Initially known as the Fairlane Torino, Ford`s new mid-sized line was launched in 1968, with a GT convertible pacing the Indy 500.
The cars never carried the Fairlane name and soon became known as Torinos.
Offering a full range of coupes, hardtops and sedans, the GT line immediately gained attention for its handsome fastback body, which echoed the Mustang, but with an even more radical roofline. While only 5,317 Torino GT convertibles were, sold the fastback coupe notched up 74,135 sales, and the two-door hardtop a further 23,939. Engines ranged from a 210-hp, 302-cid V-8 to 325-hp/390-cid and 360-hp Ram-Air 428-cid mills. Both three-speed Cruise-O-Matic and four-speed manual transmissions were offered.
The super-slippery fastback was an immediate hit with NASCAR and David Pearson took the 1968 championship. A Torino Cobra series was introduced for 1969 and the semi-sloping SportsRoof model would lend its lines to the Australian Ford Falcon of Mad Max fame. Meanwhile, the aerodynamic Torino GT Talladega Special was built in limited numbers for homologation and 754 were sold with the 428-cid Cobra Jet motor or the even more powerful 429-cid V-8.
The full Torino line continued in 1970, merely replacing the Fairlane with small six-cylinder and V-8 motors, and sedan, coupe, and station wagon bodies. Collectors focused on the Torino GT and Cobra series. The semi-sloping GT coupe sold an impressive 56,819 examples, but there were only 3,939 convertibles, making them quite rare. The Cobra GT attracted only 7,675 buyers, despite a 360-hp, Ram Air 429-cid V-8 and optional four-speed transmission.
Ford made few changes in 1971, save adding a luxury Brougham line. The high-performance wars were fading, and the GT recorded 31,641 sales, with 1,613 convertibles and 3,054 Cobra hardtops. Engines included 302-cid, 351-cid, and 429-cid V-8s.
Clint Eastwood’s 1972 Gran Torino Sport
The 2008 film “Gran Torino” stars Clint Eastwood as the grisly retired war vet, Walt Kowalski.
Eastwood’s staff found the car online, and Warner Brothers bought the car through a classic car dealer on eBay.
After the filming was complete, Eastwood purchased the Gran Torino for his personal collection.
Ford Torinos and Grand Torinos today are best remembered as stylish and more luxurious alternatives to more common muscle cars. They may not have the same performance as some of the eras icons, but they still deliver a wallop when correctly configured, and they typically sell at prices that make entry achievable for most enthusiasts.
Engine
Type: Ford FE series 90-degree OHV V-8, cast-iron block and cylinder heads, option code “P”
Displacement: 428 cubic inches
Bore and stroke: 4.232 x 3.784 inches
Compression ratio: 10.6:1
Horsepower @ RPM: 335 @ 5,600
Torque @ RPM: 445-lb.ft. @ 3,400
Valvetrain: Overhead, hydraulic valve lifters
Main bearings: 5
Fuel system: Single 735-CFM Holley 4150 four-barrel carburetor, mechanical Carter fuel pump
Lubrication system: Full-pressure, gear-type oil pump
Electrical system: 12-volt
Exhaust system: Dual exhaust
Transmission
Type: Ford C-6 three-speed automatic, cast-iron case
Ratios
1st: 2:46:1
2nd: 1.46:1
3rd: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.18:1
Differential
Type: Ford 9-inch with Traction-Lok limited-slip
Ratio: 3.91:1
Steering
Type: Recirculating ball, power assist
Ratio: 16:1
Turns, lock-to-lock: 4.0
Turning circle: 38 feet
Brakes
Type: Four-wheel hydraulic, power assist
Front: 11.3-inch ventilated disc
Rear: 10 x 2.25-inch expanding drum
Chassis & Body
Construction: Unitized body with front subframe
Body style: Two-door, five-passenger fastback hardtop
Layout: Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Suspension
Front: Independent, upper wishbones, lower control arms with struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar, telescopic shock absorbers
Rear: Rigid axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, telescopic shock absorbers
Wheels & Tires
Wheels: Pressed styled-steel disc
Front: 14 x 6 inches
Rear: 14 x 6 inches
Tires: Goodyear Polyglas bias-ply (currently Michelin white-stripe steel radial)
Front: F70-14 (currently P205/70R14)
Rear: F70-14 (currently P205/70R14)
Weights & Measures
Wheelbase: 116 inches
Overall length: 201 inches
Overall width: 74.6 inches
Overall height: 55 inches
Front track: 58.8 inches
Rear track: 58.5 inches
Curb weight: 3,220 pounds
Capacities
Crankcase: 5 quarts
Cooling system: 20 quarts
Fuel tank: 20.5 gallons
Transmission: 12 quarts
Rear axle: 5 pints
Calculated Data
Bhp per cu.in.: .783
Weight per bhp: 9.61 pounds
Weight per cu.in.: 7.52 pounds
Performance
Acceleration
0-60 MPH: 5.6 seconds
1/4-mile ET: 14.04 @ 101 MPH
