Seeing incredibly well-preserved cars is still a thrill for me, even after seeing any number of low-mileage classics day in, and day out, via the internet. It’s mainly because we often convince ourselves that there’s simply no way for any other time-warp vehicles to be lurking out there, but without fail, another vehicle will show up that defies the rules of logic. In the case of a supercar, sure – you expect those to be put on ice. But a car like this 1993 Ford Taurus GL wagon with under 12,000 original miles and listed here on eBay really is unrepeatable. The seller has listed it with a no reserve auction.
The second-generation Ford Taurus was a home run for the company, taking the success from the first era of America’s mid-size sedan champion and making it just better enough to keep buyers coming in. Unlike the third generation which was by and large considered a failure for being too radical of a departure from the existing design (and too expensive), the second generation models simply evolved, and combined with increased fleet sales, the response was fantastic. In the case of the long-term owner of this Taurus wagon, he was apparently excited to acquire this exact model for the purpose of family vacations.
Curiously, the wagon only saw about 1,000 miles annually, which makes me wonder if the Ford was a third vehicle purchased expressly for long drives, or if the vision simply didn’t pan out. In a way, it reminds me of why I like old 4x4s which make it possible to take my kids on drives in the snow and over sand where other vehicles dare not go; it’s always fun to see your family get excited to use a vehicle because of the experiences they enable. The Taurus wagon is mint inside and out, and has resided in California since new, so the condition is outstanding. The interior truly looks like it was never sat in, and it comes with the iconic rear-facing third-row seat.
The familiar 3.8L V6 is under the hood, and when new, the Essex-series engine produced 140 horsepower at 3,800 RPM and 215 lb-ft of torque. This was a workhorse engine, certainly not exotic, but it got the job done. The seller notes that the full assortment of work has been done to address many years of stagnation in the family garage, including a new fuel tank, radiator, brake pads, and more, but it will still need new tires and likely a replacement fuel sender. Cars like this only come along every so often, so if a new-in-the-wrapped Taurus wagon has been on your bucket list, now’s your chance.
I’m with you Jeff. I enjoy seeing a bread and butter model which has low mileage and is in very good condition. I wonder if the bidders are thinking about it as a now-unique vehicle (for shows or occasional use), or whether they are thinking daily driver (a type of vehicle no longer available in the market).
I think it was 1992 when a hit & run driver totalled our ’78
Fairmont wagon,which I’d put a bunch of money into,with the
intention of keeping for years down the road.
We decided to buy a Taurus wagon,figuring it would be a
much better & more modern vehicle.My Wife had just one demand-
anything but Gold.
I found a ’90 wagon with very low miles that the son of the lady
who’d owned it & passed away that he’d sell for under low book value.
And,it was,of course Gold.We also got to transfer the extended warranty
for something like $25,which paid for itself.
I was less & less impressed with it the longer we had it.We sold it
two years later for $200 less than we paid for it.