The R-code designation for Ford engines in the 1960s was lingo for the company’s racing motors. It began with some potent 427s being dropped into earlier Galaxie 500s. Later, they turned to the lighter Fairlanes and Torinos and used some equally powerful 428 Cobra Jet V8 motors. The seller’s car is said to have an R-code motor and the VIN bears that out. But the auto has been in limbo since 2012 and needs for someone to finish what was once the seller’s project. Located in Houston, Texas, this CJ is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $14,400 and there is no pesky reserve to get in the way.
We’re told the seller found this car in a barn in Bryan, Texas, and brought it home, presumably to restore. But as 10 years have since passed, we’re guessing not much has happened. Several photos are provided of various trim pieces that have been removed from the automobile, helping to reveal its original color of yellow rather than the blue it currently wears. However, the inside of one door looks to have been painted white.
Estimates are that fewer than 3,800 R-code Cobra Jets were built in 1969 and no mention is made if the car had or has Ram Air induction. So, the surviving population of these automobiles is not large. The 1969 Torino was largely a carryover from the all-new 1968 models. These Fords were in the midst of a series of two-year reworks (1966-67, 1968-69, 1970-71) and the Torino nameplate had taken center stage over the Fairlane, which had been an intermediate since 1962 (and a full-size since the 1950s).
The good news is this car lives in an air-conditioned garage, which should have kept it from deteriorating over the last decade. We’re told the Torino might start up with a battery attached (why not drop one in and try before listing the car for sale?). Since one of these cars is a rare find today, the seller will not part out this Ford. Cut yourself a deal and bring your trailer with you!
You know, it’s a kick in the bum to see cars like this in such sad condition. Cars that made your pants wet when they came out, dusty, door panels gone,,like seeing a supermodel you haven’t seen in a long time, all old and wrinkly.( think Tina Louise, poor thing) The Torino CJ was kind of Fords answer to the Road Runner, 396 Chevelle/Nova, Nash Rebel ( just threw that in there for the heck of it) a big motor in a light car, as was the style at the time. Served no purpose whatsoever, except to be the fastest. Being #1 translated into sales. Not all fire-breathing wheel standers, but the Torino was a very popular car, based mostly on racing history. Oh, we paid dearly for cars like this in inexperienced hands. Insurance all but put the kabosh on these cars, but for a few glorious years, it was anyones game. This was Fords answer. What do you do with it? Needs a lot of work, its a poor car by todays standards, I just don’t see any future for these types of examples.
Good looking and fast. What more would you want? Any further back and the engine would be in the ash tray. They were fast in NASCAR because of lots of power in a well balanced chassis.
These Torino’s are coming into recognition, finally. I had a ’69 GT for a while back in the 90’s. Wish I still had it. Excellent driving and performing car.
R in 5th digit of VIN means Ram Air,
not a big block engine code like mid 60’s Galaxies.
Q code would be non ram air.
Buckets yet column shift. Mine is like that, without the buckets!
This is one car that you would put your seatbelts on. Very potent when it ran.
Hi Dave, I know what you are referring to, but headrests were much more important. I read, seat belts were mandated in 1968, and while all cars had to have them, for the most part, they lay crumpled under the seat. It was all about acceleration, not stopping or cornering, the demise of many CJ Torinos. I know, seat belts save lives,,,IDK, I think seat belts and air bags compensates for shabby driving, and saves the people that otherwise would get killed driving a vehicle. I have over 3 million safe miles in a semi, that I’m mighty proud of, btw, and never wore a seat belt( unless pulling in a scale), without so much as a scratch, so I know what I’m talking about.
Would be an amazing car once restored. Loved my 68 Fairlane so much I still have the grille, dash pad, and other sundry parts from when we finally had its poor rusted carcass off to the junkyard.
Not the best photos, $16,100 now.
I had 2 of them. One 390HP, one 351w bored 40 thousandeth. both were very fast. Now i have a 1971 Muatang MACH 1, with 351C. Drive it everytime i get the chance…
Great. Love the 351 mustangs