The Torino came along in 1968 as the upscale version of the Fairlane 500. And the Torino GT went one step further. While the “GT” name implies performance, that didn’t have to be the case as a 302 cubic inch V8 was standard in the series. This ’69 version of the GT is a SportsRoof (fancy name for fastback) that appears to be a solid survivor. While far from perfect, it should hold its own for weekend outings like Cars & Coffee. Located in Otis Orchards, Washington, this Pacific Northwest Ford is available here on eBay for $24,500 (or you can make an offer). We appreciate the heads-up on this GT from Larry D!
As a mid-size car, the Torino appeared in Ford literature through 1976. It was named after the city of Turin (Torino, in Italian), considered “the Italian Detroit”. About a third of the way through its lifecycle, the nameplate replaced the Fairlane altogether, with the latter used for the last time in 1970. The majority of Torino’s sold were 4-door sedans and 2-door hardtops, but some panache was available in the form of the Cobra muscle cars. However, you could similarly order a GT if you checked the right boxes on the order form. Ford sold more than 61,000 GT fastbacks in 1969, split 2/3 thirds with a bench seat (like the seller’s car) and the rest with buckets up front.
Other than consumables and redoing the front seat upholstery and carpeting, the seller says this ’69 GT is original. But that sounds like an overstatement. The factory decals were covered over with satin paint after they had become faded out and cracked over time. The body looks mostly rust-free with a ding here and there and the white paint is more than passable from what we can tell. But we’re told there is some small cracking below one of the rear quarter panels (older bodywork?).
Under the hood resides a 351 “Windsor” V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor (per the VIN). And chrome valve covers have been added, though the stock ones are in the trunk should you want them. The exhaust system is newer, and the seller says the car runs well, though it’s a bit cold-blooded. You’ll find a drop or two of oil or automatic transmission fluid on the floor from time to time, but nothing that requires topping off any fluids.
The seller had planned to redo the car as a “patina pro touring project” but has thought better of it and decided to pass the Ford along to someone who may be happy with it just the way it is. The indicated mileage is just 33,000 and there’s no claim of it being original, too. But the overall condition of the Torino suggests that it has spent more time in the garage than on the road.
My favorite year of the “SportsRoof” Torinos. I’ve never seen the front spoiler on one before, but it looks good; not as fond of the full hood blackout, and the wheels, though (I’m a sucker for Magnums!). This beauty looks like it’ll make its’ new owner very happy! GLWTA!! :-)
Nice old Torino, friend in the service with me had one. The rear glass is larger in real life. Spoiler is a nice addition, my only pieve is the ground off the battery through the core support to a bolt in the front, really? Should make a nice car for someone.
Thought the ‘69’s all had headrests
Had a 60 Torino GT Fastback at one time. Mine had a 302 ci automatic so it wasn’t the fastest car on the road but it drove fine. Had 2 major complaints with the car: the rear quarters needed replacing and it was a bear to parallel park. You had no idea where the rear bumper was at any time.
Just noticed the typo, i had a 69
I’ve owned two of these. The last one this red 68. After buying it for nostalgia reasons because I had another when I was 18 in 1977, I highly regretted buying this one. They are poorly made in my opinion, just a bigger Mustang. I bought it at an auction on a whim and didn’t remember they were uni-body. Had to fix the fallen down drivers window right after I got it, needed all new bushings in the front end and the interior was just poorly designed like a cheap boat. Unless I get dementia, I won’t make that mistake again.
IMHO, it all depends on the original owners desire to take care of the car.. I’ve had mustangs, Torinos, Galaxies, Pintos and even a Granada over the years and they all needed some sort of tlc.. Which I was happy to give..
Very nice almost original.Like the blacked out hood and tail panel.Wheels are correct I believe.
I prefer the 68 version. Wondering why the hub caps don’t have the GT logo, my 68 did. I’m leery of the rust showing under the hood. My favorite car I owned, but I think the price is too steep on this one for the condition. I’d pass.
I had a ’69 GT with the 351 4v, all original except for the cyclone exhaust headers, and carburator. The original exhaust manifolds and carburator we’re in the trunk. I put a Motorcraft 4100 series with mechanical secondaries on it, and was pleased with the performance. I now regret ever selling it!
does any one remember David Pearson? nascar #17
DP mostly drove a Mercury and one of my fav drivers after the King !
And one of my fav names drove a Torino GT fastback, that
being Dick Trickle ! lol
I lost my 68 Torino GT last year when an uninsured driver ran a red light and hit my car straight in the nose.. Pushed the engine into the firewall. Sent me to the hospital. Bought my GT from the original owner and it was immaculate, rust free original… Really miss it.. Seafoam green..
This car is nice.. the new owner should like it..
I believe that the 1970 was Car & Driver’s pick for the year. I’d rather have one of these than a Mustang Mach 1 with same 351 back then.
I hope that driver that hit you was publicly executed. I love sea foam green
Nice! Eastern Washington car, dryer climate than the west side. I remember when my dad brought home a yellow ‘68 from the dealer; this 14 year old was impressed! After being chauffeured around in a ‘53 Pontiac, 58 Galaxy, and a 66 Fairlane, the ‘68 was the coolest car we ever owned. 302 console auto, no other options that I recall other than the GT wheels, got my driver’s license in that car. Being young and stupid the car taught me a valuable lesson about small blocks vs big blocks, when I thought I could win a race against a 440 Monaco…it didn’t end well! 4.5 hour drive, I’d be tempted to go look at it were it not for having too damn many cars already….
I owned an almost exact twin to this car in the early ’90’s. Mine had the 351, 4 barrel, column shift and a gold interior. Man, I loved that car. Paid $1,800 for it, out of Virginia, with one tiny spot of rust on the rear quarter. I sold it for the down payment on my second house. Never should have done that!
Just a quick glance at this car and it’s aerodynamics, reeks speed. And this naturally follows:
The fastback roofline of the 1968–69 Ford Torinos provided a wind-cheating design that dominated NASCAR superspeedway racing. In 1969 Dodge responded with the Dodge Charger 500. This car was built with specific modifications to improve the aerodynamics of the car on the NASCAR track. In turn Ford added a special high-performance vehicle to its intermediate line-up, the Torino Talladega. This limited edition car was made specifically with NASCAR racing in mind and all of its modifications were to improve the aerodynamics of the Torino.
2nd pic gives’n idea of the huge expanse of that fastback.
It seems to go on 4ever in person. Must B due to the lill ones on today’s cars mostly below 110 inch wheel base. The torino, a car w/a length over twice that~
I removed a 4 Barrel dome from a 351 Windsor 68 GT. It was a rare item if I recall. The Windsors normally came with 2 barrel.I added it to a 351 Winsor I built for my 1974 Gran Torino.Also included the Autolite Carb.