Ford Taunus 17M Coupé 1957: A Solido Collector's Gem
This 1957 Ford Taunus 17M coupé in blue and white livery is a remarkable testament to the golden age of European motoring. Faithfully reproduced by Solido under reference 4582 , this model car captures the essence of an era when Ford revolutionized the German market with its bold lines and modern mechanics. Intended for passionate collectors, this piece is part of the tradition of excellence of the French model car brand.
Although the case shows some alterations on the right side and the back, the model car itself remains a valuable collector's item , a testament to Solido production from the glorious years. The absence of the original box does not in any way affect the historical and aesthetic value of this 1/43 scale reproduction.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Ford Taunus 17M Coupe
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Brand: Ford
- Year: 1957
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Blue and white
- Manufacturer: Solido (Reference 4582)
- Protective case included: Yes (with defects)
The Original Model: Innovation and Modernity
The 1957 Ford Taunus 17M marked a major stylistic departure in the European Ford lineup. Launched to compete directly with established German sedans, it sported decidedly American lines adapted for the European market. Its panoramic design, with wraparound windows and two-tone bodywork , reflected the growing influence of transatlantic automotive design on post-war Europe.
Technically, the 17M introduced many innovations for the time: a 1.2-liter V4 engine, synchronized transmission, and independent front suspension. These features placed the Taunus among the most modern vehicles in its class, appealing to customers looking for novelty and performance. The rarer coupe version further accentuated the model's sporty and distinctive character.
Ford in Germany: Conquest and Roots
Ford's presence in Germany dates back to 1925, but it wasn't until the 1950s that the American brand truly found its place in the German market. Following post-war reconstruction, Ford-Werke AG in Cologne spearheaded the Dearborn-based automaker's European strategy. The Taunus embodies this desire for local adaptation while retaining Ford's DNA.
This period corresponds to the economic boom in West Germany, where the demand for automobiles exploded. Ford quickly understood the need to offer vehicles specifically designed for European tastes , more compact than their American counterparts but retaining their technical modernity. The Taunus 17M fits perfectly into this philosophy, quickly becoming one of the brand's best-selling models in Europe.
An Unexpected Star of the Small Screen
The Ford Taunus 17M gained particular notoriety thanks to its appearance in numerous film and television productions of the 1960s and 1970s. Its distinctive design and instantly recognizable silhouette made it the preferred choice of automotive casting directors of the time. In Germany in particular, it regularly appeared in police series, embodying the modern automobile of the prosperous middle class.
A delightful anecdote tells of a two-tone Taunus 17M coupé used during the filming of a Berlin crime drama in 1959. The car, initially rented for three days of shooting, had to be kept for over a month because the director had fallen under the spell of its lines and refused to replace it with another model. This story perfectly illustrates the immediate aesthetic impact of this Ford model.
Beyond its film career, the two-tone 17M became a symbol of the "Wirtschaftswunder" , the German economic miracle. It represented the middle class's access to the automobile for leisure, not just utility. Many contemporary accounts evoke the pride of owning such a car, a true passport to European automotive modernity.
Today's collectors particularly seek out two-tone versions like the one reproduced by Solido, as they immediately evoke this era of optimism and renewed prosperity. Each example tells a story, that of a Europe rediscovering the pleasure of driving after the difficult post-war years.
Complete your Ford model car Collection
This Ford Taunus 17M Solido naturally finds its place alongside other iconic models from the American manufacturer. It harmonizes perfectly with Ford model cars from the 1950s and 1960s, a period of design creativity for the brand. Collectors will also appreciate pairing it with vehicles from the 1950s to recreate the automotive atmosphere of this pivotal decade.
Its 1:43 scale makes it compatible with most existing collections, while its Solido provenance gives it undeniable legitimacy among connoisseurs. This model car is aimed at both collectors specializing in foreign brands and enthusiasts of vintage coupes . Despite the imperfections of the casing, it retains all its appeal for enthusiasts who prioritize historical authenticity over commercial perfection, testifying to the glorious years of Solido production and the golden age of European automobiles.
