The first encounter with the 1986 Ford Taurus was a vivid memory. Around the age of 18, just before the model hit showrooms, a sedan and a wagon version were showcased at the local civic center. While the sedan seemed like a larger Ford Tempo at first glance, the wagon was undeniably captivating. It challenged every preconceived notion of what a station wagon could be.
From Boxy to Bold: The Taurus Wagon’s Design Departure
Station wagons of the past often carried a certain utilitarian, boxy aesthetic. They were practical, sure, but rarely inspiring in terms of design. Growing up, wagons were associated with function over form. The neighbor’s beat-up wagon, while reliable, was far from stylish. Similarly, memories of riding in the wayback of older wagons, like a friend’s dad’s car with its scorching see-through roof panels, further cemented the image of wagons as purely functional vehicles.
Even the larger, seemingly oversized wagons of the early 70s, like those from GM, contributed to this perception. These behemoths, while spacious, were hardly considered paragons of automotive design. It’s almost ironic to think that these large GM wagons, much like the extravagant fins of the 1959 Cadillac, might have inadvertently pushed the industry towards more sensible designs, although fuel economy was undoubtedly a more significant factor in the downsizing of wagons.
The Rise of the Mid-Size and the Cliché of Square Styling
As midsize wagons evolved, they began to shrink, approaching the dimensions of what were once considered compact cars. The mid-1980s saw the dominance of square, angular styling in automotive design. While wagons like the Pontiac 6000 and Chrysler LeBaron were not unattractive, they adhered to a wagon design idiom that often relied heavily on plastic wood side paneling. This overuse of a particular style led to a sense of cliché, making wagons seem predictable and unexciting.
The Taurus Wagon: A Sleek Revelation
Standing before the Ford Taurus wagon at 18 years old was a moment of genuine surprise. Its sleek form was unlike anything seen before in a station wagon. The sloping hood, large composite headlights, flowing roofline, and integrated bumpers all contributed to a revolutionary design. Even the flat-top wheel arches, reminiscent of European styling, added to its modern appeal.
The rear design was equally impressive. The thought, “This wagon is actually sexy!” perfectly captured the unexpected allure of the Taurus wagon. It was a moment of “wagon lust,” a feeling previously unimaginable. This marked the beginning of a shift in perception, as the Taurus wagon’s influence began to reshape American car design, paving the way for more aesthetically pleasing wagons in the years that followed.
Enduring Design in a Changing Automotive Landscape
The design of the Ford Taurus wagon has aged remarkably well. Even decades later, its sleek lines still hold up. While a 24-year-old wagon might have seemed out of place when this particular 1990 Taurus was new, today, it blends in with modern traffic. Only the front end, perhaps a bit subdued compared to today’s aggressive designs, hints at its age.
Time’s Toll and Lingering Appeal
However, time has taken its toll on this specific Taurus wagon. Body damage and rust are evident, especially in regions prone to road salt. The interior, while intact, shows the wear and tear of years of use.
Despite these cosmetic issues, the allure of the Taurus wagon remains. Finding one in better condition would undoubtedly reignite that initial “wagon lust.” Pristine examples still exist, proving the enduring appeal of this design revolution. The Ford Taurus Station Wagon wasn’t just a car; it was a statement that wagons could be both practical and desirable, forever changing the landscape of the American family car.
