While the Mustang is undoubtedly the best and most popular Ford muscle car, the Torino is another classic counterpart that made its name for its lovable appearance and unwavering powertrain, like the Thunderbird or the Falcon. At the time of its initial release in the American market, the Torino nameplate stood as a subseries of the renowned Fairlane. Later in the early ‘70s, it became a model of its own.
Following the second-generation line, produced from 1970 to 1971, the third generation of the mid-size muscle car rolled off the assembly for the 1972 model year. This model year introduced a lot of changes to the Torino lineup, including a restyled grille, more chrome trim and a plethora of standard equipment for all Torino models. At the center of its amazing performance were multiple powerplants. These ranged from an inline-six engine to a top-of-the-line 429 c.i. V8 engine. Over the course of its third generation, Ford offered the Torino in station wagon, 4-door sedan, 2-door fastback, and 2-door coupe body styles. On the premium end, the customers could have the Gran Torino Brougham, or its sportiest variant, the Gran Torino Sport. The Torino saw yearly updates to its styling and equipment.
For the 1974 model year, the Torino line had a lot of revisions. It introduced new grille styling, new tail lamps, and rear panel and new bumpers. To respond to Chevrolet’s Monte Carlo, the Gran Torino Elite joined the line for 1974, with Thunderbird-inspired styling in a mid-size configuration. The 1974 Torino only utilized V8 engines, offered with one of 3 transmission choices. Despite its termination after 1976, the Ford Torino is still among desirable muscle cars today.
We’re diving into the features that make the classic Ford Torino so legendary.
The 1974 Model Year Brought Updated Styling
The 1974 Ford Torino gained a sporty and “road-hugger” appeal. It measured 211.4 inches in total length for the 2-door coupe and up to 222.0 inches for the station wagon. At its fascia, the 1974 Ford Torino had a single-piece, corrosion-resistant plastic grille. Unlike the 1973 Torino front, the new low-series grille came with a wide egg-crate theme in bright and dark color slats, featuring an eye-catching center ornament. That grille was divided into 8 vertical rectangular segments and took on a pointier overall style. The Torino line also came with dual horizontal headlights, enclosed in chrome-plated molding. Depending on the trim level, the front quarter panel had a “Torino” or “Gran Torino” lettering.
Aside from a new bumper, the rear end received extension moldings and new taillights. Ford positioned the reverse lights in the center of the stoplights.
The then-new safety regulations required bumpers to pass the 5-mph impact standard. To abide by the regulation, the Ford Torino featured new energy-absorbing bumpers front and rear.
The Classic Ford Torino’s Interior Is Practical And Comfy
The Ford Torino featured an attention-grabbing interior with all-vinyl door trim panels and color-keyed seats. It also had matching loop-pile inner carpeting for the front and rear occupants. The vehicles’ seats came in a bench configuration, with adjustable head restraints for the front seats, and locks on the foldable seat-backs. The interior was surprisingly roomy, thanks to the 114-inch wheelbase for the coupe. On the sedan and station wagon model, the wheelbase grew to 118 inches, creating more interior room for its 6 occupants.
The dashboard had a beautiful appearance, with large instruments and a driver-oriented theme. Options included an electric sunroof, a split-bench front seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Unique opera windows were standard on the Brougham coupe models. The Brougham also featured a fold-down front center armrest and fancier door trim.
The 1974 Ford Torino Was Only Available With V8 Engines
The Ford Torino dropped the 4.1-liter inline-6 engine from the previous model year. From 1974, folks could only have the Torino with one of five V8 powertrains: a 139-hp 5.0-liter, a 162-hp 5.8-liter, a 170-hp 6.6-liter, a 215-hp 7.5-liter and a 255-hp 5.8-liter "Cleveland" engine. These engines sent power to the rear wheels through either a 3-speed manual, a 4-speed manual, or a 3-speed automatic gearbox.
With its large variety of body styles, trim levels and powertrains, it's no wonder that Ford's Torino was a popular car back in the '70s. Nowadays, it makes for a stylish, good-performing collectable car that stands apart from the more common Chevelles, GTOs and Road Runners you see at your local Cars and Coffee meet-ups.