In 1969, this Ford Torino Cobra Jet was one of the hottest cars on the street. A true R-code car, this sleek fastback (okay, maybe I’m stretching that a little bit) was only one step below the Torino Talladega (the NASCAR homologation special) for speedy looks that year. You can find this project car here on craigslist, located in Aurora, Minnesota and priced at $15,000. But before you flinch at that price, there’s some other stuff included. Thanks to Shane F. for this cool find!
The seller tells us it has been sitting for 40 years, and I can certainly believe that looking at the body. In case you’re curious about what a beauty this car could be, Josh posted about a gorgeous one back in 2014. Obviously, this car will take some work to get to that point, but it’s certainly within the capability of a home enthusiast–with a welder!
We don’t have any pictures of the inside or under the hood, so I decided to concentrate on those areas of the body that could use help. To begin with, it’s nice to see some original emblems in place, but you can also see the rust in the rocker panels, lower doors and quarter panel. Thankfully, there are lots of patch panels and even complete fenders available for these cars; for example, take a look here. One other thing; the seller states that it comes with over $7,000 in NOS (New Old Stock) parts! Wow!
Similar problems exist around the rear wheel opening and rear quarter panel. I’m actually wondering why the paint on the wheels looks so much better than that on the car. Perhaps there were full wheel covers at one point? They may have been removed for racing; I found one reference online that said most of the R-code ram-air Cobra Jets were drag raced. The article also mentioned that many engines were blown up within the original 12,000 mile warranty and were replaced.
Ultimately, I’d want to restore this car, especially given the rarity of an R-code car and the seller’s statement that all numbers are matching. How about you?
1968~1969 are my favorite Torinos. Neighbor bought a 1969 new. I believe he called his a “Super Cobra Jet”. All I can remember was at the time it was the fastest car I’d been in. I don’t recall what engine it had but, I do remember it had bucket seats and a 4 speed with a console. After a few rides in it, that put these on my “Maybe some day” list.
Being a sucker for hidden headlights I prefer the ’70-’71 Torinos, but this would be an interesting car for sure if it checks out. Note to sellers: Five minutes with a soapy bucket of water = guaranteed ROI. It looks like it spent 40 years underwater the you get closer and the paint has some color under the grime. Great find, Jamie!
Would it be too much to expect a seller to include certain information in the ad such as, buckets or bench, automatic or manual, a picture of the engine and at least a partial list of the NOS parts that are included in the sale?
Writing a decent ad isn’t rocket science, all it takes is a bit of effort.
Steve R
Based on the craigslist info to the right of the ad, looks like it is an automatic. But yes agree, it would be nice to get some additional information and photos from the seller.
JC
Well, the ad does say that it is an automatic.
Yeah, for 15 large, nobody would be interested in some old engine or the interior anyway. While we are at it, lets not list the included parts or any documentation or undercarriage shots – yep all done. POST.
A 390 looks exactly like a 428 from the outside and the “VIN” stamps on these engines are VERY hard to see and sometimes illegible. The aircleaner alone is worth a grand and so are the exhaust manifolds so if anything at all is missing it is big bucks. Could that be why there are no engine shots? LOL Horrible ad.
My dad was 17, and had a red ’69 428 SCJ R code fastback. He smoked 7 pistons drag racing one night in 1973. The mechanic at the Ford dealership swapped the 390 in his ’67 Galaxie for my dad’s CJ.
My dad didn’t find out until 20 years later.
I’ve looked for the car since I was 16. Found it a few months ago in a junkyard and it was a heartbreaking thing. At least I knew the 428 wasn’t in it when it got there.
Here is a Cobra Jet I spotted at a car show back in 2011. Not sure if exactly the same year, but this one looked nice. Saw it at the same show this August and it looked just as nice! Didn’t grab any new pictures this time though.
https://goo.gl/photos/AomQMCLCm65zEku99
Nice car in your great photo’s. Myself, I Love that color. I painted my mustang bicycle that color when a kid. Maybe that is where I got the idea of color.
The car in your photos is also a 1969. You can tell by the rear side marker lights.
Proof that ford could build a real street sweeper after all.Does anyone know the actual production number on these 428 powered fairlane cobra’s? Seems like the count would be pretty low.
About 14,000 were made
I had a 69 Torino GT Fastback in the day. It was an OK car but hard to park due to visibility issues out back. Mine was a 302 though so it wasn’t a ground pounder like this undoubted was.
1970 to 1973 had a 69 Fairlane Cobra 428 Cobra Jet, auto, hardtop. It was a get in, buckle up, hold on type car. Smoked rears on take off, at 52 mph hit 2nd chirped rears, at about 90 mph hit 3rd after that needle hit 120 mph and bounced. Sure miss that car.
To be completely accurate this car is a 1969 Ford Cobra, not a Fairlane or Torino. Body code number is 45A or 45B. Hardtop or Fastback. It could have either a Q code or R code 428 Cobra Jet in it. The only difference is a the R code has a ram air set up where the Q has not. To make the engine a Super Cobra Jet would be determined by the rearmed. If it has either a 3:91 or 4:30 it came from the factory with an SCJ. Any other ratio it would be a regular Cobra Jet
@Ron,
Did you notice the 31 spline axles still in the rear(2 little holes on the end of the axles)? Probably(?) a Nodular case Traction- Loc.
Had a 69 Torino gt with 428 cobra jet and ram air, 4 speed close ratio trans with limited slip. It was a fast back, white with black stripes, bucket seats. Ordered it while in Viet Nam. Took the 428 cobra jet emblems off, painted the ram air hood scoop flat black and made many hemi, 427 vetted and others feel really bad when they got outran. Traded it in Lubbock Texas for a new ltd. Worse mistake I ever did. Still miss it.
I love this body style. Pretty rare car hope someone brings it back to its glory.
Be Still. My Heart–when put on the dragstrip they rotated the earth 1/4 mile-I’ll never forget looking at funny looking torino called a Talladega at Rizzo ford in Highland, NY..Heritage burgundy, sitting on the lot.
A word of caution– I have seen this year Torino get rust up under the dash/ cowl and take the rigidity out of the unibody. Buyer beware…
had a red 69scj formal with a bench seat 4spd it was a monster and looked like mom’s car
Great Find !!! Yes Sir, I would Love to Restore it..
Friend got a 69 Torino GT for graduation. Had a 390 with 4 speed. His Mom wouldn’t let him get a Mach 1 like he wanted because they were too fast according to her. Weren’t too many Machs that could out do the Torino.
My uncle bought a red cobra new in 69. 428, not sure if it was “just” a Cobra Jet or Super Cobra Jet. I believe it was a four speed, though. It was before my time, but my older brothers talked about it a lot. (I was born in 71). Not sure when but sometime around that time, it got away from him and ended up in a bar ditch full of water. and snakes (water mocassins, not cobras, LOL) He said he was so glad the wreck was over and he was in ne piece, til water…then snakes started coming in the car! Unfortunately it was totalled. He moved on to several Grand Prix’ after that.
I have that crobra emblem on the fender in my collection. Now I now what it came on. It came from a 66 stang f/b in the glovebox and just liked it so I still have it.