Conan O’Brien, famous comedian and television host, recently shared an amusing story about his experience with a Ford Taurus SHO on his Team Coco podcast. As a fan of the SHO myself, I can relate to the challenges he faced when learning to drive a manual transmission car. The old SHO was equipped with a Mazda-sourced MTX-IV transmission, which was known for being a bit finicky and difficult to shift smoothly. Despite the challenges, Conan persisted and eventually became proficient at driving his beloved SHO around Los Angeles.
### Conan O’Brien and the Ford Taurus SHO
Conan O’Brien has long been known for poking fun at himself for driving an old Ford Taurus, but his love for the Ford Taurus SHO is evident. He shared on his podcast about buying the SHO without knowing how to drive a manual, but bravely taking it out on the streets of LA to learn.
### Challenges of Driving a Manual Taurus SHO
The Ford Taurus SHO’s MTX-IV transmission was not known for being the easiest to master. The gearbox, sourced from Mazda, required a certain finesse to shift smoothly, especially when trying to get back into first gear. With 220 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 RPM, getting the SHO moving smoothly took some practice.
### Conan’s Journey to Learning Manual Transmission
Conan’s journey to learning how to drive his Ford Taurus SHO was filled with challenges like grinding gears and stalling. With the help of his brother in a supermarket parking lot and some persistence, he eventually got the hang of driving a manual transmission in Los Angeles.
### The Comedic Legacy of Conan’s SHO
Conan’s Ford Taurus SHO has made several memorable appearances in his career, from Brad Pitt’s burnout in New York to hilarious skits on television. Despite the challenges of driving a manual transmission, Conan’s SHO has become a beloved part of his comedic legacy.
### The Value of Celebrity Ownership
As the value of classic cars like the Ford Taurus SHO continues to rise, Conan’s celebrity ownership adds an extra layer of appeal. With its comedic history and Conan’s personal connection, his SHO could potentially fetch a decent price at auction in the future.
In conclusion, Conan O’Brien’s experience with his Ford Taurus SHO showcases the challenges and joys of learning to drive a manual transmission car. Despite the initial difficulties, his persistence and sense of humor have made his SHO a beloved part of his comedic legacy. The story of Conan and his SHO serves as a reminder of the fun and adventure that comes with owning a classic car.