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Ford Taunus GXL Coupé (1973) – A positively intense feeling for Durk
Durk likes to take a nostalgic look back in time when he enthusiastically tells his Ford story at the classic car show in Eelde. The Ford GXL made a deep impression on him at a young age: his uncle drove one and a friend in the family even owned a Ford Taunus Coupé. This nostalgia later led to extra attention for everything classic – with Ford in the leading role. After all, you have the most affinity with the cars from your youth, and nothing evokes more memories than the iconic Ford Taunus GXL Coupé.
Love for the Ford generation in the 70s
The TC1 – from 1970 – the TC2 – from 1975 – and the TC3 – from 1979 – and especially the original and special versions of the regular utility cars, such as the Ford Taunus TC1 Coupé.
Durk: “Ford had solid engines in many different versions, the technology was up to date, and Ford had the strategy to produce models that could sell well everywhere. I simply liked all Fords from the TC series, but the coupe was great!”
Ford Taunus GXL Coupé, a rusty beauty
Durk: “In 2000, a stranded project was offered in Belgium. The Ford Taunus GXL Coupé had been taken out of service due to enormous technical problems with the engine and gearbox – in fact, the power source was lost. The chassis turned out to be good, but the 'rust devil' had already taken major action on the sheet metal and interior to shorten the lifespan of the coupé. My car friend, who is a car technology teacher, encouraged me to take on the challenge and make a project out of it together with other friends. Fortunately, the car papers had not been lost; it turned out to be an original Dutch car that easily got the original registration number again (79-31-XR).”
Body artists
Durk: “Wheels play a big part in the look of the car, so the original wheels of the Ford Taunus GXL Coupé project were replaced – completely to my taste. They were blasted and powder coated and the compartments were improved with black paint. The interior also had to be refreshed: a suitable interior was found in Roosendaal and a beautiful back seat from Rouveen. After all, searching for parts is also part of the hobby.”
Replacement engine for the Ford Taunus GXL Coupé
Durk: “Miraculously enough, an original and suitable engine was immediately available, because it had been in my cousin's shed for 17 years. It had been rescued by my car friend Klaas from a Ford with serious collision damage. The overhaul was limited to replacing all gaskets and seals; after a technical service, the new engine of the Ford Taunus GXL Coupé ran like a charm again.”
Impressive
You should give credit to all lovers of youngtimers, classics and oldtimers on 2 or 4 wheels. After all, it is about cherishing old cars and motorcycles, and keeping the past tangible. Durk had a large group of friends who met weekly for petrol and oil talks. The smell of petrol, mixed with that of motor oil, stimulates the senses. The total restoration took no less than 4 years. The drinks and snacks were not included in the total costs. And the pleasant hours cannot be expressed in euros either.
Understanding the Value of the Ford Taunus GXL Coupé
At the oldtimer show in Eelde, Durk presented his beautiful red Ford Taunus GXL Coupé. Young and old showed their smiles, were curious about the story behind the car and of course shared the enthusiasm. We all like to seek the company of people with the same interest, and that makes such moments special.
Praise
Durk: “I always want to tell it again: my Ford Taunus GXL Coupé is an absolute beauty. It looks fantastic, especially with the original red paintwork and the black vinyl roof. For me, the sporty coupé is one of the most beautiful Ford models from the 70s. 'My car makes me 30 years younger' – not physically of course, but mentally; that's what passion does to classic cars! Modern times rush on, but behind the wheel of my coupé I experience pure emotion. A nice memory of something that will never come back, but of which the feeling continues to speak. An enrichment that I experience every time someone enthusiastically and visibly gives me a thumbs up when I drive past.”
A positive, intense feeling for a classic car, such as the Ford Taunus GXL Coupé, is of deep meaning. Wonderful, that experience of sentiment and nostalgia. Do you agree with this statement?
(The photos continue below.)
Nice car, only the mirror is from later. I had a Taunus from '74, my first car, simple but beautiful 79-BZ-11
Beautiful, my father still had one, he was so proud of his Ford coupe, but unfortunately both are no longer there
A beautiful Ford, my brother had one in a bronze color. When it was completely beautiful in front of his door. It turned out to be too beautiful. Crooks stole it at night. Later it was found completely stripped. My brother was very upset about that. What remains were the beautiful memories.
You saw this a lot in the Suske & Wiske stories in the 70s.
Gorgeous haircut!
I had one before and indeed the gearbox was not okay, but at the time it came from a 2hp and for me this was class and great, nicely done 👍👍
Beautiful car! It really catches the eye. Too bad they have disappeared from the streets. I can still hear them driving when I close my eyes. An indelible memory!!
I had one before and indeed the gearbox was not okay, but at the time it came from a 2hp and for me this was class and great, nicely done 👍👍
Top this TC1…. I grew up in a real Ford and Opel street so enough of these Taunussen around us (my dad was a Citrophile so no, not at our house). Absolutely fantastic with the Cologne VeeZes because they just sounded cool. Fortunately this beautiful coupe is also equipped with such a sewing machine. 90 tubers from two old-fashioned milk bottles is not much but for a four-seater weighing just over a ton certainly enough, especially in 1973. Keep it this beautiful please.
And in red too. It doesn't get any better than this.
what a cool car! Related to the USA cars of course! Could once buy a Granada Coupè with the thickest 6 cylinder engine, illegal gas, in my student days, super condition, no rust or whats so ever, for a snip, still regret it!!!! While I'm actually not that much of a FixOrRepairDaily!!!! grtz, and suc6!
Compliments, very nicely done!
Beautiful car nostalgia at its best. 😊
nice Ford, beautiful actually
Very nice car