The seller became the custodian of this 1969 Ford Torino GT after purchasing it from the original owner last year. It had hibernated since 1983 but has been revived, ready to find a new home. The seller focused on originality when coaxing it back to life, feeling that a survivor of this caliber deserved nothing less. That approach has left it a turnkey proposition that is ready to provide the new owner with immediate classic motoring pleasure. They have listed the GT here on eBay in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The seller set their BIN at $28,900 with the option to make an offer.
Ford launched the First Generation Torino in 1968 as an upmarket variant of its Fairlane range. It underwent a significant upgrade in 1969, and while some of these were purely cosmetic, most were aimed at improving performance. Our feature car rolled off the line in the now-defunct Atlanta, Georgia, Assembly Plant during that year. The seller purchased the vehicle from its original owner last year, claiming that it wears most of its original Candy Apple Red paint. They admit that a few lower areas received touch-ups to eliminate stonechips, but the GT is as it left the factory. The paint retains a healthy shine, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and the underside shots confirm that the Torino is rust-free. This is unsurprising because when they purchased the vehicle, it had been safely squirreled away in a warm and dry garage since 1983. The stripes are crisp, the wheels are in good condition, and there are no visible issues with the trim or glass.
Buyers faced a wide range of engine choices when ordering a 1969 Torino GT, with this car’s first owner selecting the 351-4V “Windsor” V8. They teamed that engine with a four-speed manual transmission, and with the 351 developing 290hp and 385 ft/lbs of torque off the showroom floor, it could dispatch the ¼-mile journey in 15.2 seconds. The seller states that apart from the cylinder heads, this Torino is numbers-matching. They replaced the heads as part of the revival process but will include the originals in the sale. Their condition is unclear, but they might be candidates for a refresh and reinstallation if the buyer seeks complete authenticity. Otherwise, there are no issues or problems to report. The GT runs and drives perfectly, and is a turnkey proposition.
It would be easy to consider the exterior as this Torino’s highlight, but there is not much to criticize about its interior. The wheel exhibits a couple of cracks, but the Red vinyl upholstered surfaces look excellent. There is no visible wear or physical damage, and the carpet is clean. The dash deserves a special mention because the pad has avoided the cracks and splits that often plague this aspect of a Torino’s interior. Replacements are hideously expensive, so investing in a cover would be wise if the buyer wishes to protect it from the sun’s harsh rays. It isn’t highly optioned, although the center console and AM radio with optional rear speakers are worthwhile inclusions.
It is always satisfying to see an original classic removed from long-term storage and returned to its rightful place on our roads. That single sentence sums up this 1969 Ford Torino GT perfectly. It presents well for its age, while the lack of rust is a significant positive. Surprisingly, the listing hasn’t generated the level of interest I would typically expect, although it is in its early stages. This might swell as time passes, and with the seller’s price appearing competitive, I won’t be surprised if this GT finds a new home fairly quickly. Are you tempted to make it yours?
Always unsettling for me to see a beautiful car like this on a snow covered surface. Coming from Wisconsin, I can assure you, never the two ever met. We drove rusty $100 Rambler Americans while our “good” cars hibernated. Neighbor has a car like this, faded, but not rusted, hasn’t moved in the 7 years I’ve been here. It’s a sharp car, but I still say, with a car like this that appeals to a large audience, the 4 speed will hold back sales.
You’re right Howard, in Northern NJ we had ” Winter beaters”. My Dad used to have a saying for his friends with older cars, he’d say, I think you can get One more winter out of it…… Thats how it was. Personally, if theres no salt on the driveway and it doesnt touch the street, Im ok with that
I agree. My family lived in northern NJ until 1996 when we moved to Nevada. We al ways had winter beater cars that were reliable on the salty snow covered roads and when the rust showed up years latter on the cars we just kept driving them till they could not drive no more!! This Ford is a really nice clean car
Howard A,
I just returned from a trip to Hayward Wisconsin. I was told they host the largest CC ski race in the world there. Guys that find automatic transmissions deal breaker don’t have bad knees or hips. Try driving a manual transmission in heavy rush hour stop and go traffic. The other deal breaker I noticed haven’t been mentioned is no a/c.
Sharp car. That one picture is really cool: the fastback roofline makes it look long and sleek, the straight white stripes add to the look, and even the camera angle accentuates the length.
I, for one, would only be interested if it is a 4-speed.
I agree with you Bob in the pictures, I always thought the Torino Fast back GT was one of Fords nicest designs, definitely top 5 at least.
And yes, I’d preffer a 4 speed too. I’m seriously impressed with the condition of this one. Whatever storage methods the original owner used, it worked. And this shade of red really complments the body on this one.
And Adam, this was a great find, thank you for posting it.
Yeah, having a 4 speed is THE selling point for me. Not sure why Howard always insists manual trans cars will “hold sales back,” but many of the people that I know, that are interested in old cars, only look for 4 speed cars. Modern conveniences and amenities don’t usually apply for many people shopping for a classic car.
