The 1969 Ford Torino carried the same body lines and model designations as in the previous year. Soon to be a racing legend and high performance hall of famer, the all new Fairlane Cobra was introduced in 1969 in addition to the other models. The new Cobra was built for speed with one of the most fierce "showroom stock" performance engines ever built. Available in either the two door hardtop, or fastback roofline, the Fairlane Cobra was fitted with standard equipment 428 four barrel Cobra Jet big block power plant. The new performance Fairlane, boasted 335 horsepower at 440 pounds of torque at 3400 rpm. The carburetor was a healthy 735 cfm. Also standard on the Cobra was floor mounted four speed manual transmission, dual exhaust, beefed up suspension for minimum body roll and factory bucket seats. If this did not get you excited, you could order an optional ram-air option with functional air hood scoop or a "Traction-Lok" differential.
The Ford Torino was produced by the Ford motor company from 1968/1976. Described as "Ford's newest bright idea" , the all new Torino was created to eventually replace the very popular Fairlane name with an all new brand of Ford beauty, power and style. Although Ford still used the Fairlane name up through 1971, the Torino name was used on most body styles and was designed with all new looks and appeal for a whole new generation of car buyers.
Still a sports sedan, the first Torino was larger in size than the previous year Fairlane and incorporated a whole new roof line in the fastback as well as the new two door hardtop, also called a two door formal roof. The Torino was built from the start with plenty of power and comfort with standard equipment v-8 engines from the small block 302, to the big block 390 and 428 Cobra Jet introduced in 1969. The 1968 Torino was offered in several styles. Available in the two door fastback, two or four door hardtop, station wagon, and two door convertible. The Ranchero pickup also carried the Torino front end design for 1968. Ford used the Fairlane name on the economy version of the Torino. Although a lot of car, these Fairlanes were different than the Torino in molding design, standard options, and interior trim décor. The Torino GT was the upscale Torino in 1968 with standard body decal stripe, styled steel wheels, wide oval sports tires and standard equipment v-8 engine. These were available with optional four speed floor shift. We have yet to see an actual example, but 1968 Torino literature indicates that the Torino was available with the 427 cubic inch Cobra V-8 engine with four barrel carburetor and hydraulic lifters.
The 1973 models included the same body styles and options of the previous year with a change in the front nose design due to new impact regulations for new car manufacturers. This new design reflected a flatter more square grill design.
In 1974, the Ford Torino changed again with a new look. The body lines were very similar to the 1972/1973 except for the new grill and front clip design. These cars were becoming more of the luxury car and the performance options were being eliminated up through 1976. Although a attractive car, these Torinos were built more for the family than the performance driver. The 1975 Gran Torino was used in the very popular TV series "Starsky and Hutch". These bright red sport models with signature white body stripe were produced in very low production for the television show. The 1976 Torino was the last and final Torino before being replaced by the LTD name and product line.
The Ford Torino offered many choices and was built Ford tough to cater to a variety of buyers from the family wagon to the ferocious cobra performance models. These cars will be remembered for their distinct style.
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