The Torino name was poised to replace the Fairlane, but it was a gradual phase in beginning in 1968. Things got hotter the next year with the introduction of the Cobra, in hardtop and “Sportsroof” body styles (the latter would become popular in NASCAR racing). The Cobra came standard with the new 428 “Cobra Jet” V8, like the one featured in the seller’s car. This ’69 Cobra is going to need body work and a gas tank if you want to do anything but let it run off a bottle in the driveway. Located in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, this Ford is offered here on eBay where the bidding has touched $6,300, but the reserve is still being elusive.

An interesting footnote about the 1969 Cobra is that nowhere on the car did it have the name Torino (or Fairlane, either, for that matter). But most believe it was a subset of the Torino brand since it was s sportier version of the Fairlane. The Cobra’s 428 cubic inch engine had a 4-barrel carburetor, of course, and was available with or without Ram Air induction. All Cobras came with upgrades such as a 3.25:1 open differential, heavy-duty cooling package, 55-ampere alternator, chrome valve covers and dual exhaust. When the Ram Air was added, like with the seller’s car, the differential was changed to 3.50:1 and the awkward looking (in my opinion) functional hood scoop was added.

The Fairlane/Torino series was quite popular in 1969, with 400,600 copies built that year. The Cobra represented a fraction of that number, with just 3,786 hardtops and 11,099 Sportsroofs produced. Perhaps the NASCAR angle generated enough interest to prompt buyers to choose that style 3 to 1 over the more conventional roof line. We’re told this Ford was purchased new in High Point, North Carolina and has stayed in the state ever since. While some body work has already been done given the presence of grey primer, there still is some light rust in the front fenders and rear quarter panels.

Digging further into the condition of the car’s body, the Ford is going to need a new right front floor pan while the driver’s side might settle for a patch. The floorboards in the rear seat area are still good. You’ll find more crusty stuff under the hood and the bumpers are gone, but the bumper brackets are included. One of the door’s window glass is also missing. The Cobra left the factory with Candyapple Red paint and the seller is providing a Marti Report that will document the car’s roots.

From the seller’s description, the engine runs but not for long as it can only run off a bottle of gas. The fuel tank has been pulled and will require replacing before the car can do anything but idle. But we don’t how roadworthy this vehicle will be once this situation is rectified. The odometer reading is 78,000 miles, so the engine and automatic transmission ought to have life left.

Given that the (Torino) Cobra saw a lot fewer builds than say the Chevelle SS 396 or Pontiac GTO, you don’t see many of them these days. Which may account for these automobiles going for as much as $50,000 today in great condition. If the reserve on this car isn’t high and you have a sufficient slush fund in the bank to finance the restoration, this could be a great muscle car to add to the harem.