For genuine muscle car fans, it can be easy to overlook the simple styling of the 1969 Ford Torino. With a 302 and a two-barrel carb, this one may not fit the muscle car mold in that way either. Found here on Craigslist in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, there is some good potential to make this Torino something special.
The seller states that they purchased the car from someone who had started the project but was unable to finish for unfortunate reasons. Fortunately, the seller wants it to go somewhere and get the attention that it needs, rather than just sitting. It would be good to see this car cleaned up a little bit better, but the interior doesn’t appear to be too bad. It would definitely need a new vinyl top, but paint may clean up nice with a good polish. It is stated to run and drive so it may not be too far from being put back on the road again.
With limited pictures, it’s hard to gain a better understanding of the overall quality of this classic Ford. There is said to be rust under the vinyl top, but otherwise, it is believed to be a solid car. Thankfully, disassembly was minimal and hopefully, it will come with all the parts needed for reassembly. With only 68,100 original miles could this one be a less-extensive restoration or preservation project? Or would dropping a thumping big block between the fenders ruin what this car is overall?
I always liked the look of this model, both in hardtop and fastback styles. Its styling is handsomely understated, and it can look downright aggressive with the right stance and wheel/tire combo.
What I don’t understand is that if a car “runs and drives”, then why not pull it out of storage, clean the interior and exterior, and take a few photos under the sun? It might be a $4500 car, but there’s little to justify the asking price without better evidence of its condition.
Pull the vinyl top and if no major rust sand it off prime it put new top on, polish paint, clean interior then drive it for awhile while saving for a Coyote motor and trans out of a wrecked Mustang to drop in it to make it a real sleeper.
with the hurricane going thru, hopefully it is unscathed hard to tell the condition of the paint with all of the dust , would probably keep the look as it was or would be in . the interior looks to be in pretty good shape, would keep the bench seat, and do whatever to make the rest look ” as new” as possible . as for the roof?? hopefully it is still in decent shape , as for a big V/8? while it would be nice to hear the rumble of a big eight, a 351 crate might very well do the job , my understanding of the current 5.4, it is my understanding that it is designed differently than the 302s of old, and would require a ton of work I’d jump on it !!
correcting my own mistake…4.6
The current ford V8 is a 5.0 (Coyote). And you’re right, it’s nothing like the V8s of the 60s.
I had a 69 Fairlane 2 door HT…with a 351 Windsor 4 speed….that car would cook….that 351 windsor would drop right into that torino
Had one in the 70’s, near mint with a 302 and all the power stuff. It would “scat”!
How does a 302 / 2v make this a muscle car? I had one with a 390 in it. That WAS a muscle car
First paragraph says it isn’t. Just saying…
The article actually argues that it doesn’t fit the muscle car mold specifically because of the engine, and I agree. I have a ’66 Mercury Caliente with a 390/4V manual, and it definitely feels like a muscle car. I also have a ’67 with a 289/2V automatic, and it’s a completely different animal.
No one said it is one😎
i agree with Jeff and everybody watch for flood damage if you are considering a car from the Carolinas.
Due to the shock towers I think it would be difficult to fit a Coyote motor in this without one of those kits that removes the shock towers and welds in new bracing. Fitting a 390/428 in these cars was a chore. Changing plugs on a big block in this would be PITA.
I agree. Getting a Coyote in the car would be a challenge. The suggested way for changing the plugs was to loosen the motor mounts, place wood between the pan and a floor jack and raise the motor. I found I could usually do it with one of those plug sockets that had a hex designed in it and an open end wrench.
The late model engine swaps are interesting but not really necessary…worked 351, good gearing, you know, good old fashion simple stuff.
I like these Torino’s, trying to find a muscular version with a 428 for 4500 bucks is ancient history now, so this has potential to be either a hot street car or just a cruiser, anyway you like it really. Plus, they aren’t nearly as common to see as their GM rivals. Cool…