I contend that any ’68-’71 Ford Torino convertible, such as this beautiful ’69 GT edition, is worth coverage when you consider their scarcity. It’s odd, as it was the same scenario with Plymouth’s Satellite and Dodge’s Cornet from this era – the convertibles are seldom seen. GM? fuggetaboutit; ’68-’72 Malibu, LeMans, Cuslass, and Skylark convertibles were abundant, and still turn up with regularity. Why the dichotomy? Search me, fish, but let’s examine this citizen of Los Angeles, California, and see what, if anything, we can determine. If you want a closer look, you can find this sharp Gulf Stream Aqua Poly (Code F) droptop here on craigslist where it’s available for $19,995.
So, how scarce, you ask? This ’69 GT ragtop is one of only 2,500 assembled 57 long years ago. GT availability covered a trio of body styles, including a SportsRoof (fastback), hardtop (notchback), and, of course, the convertible. Now, being a GT edition means that this is the “sporty” Torino, not necessarily a performance Torino, though it could have been optioned that way if so desired. Standard GT equipment included a V8 engine, low-profile 70 series tires, a faux hood scoop, styled steel wheels, “GT” suspension, “GT” badging, and stripes. There are no noted stripes here, and though it’s not stated, I imagine this Torino GT has experienced a respray. The finish has nice depth, the body appears to be straight, and the seller assures this is a “rust-free Oklahoma car.” The convertible top is spotless, and the listing claims it to be new. Two observations: the stainless wheel opening moldings are missing, and the hood scoop should be body color, not black.
The VIN tells us that this Torino was built with a 250 gross HP, new for ’69, 351 CI V8 engine, but it has now undergone modifications, including a Mallory ignition, open-element air cleaner, an aluminum radiator, chromed valve covers, and likely a four-barrel carburetor and an aluminum intake manifold. “Runs, shifts, and drives great,” is how this Torino’s running and driving characteristics are described. As is often the case, a three-speed automatic transmission is on the job.
As goes the exterior, so does the interior. The impossible-to-keep-clean white vinyl upholstery shows like new, and that’s because it is. Bucket seats and a center console were options on the Torino GT, and it’s nice to see that’s how this example was originally specified. Every inch of it looks perfect, and restored to original condition with the exception of the steering wheel, which I must admit, I like!
Let’s get to it and talk price. Considering this car’s rarity and stellar condition, $19,995 seems pretty reasonable – especially when compared to a ’69 GM intermediate such as a Malibu or a LeMans. Anyway, that’s my take, what’s yours?
Now that’s nice! Beautiful color combo, and under $20k, what more could one ask for. I’d definitely be in on this, I have always liked convertibles, except my wife doesn’t like them. She says they’re drafty and she doesn’t like her hair blown ( party pooper ) oh well, somebody will get a nice car at a fair price.
Well bought it would seem at that price J.O. Especially compared to equivalent Mopars 💁♂️
It appears that the muscle car prices have stabilized a bit and have started a downward trend. Cars that should be pulling in big dollars, are entering the affordable range. In pictures, this car looks nice and could get you to a cars and coffee, for less than $20 large. I might have to build a bigger garage…………………
This has me tempted to take a plane out to LA. Gorgeous and muscle too. We had a sixty nine Fairlane with the sport roof and a V8 growing up but it was weak sauce compared to this.
Nice!
My ’69 Torino is this color but nowhere near this nice.
Love the condition, inside out (need underside shots)…and upon a clean inspection – that price is very good in my eyes.
I like how these – this year- drive, good c road manners.
Added black Hood scope hurts the clean lines of the hood and the luster of that color.
Just do not see many ’69 Torinos in this nice shape… body is beautiful, clean and interior is quite an eye full! Even trunk is in nice shape.
I would love to own this beautiful Torino.
I’m glad this is on the wrong coast for me because this drop top Torino checks most all boxes for me. That warmed up 351 is plenty IMO.
You and me both! I have a soft spot for 68-69 Fairlanes/Torinos. Great looking car and the asking price seems fair.
The dealer selling this one also has a 1969 Ranchero for sale! He’s asking $11, 995 for it. The color combo isn’t the greatest, a strange burnt orange exterior with a maroon interior featuring a bench seat and a 302 under the hood, so it might be a little light on power, but the price is right. It would be better if it had bucket seats and a console, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers, LOL!
nice
Hopefully it’s as nice as it looks, but it’s easy to forget California is home central for pigs with fresh lipstick. You have to look at any car that has fresh paint with a critical eye. I have several friends, that should know better, fall for absolute garbage level cars because they seemed cheap, looked good in pictures and at 10 feet. I hope I’m wrong, but there is a reason it’s been listed by the dealer for 20 days when it’s within a 2 hour drive of 10 million people, where the temperatures have been in the mid-70’s for the last few weeks.
Steve R
In this day and age, any time something is offered for sale at 50% of what it should be, alarm bells should be going off very loudly.
Googling reveals that this seller has had this one at least 2 months. At that price, and like Steve R. says – close to 10 million people – how could that be possible?
https://www.cruz.com/vehicle/1969-Ford-Torino/Los-Angeles-CA-90034/693090f81ae7344e5e16b8a9
Makes me embarrassed that I share the same first name as the seller.
A Torino drop-top in my favorite color combination, with a 351 under the hood, bucket seats and a console! What’s not to like? If I had a place to park it out of the snow, I’d be all over it! No word on whether that 351 is a Cleveland or a Windsor, and I’m assuming it’s coupled to a C4 automatic transmission, but I could be wrong. The radiator hose appears to be coming out of the intake manifold, so I’m guessing it’s a Windsor, but again, correct me if I am in error. GLWTS!
You are correct, that is the telltale sign it’s a Windsor, not a Cleveland.
Steve R
It was hard to tell from the pictures, so a second opinion is always welcome. Thanks for the assist. Cheers!
The 351C was not available in 1969. The 1970 model year was the first that a 351C was available. This is a 351W. The transmission is an FMX as the transmission code on the door data plate is an X which is for the FMX.
The interior is missing the door armrests. The door panels have been cut for speakers and the door lock rods are not sticking out of their holes in the door panels.
Thanks for the assist! The picture was too far away from the where the top radiator hose entered the block, so I couldn’t be sure of my identification. I strongly suspected that the engine was a Windsor, but you confirmed it for me! Thanks again!
What a beauty! My wife had a ’69 fastback in green with gold stripes that we took a cross country trip in from MD to AZ and it was a really nice driver. As Steve R said though I’d want to see this one up close and look underneat this one. If I was in the market I’d drive over and check it out.
Funny how the only blurry pictures are of the door plate. Not a fan(sorry) of the steering wheel. Would have to search our a replacement for that. Otherwise, a beautiful representative of the era. Loved all these fords, chevy’s and mopar’s of this gen. (61-70) The very early vette’s and t-birds of the ’50’s were also of my time. I was born in 1950 and have watched all these beauties go by, so I know what I would want. :) I would love one of these.
On the face of it this seems like a good deal. It certainly ticks a lot of boxes for me. But as Steve R pointed out caveat emptor should be exercised by the careful buyer.
Great color combo, classic rag, and under 20K. What could go wrong? LOL
OOOH! Daddy Like!
I may be wrong but wasn’t John Bon Jovi driving a red one like this on the Super Bowl commercial?
You are correct. This article confirms it.
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1429114109001808&id=100057096984650