1969 Ford Torino GT

Description

Chevelles are fine and GTOs get a lot of attention, but if you bleed Ford Blue, this 1969 Torino GT is the only alternative. With a strong-running 351 cubic inch V8, it's the Blue Oval's answer to the ubiquitous A-body. Better still, it's a bargain compared to its bowtie-wearing rivals and quite a bit rarer to boot!

Handsome and restrained compared to its fastback siblings, this Torino GT hardtop adds a bit of formality to the performance game. All the Ford hi-po styling tricks are in place here, including the hood scoop, rocker panel stripes, and styled steel wheels, so there's no mistaking it on the street. It was restored a few years ago, so it's not super fresh, but the code 2 Light Yellow paint shines up beautifully and this is definitely a car with presence. There's a ton of sheetmetal in those quarter panels but it's all quite straight and crisply rendered and panel gaps are decent all around. You don't see these cars all that often, so you'll find a lot of enjoyment in the little stuff, from the grille and the matching insert in the hood scoop, and the lovely tail panel and tight-fitting bumper. A few touch-ups here and there prove that this car has been loved and the overall look is one of a machine that's led a good life and doesn't have to make any apologies.

Basic black is a high-contrast look for the interior, which also features bucket seats and a console. The seats are in fantastic condition for their age, and we strongly suspect that everything inside is original, which is rather remarkable. The instrument panel offers a quartet of round gauge pods seeming to grow out of the dash pad and the gauges inside are in good shape, with interesting silver faces that still show up pretty well behind lenses that are only a little faded. The original AM radio is still in the dash, but it's been superseded by a Sony CD player in the glove box, a really neat trick that always works well on older cars like this. The door panels show Ford's intentions with the Torino (Grand Touring), and unlike the Mustang, this Torino is big enough to have a good-sized trunk without needing a fold-down rear seat. And speaking of the trunk, it's fitted with a reproduction plaid mat, full-sized spare tire with cover, and jack assembly for a very correct look.

OK, the real reason this Torino GT is special can be found under the hood: a 351 cubic inch V8. It's been augmented by a Weiand intake manifold, Holley 4-barrel carburetor, and an aluminum radiator, but the rest appears to be pretty original. The stock look is augmented by a set of chrome valve covers and air cleaner lid, which also wears a reproduction decal. It's pretty tidy under the hood with easy service access, even with those long-tube headers. The 3-speed FMX transmission was rebuilt in September 2015, and the beefy 9-inch rear just shrugs it off when you hammer the throttle. A recent Flowmaster dual exhaust system gives it an awesome Ford small block sound and you'll be impressed by how tidy it looks underneath for a mostly original car. Classic styled steel wheels offer a more sporting look than plain old steelies and it wears 215/60/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials all around.

Documented with an original owner's manual and maintenance records, this is a fun, affordable Ford that delivers in all the ways that matter. Who says Chevy guys get all the breaks? Call today!