This V8 Ford Taurus SHO Has Been Maintained in Immaculate Condition for 30 Years | Carscoops

      This 1996 Ford Taurus SHO, with a mere 2,924 miles on the odometer, represents a rare find.

      It is powered by a 3.4-liter V8 engine that delivers 235 horsepower.

      A dealership in Minnesota is offering this piece of Ford history for $22,900.

      In the U.S., there is no shortage of reasonably priced new sedans, with over a dozen models available for under $25,000. Vehicles such as the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Mazda3, and VW Jetta dominate that market. However, if you desire something with more character and a captivating backstory, this 1996 Ford Taurus SHO may be the unexpected highlight.

      Although the car is 30 years old (being from the 1996 model year, it was likely manufactured in 1995), it has only been driven for 2,924 miles (4,704 km). This minimal usage is barely enough to warm up the engine. The reason for its limited mileage remains unclear, but it is currently listed at $22,900 by Unique Classic Cars, a dealership in Mankato, Minnesota. It serves as a true time capsule and could very well be the lowest-mileage version of its kind in the nation.

      The classic sedan is finished in Toreador Red Metallic paint, and given how red finishes typically fade under sunlight, the excellent condition suggests that this Taurus has spent most of its life sheltered indoors. It still stands on its original chrome-finished wheels, which seem to be just as pristine.

      This third-generation Taurus has always had a somewhat unconventional appearance, characterized by its oval-centric design that was popular in the mid-1990s, although the quirky styling hasn’t necessarily aged well. Nonetheless, it’s undeniable that the 3.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 is just as impressive now as it was then.

      Developed by Ford in partnership with Yamaha, this engine produces 235 horsepower and 230 lb-ft (312 Nm) of torque. While the specifications are impressive, these engines are known to have cam sprocket issues that could lead to significant failures if not addressed. Therefore, if the next owner intends to drive the car, a complete engine service would be advisable. The power is transmitted to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.

      The interior is just as captivating as the exterior, showcasing numerous circular shapes on the door panels and the dashboard, which houses the cassette player and HVAC controls. The seats and door panels are dressed in saddle leather and show virtually no signs of aging.

      For a vehicle that could have easily faded into obscurity among numerous mundane mid-’90s sedans, this Taurus SHO stands out simply by its survival. With such low mileage, it feels more like a preserved artifact than a used car from a specific period in American automotive design. Plus, it boasts a V8 engine—what more could you want?

      If this seems like the kind of nostalgic experience you’d enjoy, you can find the complete listing through Unique Classic Cars.