For Sale: 1968 Ford Torino in Ft Worth, Texas

Fresh off the big ovals, this 1968 Ford Torino GT was the blue oval's logical choice to combat the Chevy Chevelle. With a strong-running 302 cubic inch V8 and a clean fastback profile that looks ready for combat on the streets but you'll find that it's also a comfortable cruiser.

The Torino was the top-of-the-line Fairlane in 1968, and the longer, lower, wider bodywork emphasized the new-found appreciation for aerodynamics on the NASCAR ovals. The Torino got dramatically styled quarter panels to go with its new fastback profile, a kick-up behind the doors that is outlined with the white stripes on this GT. The code T Candyapple Red paint and bodywork were restored not too long ago and it's holding up well, although it's not a show piece any longer. Fit and finish are quite good, and the bright red finish is appropriate for the aggressive-looking fastback Ford muscle car. All the chrome is in great shape and the unique Torino grille looks like an immaculately preserved original piece. And if you squint just right, you'll probably see a bit of fastback Mustang in the rear end, which was surely intentional. Even so, this car stands out in a sea of pony cars.

Make no mistake, the Torino is a full-sized car with room inside for six, thanks to front and rear bench seats. And while a bench seat may seem anachronistic in a muscle car, the no-nonsense look works here the same way it does in, say, the Plymouth Super Bird and Daytona. All the upholstery is new, including the seat covers, carpets, and headliner, and the tastefully trimmed steering wheel not only warms things up, but gives the car an upscale feel that seems appropriate for Ford's flagship performance machine. Gauges are housed in individual round pods that look racy, and they show rather well with clear lenses and crisp markings. This one was built for one thing and one thing alone, since it's light on options save for a quick-shifting automatic transmission and the power steering and brakes, which are a good idea in a full-sized car with this much power. Oh, and it does have a modern AM/FM/Bluetooth radio for entertainment. And there's plenty of room in the trunk, which features a full-sized spare tire with jack.

The F in the fifth digit of the VIN means there's a 302 cubic inch V8 under the hood, which came with a 2-barrel carburetor yet still churned out 210 horsepower. And while it's impossible to determine matching numbers in the traditional sense with a Ford, all the indications are there that this is the car's original engine. It has been recently detailed with a coat of Ford Blue paint, so it looks like a proper Ford performance machine. A correct air cleaner assembly, plain valve covers, and OEM ancillary components suggest that someone really cared about getting it right. Underneath, it's original-looking with factory-applied undercoating, as well as a recent exhaust upgrade that includes glasspack-style mufflers. Handsome styled steel wheels are original equipment, now wearing 225/70/14 Michelin radials that give it a performance look.

If you're a Ford lover and want something a little out of the ordinary that isn't a Mustang, perhaps a Torino GT is what you're seeking. Call today!