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?
Looks like a nice Torino. The fastbacks seem more popular, but I’ve always liked the notchbacks too. Seller notes there is a Marti Report, but it isn’t pictured in the ad.
Interesting commentary Jim. I sometimes look back and wonder why today, certain vehicles have become particularly popular, while the competitors haven’t. Perhaps it is readily identifiable (styling, performance), but in other cases it seems harder to identify.
Hello everyone!
Great wheels on these. 👍
Very nice.
Love the formal roof !
Lot to really like so far, because that body and paint -and color- are beautiful.
Ha! Overpriced Chevelle, is it? Now them’s fightin’ words, I’ll say! Two words…Fords suck! Not really, I like lots of Fords, only owned a few, and they were late 80s Rangers and one Broncho II. Hey, we all have our preferences, for whatever reason. Back in the day there seemed to be more choices for decent prices for a late teens early 20s driver for car and parts swapping, at least where I grew up.
Guess who…and this is a really nice car. I really do like it!
I’ve owned a couple of Chevelles and really enjoyed them; they still hold my interest. But the market prices for even ordinary versions have trended into nuckin’ futz territory. I guess, of course, that’s good news if you’ve owned one for awhile.
JO
Bargains in Ford and AMC J.O.
I grew up with a greater association for GM cars, however these did not go unnoticed by me. The Torino just seemed to be a car done right. From the sleek body to the four pods in the dash it is such a good car to look at. The bench seat looks comfortable and the drivetrain looks like it can deliver an enjoyable cruise.
The single best thing about this one is the lack of a vinyl top. I assure you that asking “what’s growing under the vinyl?” is an IMPORTANT question to ask when looking at a 68-69 Fairlane/Torino Formal roof car. They are fantastic cars (especially the 68, IMO), but the vinyl tops eat the metal around the rear glass.
looks like the a/c compressor is missing. red stripe along the rocker is an interesting choice but highlights the gold rather well.
just like my usual picks of station wagon over coup, sedan; I go for FB. Here is another “especially” for this one. I must have started that w/the stang.
I stood beside the driver’s rear wheel on one looking forward last yr. That thing is L O N G compared to today’s vehicles. Of course my mind went to “hatch” mod. A steel band (under interior trims) vertically around whole car at top of back window. Hinges mounted there @ roof top, above window.
I think the car had the same top ford motor the ‘stang had (may B oem hop-up even more)? Not just the Cobra Jet but the Super CJ. This was the era of the FE motor in 427, 28, or 29 versions; 425 – 500 HP, big Holley 735 CFM carbs. Meanwhile I was tootin round in fiats, alfas’n lancias. I still like ‘smaller cars’. Just have alill tougher time gettin in and out. lol
So pretty, and you can pull your girl close ;-)))
Overpriced.
nice
its a GT Torino , without any GT equipment . no floor shift . no buckets . ……..nothing . what a shame .