We featured a first-generation Ford Taurus SHO not too long ago; it was quite nice and bit pricier than this cosmetically-rough example. However, there’s a chance this 1991 model is an even better buy as it comes with a replacement crate engine from Ford following the original’s catastrophic failure by overheating. The fresh motor from Ford has approximately 2,000 miles on it, giving potential buyers the chance to drive a first-generation SHO with new car mileage. Find it here on eBay with an opening bid of $999 and the reserve unmet.
The SHO’s paint is obviously its worst feature, exhibiting obvious signs of clearcoat failure and other issues. The presence of a trailer hitch on a car like this is somewhat disconcerting, along with the “SHO” lettering on the bumper filled in with what looks like magic marker. The slicer alloy wheels are my second favorite for a first-gen, with the original mesh basketweave design my personal number one on these cars. The seller says this is one of just 352 SHO “Plus” models produced in black of about 2,597 SHO models made that year.
The seller notes this is a rare “SHO Plus” model, which adds in a few different special features. A power bulge hood, black mirrors and side trim, a trunk mounted spoiler and special badges are among the cosmetic tweaks that sets the “Plus” model apart from other first-gen SHOs. Mileage is a bit annoying, as these need a major service right around 60K as I’ve explained on these pages before; it’s planned obsolescence at its worst. Hopefully, the next owner will have the means to keep the engine happy by way of routine servicing, along with addressing some of the other flaws about the vehicle that the seller references in the description.
The SHO is a bit rough on the inside as well, matching its tired exterior cosmetics. But really, what’s most impressive is Ford installing a new Yamaha-built crate engine at no expense to the customer. For a car produced in low numbers with an exotic powerplant under the hood, having the assurances of just 2,000 miles on a rebuilt engine should represent an enormous amount of value for the next owner, and put to bed any concerns about addressing the complicated 60K service in the near term.
Buy the engine. Toss the rest
Yeah. I would try to flip the car itself because there are some people that are willing to pay for something like that.
The underhood is the best feature of the car…….and you can’t post ANY pics?? This would make a great driver or a great drivetrain donor for another car. I’d want to see the dealer receipt for the replacement engine!
I had a green 1993 SHO in the late 1990s. Mine was a 5 speed and it was a rocket. I had to sell it or probably would have lost my license or got killed in it. That Yamaha engine would sing
If the motor is indeed new with only 2,000 miles on it, the 60K on the car is no concern as to the 60K motor service right?
“A power bulge hood, black mirrors and side trim, a trunk mounted spoiler and special badges are among the cosmetic tweaks that sets the “Plus” model apart from other first-gen SHOs.”
Is there a power bulge in the hood I am not seeing?
I thought the same thing. Not a very big “package” if that’s it.
If you consider that, by looking at the shot of the passenger side, it is tweaked up that is a “Power bulge.”
I looked at an SHO Plus for sale several years ago and the “Plus” hood was made out of carbon fiber and looked stock, didn’t have any power bulge that I recall
Carbon fiber in 1991? They were ahead of the times if true.
IIRC, my ’91 “regular old” SHO had a plastic (or some sort of composite) hood with a small bulge on it. So, probably not part of the optional package.
The thing I don’t understand is why Ford would supply a replacement engine on a car so old. It must have been done somewhat recently if it only had 2000 miles on it. Or did I miss something?
In the ebay ad it says the car went into storage in 1997, so presumably the replacement was installed before then and has sat for most of the last 20 years.
A customer came into the store one summer evening and began talking about his SHO. He claimed it was fairly unique so I had to go look. What I saw was what he said was one of only 6 early SHOs with the completely Yamaha engine. Brendan McAleer, writing at Hagerty.com, had this to say, “…with aluminum heads and an intake manifold that was basically a work of art.” What an understatement!
This car had a highly polished aluminum manifold with the letters SHO in a red oval where the familiar blue oval would be on later versions. The owner said that Ford had made inquiries about buying his car, but that they really didn’t offer enough. If I recall, he said there were 6 cars like this made and 3 are known to exist.
I had no reason to doubt his story, but I have never seen anything else on the subject. One thing I know for sure is that the image of that SHO intake is indelibly etched in my memory.
If anyone can corroborate or expand on this information I would like to hear more.
If I remember correctly the last crate motor from Ford was sold about 10 years ago for somewhere around $18,000.
It is quite possible that this is a “Plus” model but the differences are really quite small. The only way to tell a REAL Plus model was if it was Emerald Green as only the Plus was produced in that color in ’91.
One of the Plus features that has not been mentioned is that the “standard” SHO had a very trouble prone cable shifter. The Plus was the first model produced that had a rod shifter which was infinitely less troublesome but still had a throw about the length of a football field.
The SHO was (and is) an absolute blast to drive and probably the ultimate sleeper car to own. I have personally owned fourteen SHO models and I still have four to play around with.
Wrong! I have a real 1991 White Plus
I had an 89 SHO that was one of the coolest cars I owned while also being the biggest piece of poo I ever owned. About the time the warranty was gone so was my alternator, HVAC blower motor, fuel pump, not to mention the parking lamps staying on after they were shut off in the winter unless the interior was toasty warm. When the clutch packed it in and I replaced it on my dime in spite of Ford admitting they went too small and upgraded to a larger diameter in following years, I bailed and traded it in on a slightly used Plymouth Voyager. The minivan wasn’t fun but it was practical and didn’t require monthly repairs.
I had a 89 SHO that was one of the coolest cars I owned while also being the biggest piece of poo I ever owned. About the time the warranty was gone so was my alternator, HVAC blower motor, fuel pump, not to mention the parking lamps staying on after they were shut off in the winter unless the interior was toasty warm. When the clutch packed it in and I replaced it on my dime in spite of Ford admitting they went too small and upgraded to a larger diameter in following years, I bailed and traded it in on a slightly used Plymouth Voyager. The minivan wasn’t fun but it was practical and didn’t require monthly repairs.
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The trailer hitch is whyyyyy the first engine failed. These early SHO’s are not tow vehicles. That’s like putting a plow on a 1/4 horse