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1986

1986 brought Ford's most important new car since 1949, the Taurus. Replacing the LTD, it was front wheel drive and very aerodynamic. It shot to the top of the sales charts quickly. The car's design process was revolutionary, with exterior and interior designers working side by side, reverse engineering of competing Japanese models, and special attention to interior user friendliness. Ford's problems disappeared overnight.

Based on the new Taurus came Ford's first minivan, the Aerostar.



Out with the old, in with the new: the last Capri rolled off the assembly line in West Germany that December. The market for cars like the Capri had evaporated in favor of hot hatches, including Ford's own Escort XR3i.


The Capri's inspiration, the Mustang, which was almost switched to Front Wheel Drive was kept on rear wheel drive after a massive outcry by enthusiasts and a giant drop in gas prices.

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