Ford redesigned its mid-size cars in 1968 and introduced the Torino nameplate as top-dog. In 1969, if you were looking for all-out performance, you opted for a Torino Cobra and went for the R-code Super Cobra Jet engine (428 cubic inches). This rusty example has been in a pole barn for what may have been ages, and it has succumbed to corrosion and other afflictions caused by Mother Nature. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, this bold project is waiting for someone with the budget to tackle it here on eBay for $12,500. An attaboy to “Curvette” for yet another killer tip!
Ford assembled just under 15,000 Torino Cobras in 1969. The fastback version was the most popular and accounted for 75% of the builds. The seller’s car is one of 3,766 hardtops with the formal roofline. And all of them had the CJ 428 V8 as standard fare. It’s estimated that maybe 3,000 copies came with the Super Cobra Jet (SCJ) that added Ram Air and 335 hp. So, even though this car is a mess, there can’t be that many of them left compared to the Chevelle SS 396 or Pontiac GTO.
The seller is a dealer that specializes in FOMOCO muscle cars. Sadly, this one is minus its original SJC engine, instead housing what’s left of a 410 CI with CBAE H heads that were manufactured by Mercury. It’s flanked by a “Rock Crusher” 4-speed manual transmission and power front disc brakes, plus Ford’s famous 9-inch rear end.
This Ford also has the GT suspension package that I assume came with all Cobras. It also has a set of GT wheels with tires that may be older than the Earth itself. The car has a bucket seat interior, but is it as rough as the rest of the machine looks? Rust is more than prevalent with this Torino, including the floorboards, which have holes in them. We assume the Ford is complete somehow, and the seller is waiting for a Marti Report to confirm its heritage.
A very big project. But a fairly desirable car.
This business has been around for decades. They mostly deal in Ford muscle cars which are in poor condition. Plus a parts department. Maybe one of you BFers has some familiarity with them. I google mapped their address; it’s… interesting….
Thanks Russ.
Looks like a junkyard in the middle of a residential community. Bet the neighbors love having them nextdoor!
I would love having it next door!
I have had some business dealings with this business in the past. They do not call the owner Fast Freddy for nothing.
On another note anyone interested in this car would be well advised to do in person inspection. The door data plate photo included in the ebay listing is not for an R code car. It is for an F code (302 2V) car. Maybe the door was changed. Or maybe not?
I believe the 410 that’s in it now was only offered for one year, in the ’66 Mercury. Its bore and stroke were borrowed from the 390 and 428, can’t remember which way. Anyway seeing as it’s missing some bits, it looks like you’ll be looking for another mill as well as a bunch of sheet metal. As a non-original project needing a ton of serious work, this car is waaaay overpriced.
390 bore with 428 crank…takes special pistons with 390 rods…pistons were unique to the 410…they run well in a highboy F250, by the way!
The 410 FE was offered in the full size Mercury in ’66 and ’67. It was a 390 block with a 428 crank.
3K on a good day.
The SCJ had nothing to do with Ram Air, if a car came with 3.91 or 4.30 gears ratio (drag pack) the engine was automatically upgraded to the Super Cobra Jet, any other gear ratio had the Cobra Jet.
Steve R
Ditto on the SCJ designation. Most 428 CJ Torinos came with highway gears. The SCJ designation is for 3:91 or Rare W code 4:30:1 Detroit Locker rear axle cars. The Marti report should clarify all options. I don’t consider bucket seats & AM radio as loaded. Most did have column shift & bench seats for family practical applications.
Correct, SCJ was based on 3.91 or 4.30 rear gearset..
And, builds with the Super Cobra Jet number 170.
That is what the Marti on mine indicates.
Few have survived, so this may be useful to someone …fortunate to still have original engine oil cooler.
rare, neat car left for dead. it needs at least 50k-90k in resto work.
Dad had a ’69 Cobra 428 / 335 hp with ram air (not shaker scoop), automatic, bench seat, highway gears. Saw the speedo go all the way around to 20 a couple of times. Grille doesn’t look right for 69 Cobra, nor do the taillights. I think it’s a ’68. This one’s a scrape and salvage parts only.
The seller says it’s a GT so the grill would be different than the one used in a Cobra, it’s also a coupe, which would have different taillights than the more common Sportsroof (fastback) GT’s.
You are right, it’s a mess, but rare enough someone might take a shot at restoring it, but the asking price will chase away most, if not all potential buyers.
Steve R
No matter what it was when it rolled off the assembly line, it is now a moot point. I’m not a Ford expert by any stretch of the imagination, but even if this were an original SCJ car, I just can’t see a scenario where bringing it back to life would anywhere even approaching feasible.
“Rock Crusher” 4 speed? A GM M22 in a Ford? the ad states “factory big shaft 4 speed transmission” which would be the Toploader, introduced in the eary 60’s.
So you caught you caught that too? I’m not familiar with Ford gearboxes, but isn’t a “big shaft 4 speed” a BW Super T-10?
Ford Top Loader transmissions came in two input shaft sizes: 1-1/16″ and 1-3/8″. And Ford guys back in the day and today still refer to the 1-3/8″ as a big shaft Top Loader.
Kinda rough. But, would be nice if someone were to spend the time, effort and money to restore it. Probably just a parts car now
Lord God, just heartbreaking to see this Torino in such terrible condition. Painful Junk to even look at.
I have owned a 69 cobra for about 30 years. In 69 the cobra was a seperate model. It could be had as a fastback or a formal hardtop. Mine is a formal hardtop with bucket seats and column shift automatic and 350 open rear axle. Black jade r code with black interior. Fun fast car that hates rear tires. Too bad the one listed has been abused and rusted so bad. Lots of money to bring it back to life.
Every picture looks like a long lost sunken boat that’s just been found. Like the Titanic or similar.
Can’t imagine anyone silly enough to throw money at it.