One of my all time favorites for ’69; a relative had this one, only it was an automatic, and had Torque Thrust wheels all around. Such a BEAUTY!!! GLWTA!! :-)
This car is only about two hours from me and temptation is rising. I always like the Torino Gt. and that 4v 351 and 4sp. are both pluses. But I have a wife and life insurance ( you figure it out )
You are right, it’s a nice looking car, if it’s as advertised it’s a relative bargain for the money when stacked up against typical GM and Mopar offerings. The 4spd is a definite plus and elevates interest and value compared to the typical automatic.
There may come a day when a 4spd manual hurts value, but that’s decades away. The only manual right now which is an interest and value killer is a 3spd column shift.
Steve R
Absolutely correct Steve, values and interest in 4 speed cars have a positive effect on nearly all muscle cars and agree that it will remain so for the foreseeable future.
But even after owning several 66-67 Chevelle SS models with 4 speeds, one of the fastest was equipped with a built turbo 400…
No doubt about an automatic being quicker most of the time, especially one that is built and on the dragstrip. That being said, there’s nothing like rowing thru the gears on a warm summer night with the windows open with Radar Love coming thru the speakers. I, for one will walk past most muscle cars with an automatic.
As far as the younger crowd goes, I think there are still a fair amount of them that aren’t afraid of a stick. The rest of them don’t know what they’re missing.
Bottom line, real hotrods don’t have an automatic, especially with the shifter on the column. Just my opinion.
As far as a column shifted manual, that is still ok in some cases, again my opinion. I’m building a 58 Ranchero that was originally equipped with a column shifted 3 speed with overdrive. Even though I’m building the engine for more performance, I am using the same trans and leaving the shifter on the column, just because I think it’s 50’s cool.
Rustytech, And she’s got a hickory rolling pin ;). You guys keep me on a righteous path to staying a bachelor. Don’t ask for permission to buy it but do beg for forgiveness if you do.
My buddy owned this year Torino. I just had a flashback of driving around listening to early ZZ Top.
I had a white 69 with red stripes and red interior. 3 speed on the tree.
I purchased it in 72 and the shifter had been moved to the floor. 351 Windsor and it was great to drive.
I still regret selling it.
This is a real beautiful car.
Man I love this car, a perfect performance package in C A Red….!!! A neighbor had a lime green 302 new so these fast backs are always admired by me.. Very fairly priced. Have to repeat, man I love this car…!!!
I bought a ’69 Torino GT fastback in 1990. White with black stripes, tan bucket seat interior, 351W 4v, and the a/t. From Alabama, with one tiny rust hole on the quarter panel, and tired original paint. Paid $1500. Took it to a body shop in ’91. They quoted me $15,000 to make it perfect. At that point in my life, they might as well said $1 million. I fixed the hole, and drove it for 2 more years in the summer only. Then sold it for $3,000, to get some of the cash down-payment for my next house. I’ve regretted that move ever since. One of the most beautiful Ford body styles ever produced.
Don’t let the good looks fool you. I have owned two of these in really good shape, but unfortunately good looks is all they have going for them. They were not engineered very good as far as I’m concerned. Oversize mustangs is all they are and built cheap. The last one I had looks exactly like this one and is setting in a building in Tennessee as the fellow I sold it too has past away.
It’s back at your Ford dealer: 2025 Torino GT starting at ONLY 65g’s! Can only imagine how much they started at in 1968, by comparison. Enjoyed the write-up Adam.
I gravitate towards manual transmissions in a car like this. Four speed is a selling point for me.
Everybody likes the Cleveland engine, the Windsors don’t get enough love, IMHO, but that’s O.K.. The four-barrel is nice upgrade, a lot of these only got a two-barrel carburetor. I prefer the four-speed, but a C6 A/T, with a “basket handle” shifter sprouting from the console would be O.K. too! I think only the full-size Fords got the basket handle shifter, so this one would get a traditional T-handle shifter to row the gears in the automatic transmission. Oh, well, it’s all good! The only way it could be better, IMHO, would be if the roof folded down, LOL! GLWTS!
Love the dash but what I love even more is another pedal to give my left foot something to do. I bet the car is a blast to drive. One comment said because of 4-speed it will be harder to sell. I don’t know about that but honestly I never seen women on here before not that it is only for men but not too many probably.
Way back in 77-78, a fellow in high school had one that looked just like this. His had the 390 and automatic. The car was a real dog and lost to all of the 350 Camaro and Cutlass in a race.
Very very nice.
My age and ongoing projects prohibit owning that.
I do love a standard transmission. Except in the rush hour traffic in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas/Ft Worth. Every four feet you need to use the clutch.
There was one like this located in the halfmoon area near blue barns road of upstate NY it had been sitting for years under a tree sinking deep into the ground. Sad shame I am sure it had potential at some point
I had a ’69 Fairlane 500, exact same body style. Installed a Torino gt interior, buckets and console, along with a rebuilt 351W from a ’69 mach I. Loved that car, a real head turner
Is that a factory ram air hood on this car?