From the 1950s onward, domestic car manufacturers have been waging a commercial war that only intensified as time went by. In order to acquire more market shares, they released several models of sportier cars to attract different demographics. Though it worked at times, some cars just failed to remain in people's minds.
Over the years, Ford released several decent cars that completely went under the radar. The Ford Torino is the prime example. It is one underrated muscle car that true gearheads would love to own. Not only it is not a common sight, but the Torino is also a great base for a restomod project.
10 Sinister
Despite not being one of the Ford cars that defined the company, the Torino is a great car that could have been very successful if it was not eclipsed but the Mustang. Moreover, the Torino was released when the Oil Crisis and emission regulations were ravaging the automotive sector.
There are tons of restomod styles that can be applied to a Ford Torino. One that will for sure turn heads and satisfy its drivers is the dark gray/black combination that has been applied to about every single muscle car out there.
9 Elegant
The Ford Torino does not have the same racy feel as the Mustang. There is no denying that. However, it is a nice larger muscle car that can be modified to become a true beauty. Moreover, given their affordability, Torinos can be good project bases that will not break the bank.
Given the looks of this beautifully modified Torino, it is quite logical that the car was showcased at SEMA. This GPT Special Torino was so majestically modified that it was featured in Fast And Furious 7 and driven by Vin Diesel. Thank god the car did not end up between Dwayne Johnson's hands. He would have wrecked it!
8 Street Racer
The Ford Torino is not known for being a sports car, it is, at best, a powerful coupe. The Torino Cobra Jet is a lukewarm muscle car compared to the Boss 429 or Mach 1 Mustangs. Given its highly under-utilized potential, the Torino has been modified to become a true muscle car.
When looking at this cool Torino, it is safe to assume that the Ford car could be among those classics that are perfect for somebody's next restomod. Thanks to a 460ci big-block V8, this Torino is capable of producing a decent amount of horsepower. The huge air intake installed on the hood is fully functional.
7 Classic
There are times when the story of the Torino is very similar to the ones of the Nova or Chevelle. Although the Nova and Chevelle were decently powered, they were widely underrated and only became extremely popular recently. The Torino does not have the best design out there, but a few tastefully mods can turn it into a beautiful muscle car.
The brake discs on this beautiful Torino are letting people know that something powerful is lodged under the hood. As a matter of fact, a 5.0L Coyote V8 has replaced the original engine, thus giving the Torino the 430hp it desperately needs. This tastefully restomodded Torino was sold for $59,000.
6 Swapped
The Torino was produced during the beginning of the end of the golden age of the muscle car. Similarly to other muscle cars during that era, the engines available on the Torino were simply not satisfying. The large engines had terrible power outputs. As a result, most restomod projects tend to include an engine swap.
For this project, its owner decided to get rid of the 351ci Cleveland engine and replace it with something really mean. A supercharged 5.4L V8 from a 2008 Shelby GT500 was fitted in the engine bay in order to give the Torino the power it truly deserves. The car allegedly produces 550hp at the wheel.
5 Simplistic
Most restomod projects receive very peculiar paint jobs, expensive aftermarket rims, and of course several body parts that would give the car a more modern feel. Sometimes, it is actually better to leave pretty everything untouched. Focusing on the performance aspect of the car may have a much more lasting effect.
This street racer Torino is equipped with a Ford 460ci V8 that was turned into 521ci. Though the car looks tame from the outside, it is a pure beast that can obliterate any Mustang GT on the quarter-mile. Thanks to an updated interior that include a modern AC system, this car can also be used as a daily driver.
4 Oddity
As it has been noticed over the years, some muscle cars just do not have that physique that would make people go "wow." The Torino is one of them. The car looks average at best and does not inspire respect or anything of the kind. Fortunately, some tuners out there have found ways to turn it into something somewhat nice to look at.
It is quite uncommon to see a muscle car with a gigantic front grille. Though most car fans would appreciate a much smaller front end, some of the cars currently being released are showing that the trend is surely gaining some traction. That being said, this Ford Torino is a great restomod project.
3 Pro Touring
The 1972 Torino must have been one of the least popular muscle cars made that year. Even AMC cars seem to have a lot more to offer than the stock '72 Torino. It is not surprising that Torinos of that year in good condition can be purchased for less than $6,000.
This astonishing Ford Torino went from being a dull muscle car to being an outstanding machine. Fitted with a modified 460ci V8 engine increased to 572ci, this beasty Torino develops 850hp at the crank. This one Ford Torino most car fans would love to own.
2 Pro Street
As with most muscle cars, the Ford Torino received the pro street treatment. As the stock engines offered by Ford are worth as much as a pizza slice, it became necessary for true gearheads to rethink the Torino and make it attractive and respectable.
When looking at this Torino, most people can safely say there is not much left of the original Torino. The beautiful engine clearly is nothing like the sluggish engines originally found on the car. This Pro Street Torino is surprisingly street legal. It is unclear how much power this beast produces, but it is safe to assume that it will put a stock Corvette to shame.
1 Celebrity Car
The Torino Talladega is one very limited edition that helps the Torino stay relevant. Unlike the Mustang, only few limited edition Torinos were actually memorable. The Talladega logically became a great base for a really conservative yet head-turning restomod project.
First thing first, only 500 Talladega were ever produced, making it one of the rarest special edition Torino ever. Consequently, modifying such a rare vehicle is a tricky task. Bailey Racing opted for a 5.0L Coyote V8. Instead of keeping it fairly stock, they decided to install a twin-turbo system. Thanks to a swath of modifications, the Talladega is capable of producing 1,000hp.