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 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.
Some models of Torino were performance cars, because Ford chose the Torino as the base for its NASCAR entrants during the early years.
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.
1969_Ford_Torino_Cobra.jpg
1969's model changed little, but for the introduction of the Torino Cobra that came with a Ford 428 (7.01 L) 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.
1970 brought a completely new look, with a pointed grille and sleek lines, and also the coveted Motor Trend Car of the Year award. 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. 1971's cars were for all practical purposes identical. These two years were the only period when Ford produced intermediate four-door hardtops, although conventional sedans were also available.
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. Emissions and fuel economy requirements were taking their toll; although '72's Torino was a heavier car, the only engine available was the 351 (5.8 L) Cleveland, though optionally in Cobra Jet form. 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.
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.
The Torino chassis actually lived on for three more years, under the new, smaller LTD II and the downsized Thunderbird.
See also
External links
- Starsky & Hutch Torinos (http://starskytorino.com/)
- Musclecar Club Fairlane/Torino page (http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/ford-fairlane/ford-fairlane.shtml)
- Category at ODP (http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Autos/Makes_and_Models/Ford/Torino/)fr:Ford Torino