Mustangs seem to get most of the love from Ford fans, but I think variations of the company’s family cars are much more interesting overall. I like Mustangs, but I love cars like this 1969 Ford Torino GT. This survivor project car is listed here on eBay in Lehi, Utah, and the seller is asking $12,500, or you can make an offer. Thanks to Curvette for the tip!
Just because I like this Torino or cars like this doesn’t mean that I’m not a wicked huge Mustang fan, because I am. But there’s something inherently cool about a big, or bigger, car meant to haul families decked out in muscle car trim for me. When it’s in a classic 1970s color, that’s even better.
Page 4 of this 1969 Ford Torino/Fairlane brochure says, “1969 Ford Torino GT. Born to move, wheel, swing, streak, impress, dazzle, whirl, soar, and ride, ride, ride.” The SportsRoof (fastback) seen here was one of three models of the Torino GT in ’69. A two-door hardtop and a convertible were also options for buyers. I miss the days where car companies made a ton of varieties, different models with different body styles. Now you get a black, white, or silver SUV and you’d better like it. Or a four-door pickup, of course.
Speaking of Mustangs, that’s all Ford makes now here for actual cars, which is pretty wild if you think about it. They really kicked SUVs in high gear with the Explorer, and now SUVs are almost all Ford buyers can get, unless they want a pickup or a Mustang. The seller didn’t include a driver’s side interior photo, and they also included a few verticals, so I put a couple of them together to come up with the partial driver’s side view seen above. The seller is including a few new patch panels so the next owner can restore this car back to how it was, or could be.
Here’s another view from the passenger side. Check out that woodgrain strip integrated into the bottom of the dash where the AC controls are- nice. The first-generation Torino was made for model years 1968 and 1969, and was a subset of its Fairlane line. The GT was new for 1968, and they all had a V8 under the hood. This one has a 390 V8, which you know by now.
Here’s the 390-cu.in. OHV V8, which was rated at 320 gross horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque when new. This one has a three-speed automatic sending power to the rear wheels, and the seller says it’s a project, but is complete and it runs and drives, has newer tires, new sheet metal, a new carb, and it sounds mean. What’s your offer on this Torino GT?
There’s a trailer park( proposed to be razed for condos) across the street from my stalag,,,oops, I mean apt. complex, and I know, sounds like “across the tracks”, it’s really not, but one of the trailers has a car exactly like this. In the 8.5 years I’ve been here, it never moved. That’s not unusual, as there are many vehicles that are like that. Now, my question is, if this, example, is worth a hopeful 5 figures, I should offer that guy $5grand. He’d be so dazzled, turn around, ka-ching,,,,doesn’t work that way, unfortunately. It’s just so unusual, a car years ago( not that many) nobody wanted, and most likely why that one across the street hasn’t moved, for what I’d consider a lot of money, doesn’t add up. Now, if this had the plastic on the seats, the sky would be the limit, but like this, well, I don’t see a sale for half what they want, but who knows? It sure is a cool find.
Before I read your post, Howard, “cool” is exactly what I thought, and, after a safety check for things like brakes, it could be driven as is, well maybe with at least a more comfortable seat. No AC in Utah, or many places this time of year, makes this a “night rider”. So, it’s a #5 very cool car. What’s it worth? Hey, the air cleaner is painted. Much more in #3 condition?
price seems fair. the work done to the 1/4 panel looks a bit scary.
I wouldn’t touch this anywhere close to the asking price. The amount of rust isn’t addressed by the seller. Both rear quarters have had what appears to be questionable repairs, new sheet metal includes what appears to be nearly all of the floors and an inner drop off. What’s most concerning is what looks like a hole in the firewall between the brake booster and the hood hinge, if that’s the case what other rust and to what extent is present, but not mentioned. The fastback body style and 390 are both pluses but they only go so far. For an asking price of $12,500, unless this was my dream car I’d keep looking.
Steve R
Love the design of these cars, that looooong rear window looks just great viewed from 3/4s rear, a shape only eclipsed by the ’67 Mustang fastbacks. I’d lose the hood scoop, if I was restomodding it. Have seen a few these (and Fairlane 500s) redone, back end lifted just high enough to cram in some wide rubber. They look awesome.
Not a big Ford fan but my friend Wayne H. in TX is. I hope you see this Wayne, you should buy it.
I really like these
Although I was influenced by GM people these were always a cool looking car to me. Paring that roof with what is maybe the best looking dashboard of the era. Man, they looked great.
Scotty, you’re seriously throwing me off here. I had to do a double take…. Is it a Cadillac Coupe Deville? Nope, Mitsubishi pickup? Nope, Rare Honda Motorcycle? Mid 50s Chevy pickup? Nope, a piece of railroad equipment? Ok,, ok, I’ll stop now. (I hope you know I’m kidding).Switching it up, a bit, and keeping us on our toes is a good thing. I’ve wanted a Torino Fast back since I was a little kid playing with my older brothers Aurora Cigar Box Ford Torino Fast back. The dealer brochure link is great too. I always enjoy looking at how ads were written up in the past. This one definitely needs some love, but I can picture it restored in this color, and it would definitely look amazing. About what you said about todays vehicle and color selection, or lack thereof, I had written on another write up about my driving past a Chrysler, Jeep, Ram dealer. All you see are Ram pickups Jeeps and some Promaster Vans, no cars. If they have any, they’re parked furthur back. How times have unfortunately changed. Nice write up Scotty!!!
I’m not surprised at the $12500 asking price, it’s a big block ps pb looks like a/c car with not a ton of rust ( I’m from upstate New York where everything is rotted) even the floors don’t look terrible, comes with the replacement floors and passenger lower quarter that is barely rusted. And it runs and drives! These were cool in 69 and are still cool in 26. I’ve seen way worse for far more without the big block.
This could be a fun car!
Geez I love this car! Great lines and a powerful engine. This is the kind of car I would invest in with a mechanical renewal and a total interior replacement. I could wait on sheet metal and paint for another year or so.
I would figure out a way to Utah but not at 5 figures. But if it was priced at 6k, I probably couldn’t get there fast enough.