Tuesday 26th November 1963

A German Ford Taunus 12M set a world automotive endurance record of 221,475 miles—equal to a one-way trip to the moon. The record—sanctioned by the FIA and still unbroken—was set at the Miramas Autodrome in France. There the 1200-cc 40 hp V4 Taunus was driven continuously for 141 days at an average speed of 65 mph including pit stops. The record run began 10th July to dispel criticism that the German-built, American design was too big and slow for the European market. The 12M, also known as the Cardinal, posted European sales over the next six years of 1.5 million.