Among racing fans, the question of which period constitutes the Golden Age of NASCAR can be a difficult topic to discuss, given the many variables involved. Some might even say the peak was during its first couple of years in the forties, while others may believe the sport’s strongest days still lie ahead. For me, it would probably be the late sixties when aerodynamics really started coming into play, with Ford’s entry into the aero wars being the 1969 Torino Talladega, such as this example here on eBay. This restored beauty is located in Concord, North Carolina, and we’d like to thank reader Curvette for sending in the tip here! It can be bought right now for $77,995, but there’s also the chance to make the seller an offer.
The powers that be set out on a mission to take the Torino and revise its shape to cut through the wind more efficiently. To accomplish this, they extended and reshaped the front end, added a flush grille, and even modified the rear bumper, resulting in the Talladega. The only problem was that at least 500 had to be made for public consumption in order for it to be track-eligible, a process known as homologation, with the number typically thought to be around 750 units produced. The seller says the exterior was repainted in its original color of Royal Maroon, one of only three hues available, with the finish and sheet metal appearing to be in superb condition here.
The Talladegas had only one engine choice, but that’s OK since it was a 428 Cobra Jet with a factory horsepower rating of 335. Those in the know report that this number might be severely underrated, with the “real” HP in the neighborhood of 400 or more. Based on the available data, the owner believes the 428 under the hood here has been spruced up to deliver additional performance, and it features aluminum heads and an intake manifold from Edelbrock, along with a Holley carburetor. It’s also noted that receipts are available for the internal machine work performed here.
Most of the interior appears stock, with a couple of aftermarket gauges tastefully placed in the lower section of the dashboard. Just about all of the components inside appear to be in excellent shape, and I’ve long thought that finding a bench seat and column-shifted automatic in factory racers adds to their cool factor and character! Any thoughts to share on this 1969 Ford Talladega, and its asking price of just under $78k?
Very tastefully done, with period style additions.
This was a smash hit in its time, made more so with drivers like David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, LeeRoy Yarbrough, Donnie Allison and, yes,The King in the one year he drove for Ford shocking NASCAR fans to the core.
From what little I know of the current market this seems like it could be a good buy at the asking price though, if someone could get it for less, even more so.
Such a rarity. I always wondered why with this car and with the Charger 500, the manufacturers didn’t just carry over the aerodynamic changes to the entire line. I would think it would have been cheaper.
I always thought the bench seat and column shift in a high performance car was odd. They used this in the Cale Yarborough and Dan Gurney Mercury Montego’s as well. Then? I realized, with all the low end torque in these big blocks? You only needed to leave it in “D”, hang on, and use your girlfriend as a side bolster. A wicked looking Torino. Probably worth every penny.