With its smooth running and powerful drivetrain, muscle car configuration and near full-size stature, this 1969 Ford Torino GT occupies a unique niche among classic cars and would be a great acquisition for someone looking for a head turning ride that not only has undeniable vintage curb appeal but is also well-suited for frequent driving. Torinos had been a premium designation for Ford's respected Fairlane line for some time, but as the '60s were drawing to a close, the manufacturer... chose to put an increasing amount of distance between them and the more modestly-equipped Fairlane variations. You can see that the Torino represents an obvious blending of muscle car sensibilities into a more sizable form - a sort of supersized muscle car. Besides some of the more directly muscle car inspired styling cues, like the low profile hood scoop, it has a more flowing shape than most of the cars of its time. The front windshield has a pronounced angle to it, and the rear roofline gradually descends from rear windshield to deck lid. Its light ivy yellow paint replaces the lime color it began with. It's a more subtle shade than the original and, as it's very close to the meadowlark yellow color offered when this Torino was new, looks very era-appropriate. This remains a well-put together car - its doors and hood open and shut smoothly, its front and rear bumpers sit nice and level and its exterior badging is intact and well-secured. The black vinyl interior is both well-preserved and a great example of late '60s automotive styling. The wide-backed bucket seats that sit in place of the more common bench seat of the time are really comfortable, as is the bench seat in back, and both are in good shape, with no threadbare areas or tears. This is certainly a vintage classic ride that thoroughly lends itself to group outings, as there's all kinds of room in back for your rear seat passengers. Just beyond the original steering wheel sits a dash area with a great, singular look. No fewer than four individual pods make up the instrument cluster, whose factory-issued gauges remain easily readable, and an AM radio sits surrounded by a wood grain panel for just the right nostalgic vibe. The unusually spacious trunk area is in good order - its floor is lined with Ford plaid fabric and its trunk walls and wheel wells show no obvious dings. Even with a full-size spare residing on the trunk floor, there's still plenty of room for luggage. 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 has been rebuilt and the beefy 9-inch rear just shrugs it off when you hammer the throttle. New components include a new timing chain and cover, water pump, shocks, and aluminum radiator. A 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. This is a fun, affordable Ford that delivers in all the ways that matter. Who says Chevy guys get all the breaks? Call today!
|