You know, when you talk about intermediate-sized cars from the golden era, GM’s A-body pretty much sucks all the air out of the room, especially the ’68 to ’72 variations. Well, that’s not exactly a surprise, as numbers matter and GM’s four divisions (Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Buick) ganged up and built A-body cars out the wazoo. Ford, however, had its notable contributions in that era, and today, I present for your review a 1969 Ford Torino GT that is as clean as they come. A viable, and more affordable alternative to the ridiculously over-valued Chevrolet Chevelle, this El Cajon, California domiciled mid-sizer is a nicely optioned looker. Here on craigslist is where you’ll find it, and it’s available for $18,500.
Let’s talk numbers, Chevrolet, excluding its El Camino, assembled something like 455K Chevelles in ’69, while Ford’s Torino/Fairlane was more in the order of 367K. OK, not a huge disparity, but still sizable. Why have so many Chevelles survived and Torino/Fairlanes fallen by the wayside? Search me, fish, I can’t answer that one. The Fords were solidly built cars, though I imagine they had their troubles with rust, and I know, from experience, that was the case with the Chevelle. Anyway, our subject car is one of 82K Torino GT’s (excluding Rancheros) assembled in ’69, and it is the less commonly encountered two-door hardtop as opposed to the NASCAR-inspired Sportsroof body style with its sloped fastback. Finished in what appears to be code S, Champagne Gold, we’re looking at a nice shine over a straight and a seemingly rust-free body. The only negative noted is the weak chrome plating on the bumpers. That used not to be such a big deal, but I understand replating is a major $$$ undertaking these days, and that’s if you can even find someone who’ll still undertake the task. Regardless, the bumpers aren’t bad, just noticeable. Holding up this Ford’s four corners are GT-style steel wheels, and they look quite fine. I must admit I like the sans vinyl top look of this Torino; it provides a clean presentation and eliminates the old “What’s growing under the top?” question so often asked of cars from this time frame.
The interior is the standard get-up, no optional bucket seats, but that’s OK, the oyster/tan shaded vinyl upholstery appears to be sound, though I don’t know what’s up with the mismatched gold carpet and black armrests. The seller mentions a cracked dashpad, and that explains the toupee overlay. Curiously, this is an A/C equipped car, but the componetry has been removed – it is included in the sale, however.
Ensconsed between this Torino’s typical Ford shock tower arrangement is a new for ’69, 351 CI Windsor V8 engine connected to a three-speed automatic transmission. The seller tells us, “Some additions to the engine include an Edelbrock intake manifold, Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, finned Cobra valve covers and a chrome air cleaner.” That makes me think this engine started as a 250 gross HP version and then underwent the aforementioned upgrades. The seller adds, “This vehicle runs and drives.”
So, a good alternative to a hyper-priced similar era GM intermediate? Well, yes, I guess, but I’d suggest this Torino has cred in its own right regardless of any comparison – and tomorrow, I’ll have another one for you. Anyway, the price seems fairly reasonable to me; how about you?
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