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15-Year Project: 1969 Ford Torino GT

Ford introduced the Torino nameplate in 1968 as an upscale version of the Fairlane intermediate. Three years later, the Fairlane moniker would be retired altogether. The Torino GT was the sports model, not necessarily a muscle car, like the seller’s 1969 edition which once had a 351 cubic inch V8. It’s a project that the seller has been working on for 15 years and has decided it’s time to move on. Located in a garage in Orange, California, this “opportunity” is available here on eBay where you can take it home for $5,000 OBO.

The GT was essentially an appearance upgrade to the standard Torino and came with a V8 engine as standard equipment instead of an inline 6. In 1969, the GT came with a fiberglass hood scoop that was not operational (unless you ordered a 428 V8 with Ram Air, which was mostly found in the Cobra models). Ford sold about 61,000 GT fastbacks in 1969, with one-third having bucket seats and the rest a regular bench.

As the story goes, this seller bought this car to restore it and a decade and a half later it’s still in assorted bits, pieces, and boxes. It was a West Coast car from the git-go and has surface rust to show for the passage of time. But there are problem areas, too, such as one shock tower, hood, and battery tray. For those wanting to know how the Ford was originally equipped, the seller has a Marti Report for the vehicle. At this stage, it’s a roller that can be directed on and off of a trailer.

While it had a 351 Windsor V8 originally, that engine is gone, but the seller is throwing in another that will also have to be put back together (if complete). The exhaust system is MIA and the Torino wears aftermarket rims. The seller purchased new fore and aft bumpers and they will come with the deal along with a dashboard that will support air conditioning. The exterior color is said to be orange, but it looks more like black which may have changed later. Who’s up for putting this puzzle in order again?

Comments

  1. Bakes

    Is it a 68 or 69? The grill and rear panel are 1968. Neither the front nor rear wheel arches are stock. I do not even want to think about what it would look like once they were corrected. I love these cars as amuch as anyone – my first car was a 68 Fairlane – but this one… Pass.

    Like 12
    • al

      it’s not a Torino it’s a Fairlane it had a chrome strip going down the side which only were on fairlanes Torino had racing strips on side Torino had gt sign on grille plus 1969 Torino had chrome strip in back Fairlane did not this is a Fairlane

      Like 2
  2. Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TN Member

    I like these Torino GT’s. Car is in rough shape, it needs a full restoration. Some of the needed parts (e.g. bumpers) are likely in the stash of parts, but what is actually there and how much is it actually worth. Seller does seem to be up-front with what he has. These are pretty cool when restored. But not sure this is a good candidate.

    “15 year project”: I wonder what was the circumstance which has caused the long-time owner to finally move on.

    Like 7
  3. Solosolo UK Solosolo UK Member

    One of my favourite movies, Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino. I would love to go out in a blaze of glory like Clint’s character did.

    Like 2
  4. 302m22

    Rear wheel openings looks like Merc Cyclone

    Like 1
  5. Not Again

    Better than none! I amazes me how people on this site want to judge people! You have NO CLUE what this persons life journey included, and probably never will…pass judgement on the car if you must, leave the personal attacks to the wayside…I have heard KARMA comes and seeks out those who are self centered…take care

    Like 8
    • Big C

      Personal attacks? Look in the mirror, Champ.

      Like 0
  6. TIM HAHN

    I’ve had two super nice looking ones of these, (both 68 Torino GT’s) and both were junk to drive and work on. I admit they are super to look at but, These Fords don’t hold a candle to a Camaro or Nova or Chevelle. I think my last one is still in a warehouse in Tennessee.

    Like 1
    • al

      are they fastbacks and was either one originally gold 390 4 speed im looking for my old one I bought new in 1968

      Like 0
    • Big C

      I’ll take it off your hands!

      Like 0
  7. Hammer

    Humpty dumpty . Thanks but NOPE!

    Like 1

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