Vehicle Description
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!
