reliable handling. This generation also featured characteristic styling cues from the early '70s, such as chrome accents, a pronounced front grille, and clean body lines, establishing its identity in a competitive market. The 1971 Ford Taunus (GBFK) sedan remains a notable example of mid-20th century European automotive design, reflecting the blend of functionality and style that defined Ford vehicles during this period. Enthusiasts and collectors appreciate it for its classic dimensions and solid build, which paved the way for future developments within the Taunus series.
Discover the standout features that make the 1971 Ford Taunus a leader in its class
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The Ford Taunus (GBFK) sedan, produced from 1970 to 1976, has a length of approximately 4,590 mm (180.7 inches), a width of around 1,690 mm (66.5 inches), and a height near 1,420 mm (55.9 inches). These dimensions provided a balanced size suitable for mid-sized family cars during that era, offering ample interior space without being too large for urban driving. The relatively compact width allows for easier maneuverability on narrow European streets, while the height contributes to comfortable headroom inside the cabin.
The Ford Taunus (GBFK) features a wheelbase of approximately 2,650 mm (104.3 inches). This wheelbase length plays a critical role in the vehicle's ride comfort and handling characteristics. A longer wheelbase generally results in a smoother ride, as it helps absorb road irregularities better and contributes to vehicle stability, especially at higher speeds. In the case of the Taunus (GBFK), the 2,650 mm wheelbase offers a good balance between agility and comfort, making it suitable for both city and highway driving.
The curb weight of the Ford Taunus (GBFK) sedan typically ranges around 1,100 to 1,200 kg (2,425 to 2,645 lbs), depending on the specific engine and trim. This moderate weight contributed to decent performance for its class and era, allowing the car to accelerate adequately while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency. The relatively light weight helped improve handling responsiveness and braking performance as well, which combined made the Taunus a practical and well-regarded mid-size sedan option in the early 1970s.
The Ford Taunus (GBFK) sedan offers comfortable interior space designed for family use, with sufficient headroom due to its height of around 1,420 mm (55.9 inches) and a thoughtfully designed cabin. Legroom is adequately generous for front and rear passengers, making it practical for longer journeys. The sedan configuration typically seats five passengers comfortably, with a focus on providing good ergonomics and ease of access, reflecting the design priorities for mid-size family vehicles in the early 1970s.
The Ford Taunus (GBFK) sedan offers a reasonably spacious trunk for its class, typically providing around 400 liters (about 14.1 cubic feet) of cargo capacity. This amount of space was quite adequate for daily use, groceries, and luggage for a family's needs at the time. The trunk’s wide opening and practical shape allowed easy loading and unloading of bulky items, complementing the sedan’s overall versatility and utility as a family vehicle.
Yes, the Ford Taunus (GBFK) sedan fits comfortably within a standard garage space. Its length of 4,590 mm (180.7 inches or approximately 15 feet) and width of 1,690 mm (66.5 inches or approximately 5.5 feet) make it compatible with typical residential garages, which usually measure around 6 meters (19.7 feet) in length and 3 meters (9.8 feet) in width. The moderate height of 1,420 mm (55.9 inches) also allows for easy clearance in most garages without requiring special accommodations.
Compared to its predecessor, the Ford Taunus (TC) series produced until 1970, the GBFK generation was slightly larger and more refined in its dimensions. The length increased modestly, offering more interior space and improved comfort. The newer body design also improved aerodynamics and visual appeal. The width and height saw minor adjustments to enhance passenger room and stability on the road. Overall, the GBFK generation represented a natural evolution toward a more spacious and comfortable vehicle, retaining the mid-size family car positioning while improving usability.
The Ford Taunus (GBFK) holds dimensions typical for European mid-sized sedans in the early 1970s. When compared to rivals such as the Opel Ascona A or the Volkswagen Passat B1 of that era, the Taunus is quite competitive in length, width, and height. For instance, the Opel Ascona A measured around 4,390 mm (173 inches) in length and the Passat B1 about 4,265 mm (168 inches). The Taunus’s slightly larger dimensions allowed it to offer more interior space and trunk capacity, making it a practical choice among its peers while maintaining a manageable size for urban use.
The Ford Taunus (GBFK) came equipped with a range of inline-four and larger V6 engines, with displacements spanning from about 1.3 liters to 3.0 liters. These engines were designed to offer a blend of economy and performance suitable for family transportation and modest spirited driving. Power outputs typically ranged from around 50 to 150 horsepower depending on the version and market. The car featured rear-wheel drive, which provided a traditional driving feel, combined with reasonably responsive handling. Overall, it was known for reliability and practicality rather than outright performance, fitting the needs of its target customers during the 1970s.
Despite its mid-sized sedan stature, the Ford Taunus (GBFK) is relatively easy to maneuver thanks to its manageable length of 4,590 mm (180.7 inches) and width of 1,690 mm (66.5 inches). Its moderate size makes it less challenging to park in typical urban environments compared to larger vehicles. The steering and suspension setup were tuned for everyday comfort and ease of control rather than sporty precision, which helps in tight spaces and city driving. Drivers can appreciate the balance the Taunus strikes between offering interior space and being practical enough for residential parking areas, driveways, and standard garages.
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