72Chero
03-07-2008, 01:56 PM
Years 1972-1976
Body Styles 2d Sports Roof (1972-73); 2d Coupe; 4d Sedan, Station Wagon
Engines 250 (1972-74); 302; 351C(1972-73); 351; 400; 429 (1972-73); 460 (1974-1976)
Redesigned and on a new platform in 1972, the Torino was Ford's "bread and butter" car of the 1970's. Available in several different configurations and trim levels, there was a Torino model for everyone.
Although it appears large by today's standards, the Torino was a midsize car in its day and was essentially the "Taurus" of the 70's. The vast majority were used as basic transportation by people who wanted a little more than what smaller Fords such as the Maverick and Pinto had to offer, but were not interested in a lot of fancy upscale features. This being the case, few well-optioned Torinos still exist today, but when found are generally in good condition.
Torino's biggest claim to fame is its role in the TV series (and recent movie) Starsky and Hutch. This showcased the Torino's potential as a high-performance muscle car during a time when fuel economy was more important than horsepower. As it turns out, the Torino can in fact be made into a great performance car after a few issues are addressed, such as the weak 70's-era tuning and soft suspension. Overall, the Torino makes a great platform for a project muscle car if you're interested in doing something a little different. The long hood is able to hold any of the popular Ford V8's, there are plenty of suspension components available, and these cars are still relatively cheap to buy in good condition. Don't let the size and weight fool you; these vehicles can run and handle with the best of them when properly equipped.
The Torino was available in four distinct trim levels: base "Torino," "Gran Torino," Gran Torino Brougham," and "Gran Torino Sport." The Brougham was the top-of-the-line model, but from a collect-ability standpoint the Sport models are much more desirable and rare. These included features such as bucket seats, a floor shifter, center console, and the top handling package as standard equipment.
Body Styles 2d Sports Roof (1972-73); 2d Coupe; 4d Sedan, Station Wagon
Engines 250 (1972-74); 302; 351C(1972-73); 351; 400; 429 (1972-73); 460 (1974-1976)
Redesigned and on a new platform in 1972, the Torino was Ford's "bread and butter" car of the 1970's. Available in several different configurations and trim levels, there was a Torino model for everyone.
Although it appears large by today's standards, the Torino was a midsize car in its day and was essentially the "Taurus" of the 70's. The vast majority were used as basic transportation by people who wanted a little more than what smaller Fords such as the Maverick and Pinto had to offer, but were not interested in a lot of fancy upscale features. This being the case, few well-optioned Torinos still exist today, but when found are generally in good condition.
Torino's biggest claim to fame is its role in the TV series (and recent movie) Starsky and Hutch. This showcased the Torino's potential as a high-performance muscle car during a time when fuel economy was more important than horsepower. As it turns out, the Torino can in fact be made into a great performance car after a few issues are addressed, such as the weak 70's-era tuning and soft suspension. Overall, the Torino makes a great platform for a project muscle car if you're interested in doing something a little different. The long hood is able to hold any of the popular Ford V8's, there are plenty of suspension components available, and these cars are still relatively cheap to buy in good condition. Don't let the size and weight fool you; these vehicles can run and handle with the best of them when properly equipped.
The Torino was available in four distinct trim levels: base "Torino," "Gran Torino," Gran Torino Brougham," and "Gran Torino Sport." The Brougham was the top-of-the-line model, but from a collect-ability standpoint the Sport models are much more desirable and rare. These included features such as bucket seats, a floor shifter, center console, and the top handling package as standard equipment.