Ford Torino
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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 midsize car by American standards of the time - quite large by modern (2006) standards, but smaller than the fullsize Ford Galaxie. It replaced the Ford Fairlane, although that name was retained for the base models with trim different from those models which wore the Torino name.
Some models of Torino were performance cars, because Ford chose the Torino as the base for its NASCAR entrants during the early years.
1968
The new 1968 Torino was a larger car than the Fairlane it replaced, and was available in a number of body styles; a 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 in³ (6.4 L) big-block. Midyear, the "428 Cobra Jet" FE series engine was introduced; it was identified by a red-and-chrome "428" badge on the fender mounted behind the parking lamps. 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.
The 1969 model changed little, but for the introduction of the Torino Cobra (coupe or "SportsRoof" fastback) that came with the 428 Cobra Jet engine, floor mounted 4-speed "Toploader" 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 (fastback only), built in very limited numbers as a more aerodynamic body style to give Ford a competitive edge in NASCAR racing. The 428 was conservatively rated at 335 hp(250 kW) and 440 ft·lbf (597 Nm) of torque - enough to give the Torino 14 second quarter mile times at no less than 100 mph (160 km/h). Here's a little-known fact: the Cobra and Talladega SportsRoofs were NOT "Torinos"...they were in fact based upon the "Fairlane 500" SportsRoof model!
1970
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 and the Brougham trim model for that year were the only Torinos ever to have hidden headlights. Most V8 engine choices were all-new(the only carryovers being the 302 and 351 Windsor 2-barrels); 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 power than the previous years (some conservatively rated at 360 hp), but couldn't go any quicker through the 1/4 mile (14 seconds @ 100 mph) - mainly because of the larger size and corresponding drag. The 1971 Torino was virtually identical. These two years were the only period when Ford produced intermediate four-door hardtops, although conventional sedans were also available. A couple of Cobra prototypes of Torinos sporting noses seeming grafted from a Datsun 240Z were a response to the Plymouth Superbird, but NASCAR rules effectively banned such aero trickery. Torino wagons were offered as perk to top selling Tupperware saleswomen, and the Torino Squire was a leading intermediate wagon with a 3 way tailgate and rear-facing seat.
1972
1972 brought another major redesign, and a move to body on frame construction. The already somewhat aggressive look was exaggerated with a large 'fishmouth' grille. The convertible was discontinued, but all other body styles remained. "Torino" remained the base series, but the "Torino 500" was renamed "Gran Torino", the "Torino Brougham" became "Gran Torino Brougham", and Torino GT became the Gran Torino Sport. The "Cobra" model was discontinued, and the Torino line was refocused toward luxury rather than performance. In addition to the base engines (250 in³ 6-cylinder in all except wagons and Sport models and a 302 in³ small-block V8 in wagons and Sport models) available engines included one 385 series engine (the 429 4-barrel), and several 335 series engine options (351 Cleveland, 351 Cleveland "Cobra Jet", 351 , and the 400) 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. The "Cobra Jet" was the only engine equipped with dual exhaust or available with a four-speed transmission; 429s were automatic only. Window glass remained frameless on this generation, but four-doors now had a center pillar, making them "pillared hardtops". For this year, vent windows vanished from four-door models.
1973
The 1973 model saw front fascia changes to meet with new federal regulations; larger safety bumpers replaced the almost body-fitting chrome bumpers previously used. 1974 saw the discontinuation of the SportsRoof model along with a redesign of the grille and front fascia, and new taillights with large safety bumpers on the rear. Although the Gran Torino Sport coupe was still offered, and the 429 was replaced with a dual-exhaust equipped 460 (still automatic only), the tide had definitely turned against performance cars and the performance options that did remian were being eliminated year by year; 1974 was the last year for the 351 "Cobra Jet" and the four-speed transmission. 1975 and 1976 saw few changes except for the cancelling of the Sport series before the 1976 model year. 1975 and 1976 Gran Torinos were used in the popular TV series Starsky and Hutch. This series inspired Ford to build 1,000 replicas of the "Starsky and Hutch" car in the spring of 1976. After 1976, Ford discontinued the Torino.
The Torino chassis actually lived on for three more years, under the LTD II and the downsized 1977 Thunderbird.
Popularity
Among muscle cars, 1970 Torinos are not nearly as popular as the 1968-1972 Chevrolet Chevelle, nor as highly prized as the rare Dodge Charger or Plymouth Roadrunner or Plymouth Superbird. The fastback 1968-69 Torinos are also rarely seen at muscle car conventions, or as subjects of toys or collectible cars. One Torino model stands out among collectors, the LTD-II based Ranchero, and to a lesser extent other post 1972 Rancheros.See also
External links
- [TorinoCobra.com]
- [1972 Torino - Gumball Rally Race Car]
- [Ford Torino Reader's Car Images and Descriptions]
- [1973 Ford Gran Torino]
- [Ford Torino/Mercury Montego Technical Articles]
- [Starsky & Hutch Torinos]
- [Musclecar Club Fairlane/Torino page]
- [Category at ODP]
- [Ford Fairlanes and Torinos at Muscle Car Facts] -- A year by year account of one of the greatest muscle cars ever.
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