Ford Torino

The Ford Torino was a car produced by the Ford Motor Company for the North American market between 1968 and 1976. The Torino was a mid-size car by American standards of the time - quite large by modern standards, but smaller than the full-size Ford Galaxie. It replaced the Ford Fairlane, although that name was retained for the base models with different trim than those that wore the Torino name.

Related Topics:
Car - Ford Motor Company - 1968 - 1976 - Ford Galaxie - Ford Fairlane

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Some models of Torino were performance cars, because Ford chose the Torino as the base for its NASCAR entrants during the early years.

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The new 1968 Torino was a larger car than the Fairlane it replaced, and was available in a number of body styles; two-door fastback or notchback hardtop, four-door sedan, four-door station wagon, and a two-door convertible, while the Ford Ranchero car-based pickup used the same front end. Engine choices ranged from the "5.0" (302 in³/4.9 L) small-block V8 to Ford's FE series 390 cubic inch (6.4 L) big-block. The Torino GT was the upscale model, with extra 'sport' trim. Following a styling trend, vent windows vanished from coupes this year, although they remained for several more years on all four-doors, including wagons.

Related Topics:
1968 - Fastback - Hardtop - Sedan - Station wagon - Convertible - Ford Ranchero - 5.0 - FE series

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1969's model changed little, but for the introduction of the Torino Cobra that came with a Ford 428 Cobra Jet engine, floor mounted 4-speed manual transmission, uprated suspension, dual exhaust and bucket seats. Optionally the engine breathed through a functional 'shaker' hood scoop for extra power at high speed; also available was a Traction-Lok limited-slip differential. Also built in 1969 was the Torino Talladega, built in very limited numbers as a more aerodynamic body style to give Ford a competitive edge in NASCAR racing. The 428 made 335 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque - enough "umph" to get the Torino rollin 14 sec quarter mile times at no less than 100 mph.

Related Topics:
1969 - Torino Talladega - NASCAR

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1970 brought a completely new look, with a much bigger body, pointed grille and longer lines. It would also see the Torino as the Motor Trend Car of the Year. The Torino GT for that year was the only Torino ever to have hidden headlights. The engine choice was all-new; the 351 Cleveland (5.8 L) small-block V8 at the low end and the new Ford 429 (7.03 L), available in Thunder Jet, Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet levels of performance. The Super Cobra Jet 429 had more horsepower than the previous years (some 360hp), but couldn't go any quicker through the 1/4 mile (low 14s @ 100) - mainly because of the larger size and corresponding drag. The Torino cars for 1971 were vertually identical. These two years were the only period when Ford produced intermediate four-door hardtops, although conventional sedans were also available.

Related Topics:
1970 - Motor Trend - Car of the Year - 351 ''Cleveland'' - Ford 429

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Having only been redesigned two years earlier, 1972 saw another remake. The already somewhat aggressive look was exaggerated with a large 'fishmouth' grille. The convertible was killed off, but all other body styles remained; also, the Torino GT became the Gran Torino or Gran Torino Sport. In addition to the base engines (250 6-cylinder and 302 small-block V-8 in the Sport models) available engines included one 385 series motor (the 429 4V), and several 335 series motor options (351 Cleveland 2V, 351 Cleveland 4V "Cobra Jet", 351M 2V, and the 400 2V) Cleveland. However, emissions and fuel economy requirements had begun to take their toll. These engines produced significantly less power than their predecessors, and thus, performance was mediocre at best. Window glass remained frameless on this generation, but four-doors now had a center pillar, making them pillard hardtops. This year vent windows vanished from four-door models.

Related Topics:
1972 - Cleveland

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1973's model saw front end changes to meet with new Federal regulations; a larger bumper replaced the almost body-fitting chrome one previously used. It didn't look as good, and 1974 saw a redesign of the grille and front end. Although the Gran Torino was still offered, the tide had definitely turned against performance cars and the performance options were being eliminated year by year. 1975 and 1976 saw few changes, though a '75 Gran Torino was used in the popular TV series Starsky and Hutch. After '76, Ford discontinued the Torino.

Related Topics:
1973 - 1974 - 1975 - 1976 - Starsky and Hutch

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The Torino chassis actually lived on for three more years, under the new, smaller LTD II and the downsized Thunderbird.

Related Topics:
LTD II - Thunderbird

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