1989 Ford Taurus SHO - Near Pristine

Introduction: Offered today is my original condition 1989 Ford Taurus SHO. Seldom seen in this exceptional condition and rarely offered for sale. This example has to be one of few remaining in such nice, unrestored condition. Most examples have been used hard and are now in deteriorated condition. The original owner kept this car in immaculate condition from purchase. In its debut, the 1989 SHO was the fastest four door sedan from a domestic American manufacturer. The SHO was impressive in its day and can still hold its own today.

History: I purchased this SHO in Jan 2004 with 92,782 miles. It currently shows 93,823 to average 100 miles per year. Car is garaged and covered. This SHO was purchased new in Philadelphia PA. After 2 years the original owner moved to Florida. This SHO has always been garaged, maintained and detailed by the original owner. Around 2002, the original owner sold the car to a friend in Florida. In 2003 the SHO was sold to a gentleman from Pennsylvania that was visiting Florida. I am the fourth owner having purchased the car from in 2004. The car comes with the window sticker, owners manual, sold tag and such. This SHO is detailed and clean inside, outside and under hood. Car has PA classic tags since my ownership and comes with an appraisal from May 2015.

Awards: This SHO was featured in the June 2009 Auto Restorer Magazine to celebrate their 20th anniversary. It was also an invitational for the 2009 Ford Carlisle show to commemorate the 2009 reintroduction of the Taurus SHO. This SHO was the first 1989 SHO to receive its HPOF certificate at the 2014 Fall Hershey car show. Historic Preservation Original Features, meaning it is an original, untouched example.

Options: Package 211 which includes high level audio, floor mats, illuminated entry, autolamp, moonroof, power antenna, JBL audio and clearcoat paint.

Exterior: There are minor paint chips and specs on the hood and leading edge of the roof. The clear coat is intact and excellent. The wheels are NOS units with the original caps. The tires are new at the time Dunlop 5000 in size 225/60/15. There is no rust on this car including underneath. However, there is slight surface rust around the battery area. The glass was tinted when the original owner move to Florida.

Interior: Interior is near perfect with only slight wear to the drivers seat as is typical. All switches still show excellent scripting. Moon roof shade has some bare areas, again typical. The original stereo has been replaced by the original owner with a Sony in dash cassette and a 10 disc Sony CD changer in the trunk. I believe the CD changer to not be functional.

Trunk: Trunk is near excellent with a light stain on the spare cover. The spare and jack have never been used.

Mechanical: The mechanicals of the car are original with the only changes I’ve noticed being the front brake rotors, some hoses and hose clamps. The struts are original and could be replaced. The tie rod ends should be replaced and are included. Everything works as it should including the AC and cruise. However, the engine has a low spot, a hesitation. Cause may be a vacuum leak. It drives fine otherwise. Original owner installed a rod shifter in 1991 or 1992. I’ve always used Castrol synthetic oil. Has a newer Ford battery and is always kept on a trickle charger. This SHO drives wonderfully but you can tell the struts have softened other wise it is tight and nimble.

Conclusion:

This SHO has 90K miles but looks like it only has 30K miles. This car should be owned and appreciated by another collector or Ford enthusiast. I urge anyone interested to view this fine SHO example in person. I have been an eBay member since 2003 with 100% feedback.