The Ford Torino GT will forever live in the towering shadow cast by the Mustang, with the latter being one of the most popular American cars in history. Despite this, the early Mustangs weren't even considered muscle cars by many, especially the 289ci and 302ci-powered versions. In fact, the Mustang is actually the direct source of the term "pony car" used to describe sporty, American coupes with V8 power... but just not quite enough muster to pull the gap into the world of true muscle.
Sure, there were obvious exceptions like the Boss 429, but the Mustang was generally more about image than outright performance. The Torino GT, however, was all business. Sitting a bit larger than its Falcon-based brethren, the Torino GT became the host to big-block power when it came time to kick the tires and light the fires. Some of the hotter versions, like the legendary Torino Talladega, had set the standard in NASCAR during the late 1960s, proving the true performance potential of this overlooked and underrated classic.
A Brief Overview On The Early Run Of The Ford Torino GT
By the late 1960s, the muscle car renaissance was in full force, and the corporate giants of the Blue Oval made sure to leave their mark. The Ford Torino series first hit the streets back in 1968, as a variant of the Fairlane. The first Torino GT models were essentially fastback versions of the Fairlane, but with hotter drivetrain packages. For its first run in 1968, the Torino GT offered a variety of engine sizes, all in V8 configuration, but the most prominent power-plants were the S-Code, four-barrel 390ci and the R-Code 428ci Cobra Jet. The latter of which came later into the 1968 model year and set the tone for blistering performance, transforming the Torino from its mundane origins as a family sedan and going full muscle.
The original versions from 1968-1969 were mostly similar in terms of appearance, but 1969 saw the addition of the 351ci Windsor engine to the lineup, as well as the 302ci for lower-level trim packages. For the Torino GT, the 428ci Cobra Jet remained the top dog, but a different type of monster was lurking. In 1969, the Torino Talladega was unleashed, which was a NASCAR homologation special that packed Ford's 429ci V8. These were produced in very limited numbers and rated at 330 hp, similar to the Cobra Jet, although realistic figures put this figure closer to 444 hp.
For 1970-1971, a total redesign of the Fairlane/Torino models had been initiated, which had also included a variety of new drivetrain configurations and appearance packages. One that stands out in particular was the 1970 Torino King Cobra, a model originally intended for NASCAR competition and was consequently the recipient of a distinctive, aerodynamic nose, as well as the 429-4V V8. These are the rarest of the breed, with only three examples ever being constructed.
Why The Ford Torino GT Stands Out Over The Mustang
The Ford Torino GT remains highly underrated, especially to those unfamiliar with classic Ford models. In contrast, the Mustang has become a cultural icon of indescribable magnitude and has spent nearly 60 years on the market, forever changing the way that the public perceives domestic performance cars. With famous film appearances in Bullitt and Gone in 60 Seconds, the Mustang has been forever immortalized as a key symbol of the 1960s, and beyond.
In fact, this type of prowess has actually led to an open sea of misconceptions about the Falcon-based phenom. The majority of Mustangs, especially the 1960s variants that were sold alongside the Torino GT, weren't true muscle cars. It's a hard pill for some to swallow, but it's the truth. Carroll Shelby had even referred to the original Mustang as a "secretary's car" when Ford had first asked him to modify these early examples into what would become the original Shelby GT350. The Mach 1, Boss 429, and certain Shelby variants are obvious exceptions to this concept, but the sheer volume of the Mustang's production numbers make those versions a mere blip on the radar when compared to most examples of the model.
In contrast, the Torino GT was all about performance. Sure, lower-end versions had the 289ci and 302ci engines, but the Torino GT nameplate harkens back to big-block power in an affordable package, which is exactly what a muscle car is intended to define. One of the most convincing examples of this is the 1970 version packing the 429ci Super Cobra Jet engine, as well as the Drag Pack option of the same year. These cars featured staggering modifications that included forged aluminum pistons, a solid-lifter camshaft, a beefed-up connecting rod, factory headers, a Holley 4150 carburetor, and even an oil cooler.
Despite the radical changes to the engine, Ford had only rated these changes at a mere 5hp power increase, claiming the total output at 370 hp. Despite this, the real-world power estimate of these cars is closer to 423 hp. Aside from the aforementioned King Cobra and Talladega models, this version is also among the rarest Torinos, with a total production of only 241 examples.
What To Expect On The Market
With the constant uprising and instability of the classic car market, figures differ when pricing the Torino GT. Additionally, another huge factor of this wide range is the simple fact that the cars' large variety of engines, performance packages, transmission options, and various trim levels has caused substantial differences in value.
On the higher end, prices can become far more staggering. On the upper crest level, one of the three Torino King Cobras sold for $459,000 back in 2017. Other rare and sought after versions of the Torino can also fetch a king's ransom, especially the Torino Talladega homologation specials. For more budget-conscious buyers that are hell-bent on a performance Torino, never fear, as it's easily possible to secure good examples of the early Torino GT for less than $20,000, even with the big-block 390ci V8. Less enthusiastic versions featuring 289ci and 302ci power can also be had for even less, depending on condition, options, and overall originality.
Sources: Hemings, Sports Car Market, Torque News, Barn Finds