The Ford Torino was one of those versatile autos that served capably in each capacity it served, including everything from cheap basic family transportation all the way to some downright pavement-pounding muscle. This 1969 Ford Torino Cobra here on eBay is a great example of the latter, as it’s a factory R-Code, indicating it left the Kansas City assembly plant with a 428 Cobra Jet Ram Air engine. This one’s a project, but there are a couple of possibilities here, including finishing up what’s already been started or giving it a full restoration. Whichever path you have in mind, this cool Cobra is in Trevor, Wisconsin, with the current bid of $2,475 still understandably short of the reserve.
A valuable informational tool for Ford enthusiasts is the Marti report, and potential buyers are in luck here, as Kevin Marti has run this one through his extensive database and confirmed it’s of a strong pedigree. Unfortunately, the bad news here is threefold, beginning with the fact that the numbers-matching engine is no longer present. In the bay now is a 390 V8, but it’s not currently in operating condition either. Lastly, the original 4-speed manual transmission has been replaced with a C6 automatic, so the future owner will have to decide whether to try and get these components functional again, or go the more expensive route and return this one to the factory specs.
The seller mentions that this was a Western car up until a couple of years ago, and he claims that it’s still very solid. No information is provided as to what kind of bodywork has been performed or any details regarding the paint, but the photos appear to show an exterior I’d consider to be of very nice driver quality. Some of the missing trim is included, although a few pieces will need to be sourced, with another positive here being that the Magnum 500 wheels and Cooper tires are all stated as new.
The seats are said to be wearing recently installed new upholstery, but some dash components are missing, and the steering wheel should have been replaced a long time ago. The first curiosity for me in here was wondering what happened to the shifter, but it’s an easy answer, as that new carpeting just hasn’t been cut yet to reveal where it ought to be located. I’m seeing the dilemma here as choosing whether to try and get the 390 running and calling this one good enough, or spend some serious bucks to get this 1969 Ford Torino Cobra exactly the way it was back in 1969. Which direction would you suggest?
Cool car when it was new: a 428, 4-speed, SportsRoof Cobra. Now with a 390 and an automatic, that’s a downer. Otherwise the car doesn’t seem bad. Like Mike says, its future probably depends on what one prefers: is it more important to have a “close to correct” car, or is it more important to have a cool-looking car, with the drivetrain correctness not being that important? I’m in the former camp, but I’m fine with the latter (especially if available money is the deciding factor).
One minor nitpick: the model line-up in 1969 was Fairlane, Fairlane 500, Torino, Torino GT, and Cobra. So technically there is no Torino Cobra. But we understand why that is what they are commonly called, as just “Cobra” might invoke a completely different model.
Here we go again with 1969. I don’t think it could be any clearer what was available. The 428 CJ Torino had to be the baddest on the block. Didn’t see many in Beer City, most all were 351s. I read this car would do 0-60 in 6.2 and the 1/4 mile 14.7 at just under 100. I’d have to think traction, or lack of it was a big factor in those times, and 13s were easy. We all know the “335hp” is pure malarkey, as these were well over 400 hp, they just couldn’t say that.
With current trends, I suppose original is the cheese today, and the current bid may bolster that fact, it’s got to be a 5 figure car, no?
First off. These Torino “Fast Backs” are great looking cars. Especially from the rear view. This one looks like its got a great body and interior and you most certainly have a lot to work with. If the 390 isnt too bad to get running again, maybe work with what you have. But with a car like this, it would be nice to see it with a 428 and a 4 speed again. But I’m sure its going to be expensive. Fords Magnum 500 wheels dressed up ANY car they were mounted too, and the fact they’re here is a huge plus as well.
I can’t decide which Ford I like better, these fastback Torinos/Fairlane 500s, or the 67 Mustang fastbacks. Both look just fantastic.
I agree with Driveinstile It would be cooler with the 428/4 speed set up!
Fastback style does it for me and changing that automatic out for a 4 or 5 speed would work for me also. Do that and hit the streets.
I remember Car & Driver ran the ’69 Torino 428cj @
14.04 in the 1/4 mile with 5.6 sec 0-60 mph. With the automatic and limited traction, incl wheel spin through 2nd gear. Believe it.
I have the ’69 r code (5th digit = ram air) and like the good brakes and decent handling. I feel the cj likes the firm shift + hvy duty C6 – you just hang on and take it all in. That back window is difficult to see much since it lays almost flat.
This vehicle needs more than some could take on but it can be done. In yr 6 on mine.
Good Luck!
I don’t paint the exterior before I get the driveline sorted out, but to each his own.
I’ve had two 1968 Torino GT’s. First one had the factory high performance 390. In 1977 it couldn’t pass a GMC pickup at 120 MPH, ( embarrassing). I was pretty sure but not positive the GMC might have had a 454, it was just some farmers pickup with his kid driving. The second one looked amazing, bought it at a car auction where I went to bid on a Monte-Carlo, but that went too high. It was a total piece of junk. Window regulators are a joke, Bucket seats are junk, front end is just a Mustang copy, JUNK. Owner painted it but didn’t do any mechanical work on it, Junk. It is setting in a warehouse in Tennessee I think now.
Ended at $9,300.
Reserve Not Met.
the grille is from 1968 not 1969