The Argentinian Connection

Although production of both the TC3 and Cortina mk5 ceased in European markets in 1982, the Taunus name carried on in other markets.

Production of the TC1 model started in Argentina in 1974, following revisions and upgrades required for the harsher South American environment. A years-worth of testing, revising and testing had led to improvements, mostly to the chassis. Some components were beefed up but most notably the biggest change was to the rear axle which was changed to the Dana Axle Type 30. Ford considered the Dana axle a stronger unit than either of the more common Atlas or the Salisbury units.

 

Ford TC1

While the TC1 was built in Argentina, most of the component parts were sourced from European Ford Plants. So from 1974, the TC1 was offered in 4-door Saloon versions, the 2000 L, 2000 GXL and 2300 GXL. The TC1 was also available in Coupe form from 1974 to 1980 as either a 2300 GT or 2300 SP.

The Argentinian market was limited and no TC1 Estates or 2-door Saloons were built in South America. For the same reason, the TC2 was never produced there either in any form.

 

Ford TC1 2300 GT

 

Ford TC3

Just like in Europe, with the launch of the TC3 / Cortina mk5 in 1980, the Argentinian plants produced the TC3. Available in both Saloon and Coupe form, the Saloon was available as a 2.0L, 2.3L Ghia and the 2.3S Ghia.

Uniquely, for the Argentinian market, the TC3 was also available in Coupe form as the 2.3 GT, 2.3 SP and 2.3 SP5. The latter "SP5", denoting a 5 Speed Gearbox.

Perhaps unusually, the TC1 was also facelifted in 1980. Coming with a TC3 Nose and revised rear light units. The TC1 and TC3 models were available at the same time, with the TC1 enjoying 10 years of production between 1974 -84, albeit with the facelift in 1980. Whereas in Europe, the TC1 was only in production between 1970 to 1975.

 

Ford TC3 2.3 GT

 

The Argentina Taunus cars never had the European V6 engines.

The OHC units utilised were in Lima form, with the 2.3L the top performing unit. The 2.3L came with a revised camshaft, exhaust manifold and twin choke Solex carburettor. The Lima engine was derived from the European OHC Pinto unit, with several revisions.

Total production figures for all Argentinian Taunus cars built in the 10 years of available production was 197,000 units. A far cry from the European production figures, where this number was easily surpassed by 1 year’s production!