A Taunus in turmoil: a unique snapshot from the Rhodesian Bush War

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Ever since the availability of motor-cars became widespread, it was inevitable that a few unfortunate specimens would fall into the hands of politicians and be daubed with lurid campaign slogans. Sometimes, fate decrees in its favour - the Daimler DB18 drophead used by Winston Churchill on his campaign trail is rendered more valuable for its historic links to the world's favourite cigar-puffing statesman - but others belong to the losing side of politics and vanish, along with the people and causes concerned, into infamy or obscurity.

A campaign car for Rhodesian rebels

Such is the case with this early 1960s Ford Taunus 17M Turnier, a rare car today, which we see bearing the banners of the Friends of Rhodesia. Assuming you're not an expert on African history, you may appreciate a reminder of how Rhodesia became modern-day Zimbabwe. The British had colonised Rhodesia, along with many other parts of Africa, in the late 19th century, but in the 1950s it started granting many former colonies independence. European settlers in Rhodesia feared a repeat of the bloody civil wars which had consumed the Congo when it was granted independence from Belgium.

The Rhodesian government rebelled and declared itself an independent state, but African nationalists sought rule for themselves, and in 1964 a war broke out between Ian Smith's de facto government and the respective military wings of Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe African National Union and Joshua Nkomo's Zimbabwe African People's Union. The war raged until 1979, sadly claiming the lives of thousands of civilians. Mugabe was elected President the following year amid accusations of voter intimidation, and the rest is history.

Designed in Germany, assembled in Africa

Lesson over - back to the car. You may know that the Taunus was a product of Ford Germany, made from 1960 to 1964. Indeed, it was the first Taunus to be designed by a German, Uwe Bahnsen, whereas previous incarnations were styled in America and looked pseudo-American. It wasn't just sold in Europe, though. It was also assembled in South Africa and Southern Rhodesia, hence the example seen here.

It was affordable, rugged and, with the Turnier estate body, spacious, so it made sense for the Friends of Rhodesia to use one as a campaign vehicle. Various organisations called the Friends of Rhodesia were established in America, Canada and South Africa, each supporting the Smith administration. We're not certain, but we think the Taunus belongs to the South African group founded in early 1966, which provided assistance where possible to the Rhodesian forces, such as by supplying them with fuel when an oil embargo was placed on the country in February 1966. We're not sure who the man depicted in the globe is, though. Any ideas? Let us know...

Like all photographs, this one captures a moment in time, not from one of history's happiest episodes, but from one of momentous importance which has had far-reaching consequences. We won't philosophise too much, though - we're just glad for the opportunity to see an old car employed in such a fascinating rôle, and learn about history at the same time.

Words: Zack Stiling; picture: Stiling Collection
 

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