Attention Ford Taurus SHO aficionados: it’s time to revel in the glory of this iconic model’s storied legacy. With a nod to nostalgia, we’ve dug up some vintage treasures from the Taurus SHO saga on DrivingEnthusiast.net. Feast your eyes on commercials that catapult us back in time to the era of the original Gen I and Gen II SHO models.
The first spot is a delightful throwback, emblematic of the mid-eighties vibe, complete with a synth-heavy score that seems borrowed from a budget keyboard, all underpinned by Ford’s memorable slogan, “Have you driven a Ford… lately?” Transition to Gen II’s advertisement, and you’ll notice a tone shift to elegance, complete with a lush string section, not to forget the proud declaration that the Taurus once ruled as America’s top-selling car. Oh, how we yearn for such times.
And now, for a dose of wishful thinking rendered virtual, we present a spectacle that was never realized in the physical realm: a Gen III Taurus SHO taking on the legendary curves of Germany’s Nürburgring. This digital fantasy is brought to life by the magic of Gran Turismo 4 from Sony Computer Entertainment. The game entices players with an extensive selection of cars—including many that, quite frankly, have no business on a track as grand as the ‘Ring.
Regrettably, it seems the whispers regarding a comeback for the SHO, possibly riding on the architecture of the new 2008 Taurus (a successor in spirit to the Five Hundred), are just that—whispers without substance. In all fairness, the Five Hundred’s roots might not be the strongest foundation for a performance revival. Yet our passion for the original SHO—and particularly the first generation, with its unadulterated design—burns bright. We reminisce fondly about the 3.0L Yamaha V6 that not only looked like an intricate sculpture nestled in the engine bay but also delivered the sort of thrilling performance that made the SHO legendary.
Join us in this tribute to a true performance pioneer—an ode to the days of the SHO.
