Ford produced the Torino from 1968 to 1976. This model was named after the city of Turin (with Torino being the way to pronounce it in Italian). Initially this car was an upscale version of the intermediate sized Ford Fairlane. By 1970, the Torino was the primary name for Ford’s intermediate size model, making the Fairlane a subseries of the Torino. Then, in 1971, the Fairlane name was dropped altogether making all Ford intermediates the Torino. Most of these models were conventional cars and typically the most popular models were the 4-door sedans, and 2-door hardtops. Ford did produce some high-performance versions of the Torino as well. These models were fitted with large powerful engines, including the 428 cu in and 429 cu in “Cobra Jet” engines. These powerful engine cars are classified as muscle cars.
1970 Ford Torino
By 1970, Ford had moved away from emulating the boxy lines of their full-sized Fords. A completely new body for the 1970 Ford Torino was born. This new model was influenced by the “Coke bottle style”. Ford’s design stylist was influenced by supersonic aircraft to produce this style. The 1970 model Torino was longer, wider, and lower than the 1969 version. Some additional features of this model include:
- Pointed front end
- Full width grille
- Quad headlights
- Front fender extending to the front door, sloping downward and disappearing in the quarter panel
- Front and rear bumpers that were slim and tight fitting which followed the body lines
- Taillights in the rear panel above the bumper which were long rectangular and united with rounded outer edges
13 models were initially included in the lineup. They were the base model “Fairlane 500”, which was available in a 2-door hardtop, 4-door sedan, and 4-door wagon. Next in line was the mid-level “Torino” which was available in a 2-door and 4-door hardtop, a 4-door sedan, and a station wagon. A new body style for the 1970 model year was the 4-door pillarless hardtop. The “Torino Brougham” was a top trim level that was available as a 2-door and 4-door hardtop, and 4-door station wagon. Of course, they had to include a sport version, so came the “Torino GT”, which was available as a 2-door SportsRoof and convertible. The “Torino Cobra” was the performance model offered in only a 2-door SportsRoof.
Cobra Jet
The Cobra model of the 1970 Torino came standard with a 4-speed close ratio transmission, Hurst shifter, competition suspension, a hood and grille that was flat black, 7-inch-wide wheels, F70-14 tires, which included white raised letters, twist style exposed hood latches and “Cobra” emblems. The Torino was heavier for the year 1970 however it still held on with strong performance. Motor Trend tested a 1970 Torino Cobra that included a Ram Air 370 hp, 429 Cobra Jet, C-6 automatic, and 3.50:1 rear axle. After testing this model, they stated “The weight obviously helped traction, as it was fairly easy to accelerate away from a standing start with only a modicum of wheelspin.”
Muscle Car of the Week
In the Muscle Car of the Week video, they are featuring a 1970 Ford Torino with a Super Cobra Jet engine, making it “the badest one you could buy in 1970”. It contains a cool shaker hood scoop coming out of the car. It’s nice to look at but also provides fresh air to the 429 underneath the hood. The car is sitting on a set of magnum 15in optional chrome wheels. The car was designed to go fast in a straight line but also handle around corners well. The car also delivers comfort with the power steering and power brakes, making it comfortable to drive. The red orange color with black stripes featured in the video below is certainly eye catching and one that stands out.
1970 Torino Success
The Ford Torino was successful in the year 1970. The automotive press was impressed by it and it was selected as the Motor Trend Car of the Year for 1970. Motor Trend stated, “The Torino was not a really a car line in the old sense, but a system of specialty cars, each for a different use, from luxury to performance.”
