Recently Dimitri Corveleijn sent us a very nice message. He enthusiastically told us about his preference for the Taunus 12m and 15m. Now there have been several (Ford) Taunus generations where the m was an important part of the type name. But in this particular case, Dimitri's fondness is about the globe. He is a big fan of this type of car. “I think this type of car is somewhat undervalued. And that, while this car was ahead of its time in 1952. ” In this article we tell the story that Dimitri shared with us.
Dimitri Corveleijn shares the history of the Economic miracle Taunus happy with you and with us. His story therefore reflects the history of the Weltkugel very nicely. Dimitri explains: “The new Taunus 12m G13 was the successor to the 1939 released Buckel Taunus. The 12m was the first with a pontoon body. It was more luxurious than its predecessor. Ford equipped it with large windows, a very comfortable interior. The trunk could be opened from the inside, and Ford also uses a lot of chrome. The engine was almost the same as the one in the Buckel Taunus. That was also the 1172 cc side valve engine. It did get more power, because now it had 38 HP instead of 34. The engine also got a water pump. ”
Proud of Meisterstück
Dimitri also discusses the type name. “The name 12m refers to the rounded cylinder capacity of 1200. The m stands for Meisterstück, or masterpiece. The designers were very proud that the car was crowned with a globe in the hood. That is why he was nicknamed Weltkugel Taunus). The Taunus was also available as a two and four-seater convertible (built by Karl Deutsch GmbH, ed.), Station wagon and pick-up. In 1953, the Taunus 12 was released without m. A bare version. That meant: no chrome, clock, no glove compartment lid, and floor shift instead of steering wheel. They also chose not to mount the globe, the buyer had to make do with a Taunus emblem. This version disappeared from the scene in 1954. Type 1955 of the 2m was released in 12. Type 2 of the 12m G13 A had a different grille, different bumper rosettes, and from then on was also available with a four-speed gearbox.
The arrival of the 15m
Corveleijn continues his story. “In 1955 the bigger brother of the Taunus 12m was introduced. That was the Taunus 15m G4B. It had a 1498 cc OHV engine with 55 HP. “With that, Ford was meeting the wishes of the customers. Customers often found the 12m version too light. ” The 15m was a nice alternative, and there was another reason that Ford chose a 1500 version for the introduction. The competitors from Opel, Borgward, Fiat and Peugeot had models round the 1.5 liter class. Dimitri: “The 15m was also recognizable by other headlights, ditto indicators, a different grille and a different dashboard. The rear lights were also different. In addition, the 15m got more chrome than the 12m. The top model was the 15m De Luxe. This version was recognizable by the shark teeth grille. A convertible, a station wagon and a pick-up version were again included in the program. ”
More similarity
“In August 1957, the third series of the Taunus 12m was released, as well as the second series of the 15m. From then on the 12m and 15m looked more alike. Both cars had a similar grid grille, the same doors and identical bumpers. From then on, the 12m also had the fuel cap behind the number plate. At the 15m the cap was already in that place. ”
Slowly towards the end, the “Seitenstreifen” comes and bridges
This particular Taunus category slowly disappeared from the scene. The 15m De Luxe was followed by the 17m P2. The regular 15m was built until July 1958. The 12m Weltkugel was replaced in 1959 by the 12m G13 AL, without globe. That became the Seitenstreifen Taunus, and it continued until 1962. Actually, this Taunus 12m would already be replaced in 1959, but within this part of the market, the Ford concern had no replacement ready yet. And Ford didn't want to lose customers. Ultimately, it would take until 1962 before the new Taunus P4 retired this 12m G13 AL, partly because the development of this middle-class concern still had some technical difficulties. This version was also available with a modern 1500 engine.
Grateful role during the reconstruction
An era ended with the retirement in 1962. The Globe and its affiliates had played an important role for Ford Germany during the reconstruction years. They were trusted and welcome guests in the streets of the time. And today we still like to see these classics. That is also why Dimitri's predilection for these Taunuses is understandable. We would like to thank him in any case for his beautiful story about these sympathetic Taunus models.
Played as a small guest in one globe, and was languishing in the garden under the trees. Bought a 12m 1954 a few years ago for restoration, hopefully it will be completed (pieces are hard to find).
Lockheed L1049 without radar nose.
As a child from my 1 - 10th year, I was able to fly long distance as a passenger very often.
London-Sydney.
Quantas airline.
Height max 3000 metrr.
You saw absolutely everything at that height.
Abel Tasman route across the Indian Ocean, the searing heat reflected from the wings flying over the sandy plains of Lebanon.
And especially the starting of the engines and the hum of the engines at long distance.
Never forget you.
There are 2 more flyworthy:
KLM Connie in Lelystad and the BREITLING Connie in Basel (Sinceheim).
The MATS Connie flew to South Korea and that is his final resting place.
Awesome plane!
It was often referred to as a 3-engine aircraft, because 1 engine always failed.
Experienced engine failure twice.
Milan and Karachi.
And as for the Ford Taunus,
We've never had one.
Well the Cortina.
Gold metallic with manual gear.
Indestructible.
Good story!
Magnificent! I got my driver's license in about 12m
I had the model after that twice drove it to school, were already 2 years old.
Steering gear and two benches, I don't remember ever breaking down.
Once dropped through the rear springs, too heavily loaded, let a blacksmith make two hootf leaf springs without curl and put them in between and ride again.
What sturdy cars those were for that time.
The star in this is the Lockheed Super Constellation with its 55 liter Wright Turbo Compound engines. A voluptuous, Divine Lady, when that might still be.
Indeed the Constellation is a beautiful aircraft. Saw him fly by in real life in Leopoldsburg at the air show about two years ago, just great!
The 2nd photo was the version which my father bought in 1964 and the light cream color.
A beautiful car with the famous globe on its nose. Went to Germany again as a 9 year old boy with my sister to an uncle and aunt.
After a light collision with a thin tree, it turned out that a real piece of oak had been used in the sill to mask the rust with a layer of filler.
More than 56 years ago now.
In 1959 we also had a ford with a globe
Believe it or not, but I must have a wind-up clock somewhere in the garage, unfortunately without glass
All nostalgia😐
Awesome. my father has had three. the first of 1956, the second of 1957 and the later seitenstreifen in gray / blue I do not remember exactly, but in the early 60s.
in those years my father at the age of 14 allowed me to drive on a quiet road and even to second gear, for me there is a lot of youth sentiment. have one but 1:18