Ford Taurus SHO spotters guide...


1989

The SHO made it's debut to the world featuring a sport tuned suspension, a 5 speed manual transmission, and of course the 3.0 Litre 24 valve DOHC Yamaha V6. The easiest way to spot these is by the interior, it has the older style dash, no air bag in the steering wheel the horn button said SHO. The wheels are 15 inch machined finish and the center caps have exposed lug nuts. Colors available were available Light Titanium, Black, Current Red, and a late arriving Oxford White.

1990

In 1990 several revisions were made to the SHO. The Dash was revised to a much cleaner looking design(IMO). It received Ford's generation 1 SRS system thus requiring a different steering wheel. The center caps on the wheels were changed to a covered lug nut design and had SHO on the center caps. They were painted argent(?) instead of the machined finish. They were also available painted black with the polished aluminum outer lip showing. I think these look extremely sharp on a black car. Electric Red replaced the Current Red color.

1991

Much remained the same for 1991. Chrome strips around windows rather than black ones(these tend to grow rust underneath). Wheels were changed to non-directional 16" units and the center caps were plain. White cars were available with the Wheels painted white. These wheels have a small divot to pry off the center caps. Amber turn signal used in rear. The front bumper cover also recieved a small chin spoiler on the lower edge...Mocha Frost color replaces Light Titanium.

1991 1/2

A mid year introduction was the SHO Plus model. The Deep Jewel Green color was added. These received composite hoods, 24 Valve DOHC emblems on the fenders and a spoiler on the trunk lid. The lower body molding inset strip on the Plus model was also body color was also body color as were the mirrors. The rod shifter was also added in mid year 1991.

1992

The SHO received a major reworking in the body style and interior. The interior has the cleanest design in my opinion. The wheels are still the 16" non-directional but have SHO added on the Center caps. The divot to help aid in removal of the center caps remains. The easiest ways to tell the 1992's from the later SHO's is the fact that they lack a rear trunk mounted spoiler and the center console if of the earlier style. The clock has 3 buttons on it. Theses cars had turn down exhaust tips like the Gen 1 cars not chrome one's like the latter Gen 2.

1993

The wheels are now 16" Uni-Directional wheels. Mid year the wheels loose the divot to remove the center caps. White Wheels still available as an option. A different Center console is added along with Chrome exhaust tips. Recieved a new steering wheel. If you look at the clock on a 1993 it has only 2 buttons instead of the 3 that the 1992's have. The automatic is added mid year with a bored out version of the 3.0 Litre displacing 3.2 Litres. Colors available Oxford White, Royal Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Black Clearcoat, Deep Emerald Green Clearcoat Metallic, and Crimson Clearcoat.

1994

Much remains the same. The Chrome exhaust pipes are of a more consistent diameter than on the 1993's. The clock is still of a 2 button design but if you will note they now have the buttons marked H and M for hours and minutes to set them. Body color door handles instead of black were added. The battery clamps were also changed the earlier one's had the common lead clamp while the 1994's have a "import type clamp" it is more of a stamped metal that wraps around the battery post. CFC free air conditioning was also added. The Chrome trim around the windows is now black.

1995

About the only way's that I know to tell the 1995 from the 1994's is the EATC Head received revised buttons, and the Cigarette lighters are different. Colors available Crimson Clearcoat, Moonlight Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Deep Emerald Green Clearcoat Metallic, Silver Frost Clearcoat Metallic, and Vibrant White Clearcoat Metallic.

1996

The SHO is introduced in a all new body style, it's kinda a love it or hate it deal. I love the look of the new car. Don't knock it till you drive one. Yes, they are a more of a Luxury car than the earlier ones but they are still quite impressive and deserve to carry on the SHO heritage. The 5 speed manual transmission is no longer available and they have an all new Yamaha V8 instead of the venerable V6. This is the only year the JBL sound is offered in the Gen 3 SHO's. Colors available Rose Mist Clearcoat Metallic, Ebony Satin Clearcoat, Medium Willow Green Clearcoat, Silver Frost Clearcoat Metallic, Charcoal Grey Clearcoat Metallic, and Toreador Red Clearcoat Metallic



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Last updated May 31, 1998 1
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