Highlights
- Rare high-spec GXL fastback
- Fully serviced with around €14,500 invested
- NOS parts from a Ford Taunus, Escort and Capri specialist
- History file including invoices and technical inspections dating back to 1995
- The car has absolutely no rust or filler
- No play in the steering and excellent handling on windy back roads
The Appeal
The Ford Taunus TC1 fastback was Ford Germany’s sporty answer to Europe’s appetite for Mustang-style driving in the early 1970s. In GXL trim, the top of the line, it was equipped with integrated fog lights, a vinyl roof, an additional central dashboard, premium interior trim, and the more powerful 1.6 L engine producing 88 hp. Alongside the Capri, it remains one of the most memorable silhouettes of Ford Europe from that era, and surviving coupes are rare today.
This 1973 example in Roman Bronze Metallic was assembled at Ford’s Genk plant in Belgium for the French market and has been in the South of France since at least 1995, its history traced by owners in the Tarn-et-Garonne, Haute-Garonne, Pyrénées-Orientales and Var. Under current ownership since September 2024, it has been largely restored after hail damage to the bodywork, with NOS parts from Charron Auto Retro, a recognized Ford specialist. The mechanical program included a engine overhaul, brake servicing and new seals throughout the vehicle.
Inside, the light beige cabin presents well, the seats retaining their original beige color and the new mats completing the period character. The seat cushions are closer to contemporary than vintage, meaning long journeys won’t strain your back as with many older cars. Minor wear is noted on the temperature control display, the lower storage pockets and the center console armrest lid, with a small crack on the upper dashboard cap.
The nose of the Ford Taunus TC1 Coupe is the work of Bunkie Knudsen. One of Knudsen’s odd legacies during his brief stint at Ford was the introduction of long “noses” on the grilles of some Ford models (LTD, Mercury Cougar, Thunderbird). According to the commonly accepted version, these drew inspiration from the front ends of late-1960s Pontiacs. Knudsen was general manager of Pontiac from 1956 to 1961 and is credited with radically changing the division’s reputation and boosting sales. Thus, even though he held other roles at GM after being dismissed by Ford, it’s likely he kept an eye on Pontiac with a paternal interest.
The nose of the Ford Taunus TC1 Coupe is the work of Bunkie Knudsen. One of Knudsen’s odd legacies during his brief stint at Ford was the introduction of long “noses” on the grilles of some Ford models (LTD, Mercury Cougar, Thunderbird). According to the commonly accepted version, these drew inspiration from the front ends of late-1960s Pontiacs. Knudsen was general manager of Pontiac from 1956 to 1961 and is credited with radically changing the division’s reputation and boosting sales. Thus, even though he held other roles at GM after being dismissed by Ford, it’s likely he kept an eye on Pontiac with a paternal interest.
Key Information
- Mileage: 68,578 km (stated)
- Registration country: France
- Technical inspection status: valid until April 2028
- Technical specifications: 1.6 L four-cylinder petrol, 88 hp, four-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, rear axle ratio 3.89:1
- Documents: registration document; history file with invoices and technical inspection certificates dating back to 1995
The Detail
- Full repaint in Roman Bronze Metallic completed by end of 2025, covering engine bay, body, sills and trunk
- NOS replacement bonnet from Charron Auto Retro in October 2025
- Vinyl roof replaced with a matte black paint finish with a vinyl-like texture
- Chrome trim replaced with NOS parts where available, or restored; the lower belt molding on the trunk is new
- GXL badges on the rear pillars of the roof replaced and new gear lever knob fitted
- Engine rebuilt and repainted Ford Blue
- Oil seals, leaks and brakes all resolved during the mechanical service
- New engine mounting installed, addressing a minor defect noted at the last technical inspection
- New handbrake sleeve
- Sport suspension installed
- New Vitour Formula RWL tires mounted in March 2026
- Power switch added
- Recent beige-colour seats with headrests, adjustable length and backrest angle
- New beige carpets throughout
- The seller states the steering wheel is in very good condition
- Sunroof presents well
- Dashboard and gauges operate; the original clock does not work
- Small crack noted on the upper dashboard cap
- Normal wear on the temperature control display, lower pockets and edge of the central armrest lid
- Slight discreet low-side GT-style body stripe removable, matching the chrome
- Radio with CD player installed
- NOS ignition barrel kept in reserve as a spare
- 13-inch wheel with spare wheel provided
- Always stored under cover; currently kept in a secure garage
BEFORE BUYING
This sale is subject to Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By placing a bid and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means UE consumer protection rights do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold as seen”, on an “as is, where is” basis and with no warranty. Photos and descriptions are for guidance only, and it is customary to perform a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for peace of mind.
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