Skip to main content

So you were waiting at a stoplight behind a Ford Taurus the other day and thought, Isn’t “Taurus” a Zodiac sign, from astrology!? Right you are. And the “Taurus” isn’t the only car model with a name inspired by a Zodiac constellation. Here are all of them.

  • Dodge Aries
  • Ford Taurus
  • Isuzu Gemini
  • Microcar Virgo
  • GTM Libra
  • Ford Scorpio

As far as I can tell, there’s no mass-produced, Cancer, Leo, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, or Pisces vehicle.

Dodge Aries

Aries is a constellation in the Zodiac, often said to resemble a Ram. It traditionally is the sign of birthdays from March 21 – April 19. It was also the name of Dodge’s front engine, FWD, budget-friendly 1981 sedan. And honestly, it pairs perfectly with Dodge’s “Ram truck” branding. The Aries borrowed powertrain components–such as its efficient engine–from partner Mitsubishi. But it kept the front and rear bench seats American buyers were used to. It was even available as a wagon, before the Dodge Spirit replaced it for the 1989 model year.

Ford Taurus

Taurus is a constellation in the Zodiac, often represented as a bull and associated with birthdays between April 20th and May 20th. Ford wanted to make a more rounded vehicle for its 1985 mid-size sedan and lobbied the government to design its own “composite” headlight housings instead of using the standardized square housings that were then required by law. The resulting “jelly bean” shape was like nothing else on the road. Soon, every other automaker was playing catch up. Ford continued using the nameplate until 2006, though fleets such as taxi companies could buy a Taurus until 2019.

Isuzu/Chevrolet Gemini

The constellation Gemini, represented as “the twins,” is associated with birthdays between May 21st and June 20th. Isuzu also borrowed the catchy word for a subcompact car it sold in Japan from 1974 until 2000. U.S. buyers could order a rebadged version called the Buick Opel. But General Motors/Isuzu sold the same car all over the world. In Australia, it was called the “Holden Gemini.” And in Thailand its badge read: “Opel Gemini.” Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina even got a “Chevrolet Gemini.”

Microcar Virgo

The constellation Virgo is often depicted as a maiden, and associated with birthdays between August 23rd and September 22nd. But the French Microcar brand also borrowed the name for a series of compacts. The company was founded in 1980 and has offered a “Virgo,” “Virgo 2,” “Virgo 3,” and even a “Virgo Luxe.” Here’s the kicker. The French recognize the same constellations in the Zodiac area of the sky. But Virgo is called Vierge (literally “The Virgin”). So why did a French company slapped a “Virgo” badge on a car? Who knows.

GTM Libra

The “Libra” constellation is often depicted as a set of scales representing balance and harmony. It’s associated with birthdays between September 23rd and October 22nd. It’s also the fitting model name for an exceptionally well-balanced kit car offered by British company GTM. Like a Porsche 911, the Libra is a rear-wheel-drive with its engine in the rear. Like a supercar, it uses a “monocoque” tub. Buyers order all the components from GTM, assemble it themselves, then install an engine (such as a Rover V6 or turbocharged Audi engine).

Ford Scorpio

Scorpio is a constellation in the Zodiac often depicted as a Scorpion. It’s associated with birthdays from October 23rd to November 21st. Carlo Abarth, Italian car tuner, was born on November 15th 1908. That’s why his racing team and tuning company adopted the scorpion as its logo. Abarth never built a car called the “Scorpio.” But when Ford’s German division was trying to capitalize on the Taurus’s success, it launched a “Scorpio” executive sedan in the U.K. in 1985. Meanwhile the German market got the “Merkur Taurus” without an iconic Blue Oval logo.

Related

Acura’s Rarest Model Isn’t the Integra Type R

Want more news like this? Add MotorBiscuit as a preferred source on Google!
Preferred sources are prioritized in Top Stories, ensuring you never miss any of our editorial team's hard work.
Add as preferred source on Google