Ford Torino car: model review, photos and reviews

At present, there is a great interest in the classic American oil masks of the second half of the last century. To such cars carry and Ford Torino.

Origin

This car was released as a luxury version of the Fairlane 1962-1970 series. Ford Torino, based on Ford Falcon, was a medium-sized car . In the model range of the manufacturer, Fairlane occupied the position between the model that became the basis for it, that is, Falcon, and the larger Galaxie and Custom.

History

Ford Fairlane, a modification of which was Torino, was produced earlier. However, the generation of 1955-1961 was full-sized, and from 1962 it was downgraded to a medium-sized one. In 1968, the manufacturer changed the design of this model, giving it more sportiness.

Ford Torino appeared the same year as the senior modification of the family Fairlane.

In 1970, the model underwent a change, like the whole family. Now the cars that make it changed roles. That is, Ford Torino took the place of the main model, and Fairlane was transformed into its modification. The design was changed again.

In 1971, Ford eliminated the name Fairlane. Now the entire family was represented exclusively by the Torino model.

The following year, this car was subjected to significant restyling.

Also, the manufacturer made small changes every year until 1976, when this family changed a little, and then its production was completed.

Bodies

Initially Ford Torino was produced in five bodies: a sedan, a wagon, a fastback, a hardtop and a cabriolet. The first two types were 4-door, the rest - 2-door. When restyling the Ford Torino in 1970, two more types were added, namely a hardtop with 4 doors and a 2-door sedan. In 1971 the first of them was removed. In 1972, the range of bodies was reduced to 4 options: 2-door fastback and hardtop, 4-door station wagon and sedan. In 1974, they ceased to produce a 2-door fastback. In this form, the body scale remained until the end of the model's production.

In the market, the most common bodies were a 4-door hardtop and a sedan.

Engines

For Ford Torino offered a fairly extensive range of engines.

At the beginning of production, the base was 3.0 liters of 6-cylinder. In addition to it, several more units were proposed. All of them are 8-cylinder: 2V 4.9 l, 2V 4.7 l, 4V FE 6.4 l, 2V FE 6.4 l, 4V FE 7.0 l. The latter engine was met very rarely both on the Ford Torino and on the Fairlane, and soon after the production began the model was no longer installed. Then instead of him, the car was equipped with a 4V engine of the same size. It also carried the name 428 Cobra-Jet. It was the most powerful engine for the model in question, and the modification it was equipped with received the designation Ford Torino Cobra. There were also more modest modifications, designated GT, which were equipped with 6.4 liters of engines.

In 1969, the basic engine was replaced by a 6-cylinder 4.1 liters. In addition, as a new offer 4V Windsor 6.4 liters 2V and Windsor 5.8 liters. Of the old engines remained the base for the GT version 4.9 l V8 and Cobra-Jet. However, the latter has ceased to be the most powerful in the gamut of the model, as its version for the drag-racing version of 428-4V Super Cobra Jet appeared.

After the restyling of 1970, the basic engine of 250 CID, as well as 351W-2V and 302-2V, was preserved. There were several new options. So, the engines for the powerful GT and Cobra modifications were replaced. On the GT, steel was installed as the base 302-2V, which was also standard for the Bourgham. Cobra was equipped with a 429-4V motor in three versions: basic 429 Thunder Jet, 429 SCJ, 429 CJ. Also for this modification, an additional 351 Cleveland was proposed. It had two modifications in accordance with the number of carburetor chambers: 351C-2V and 351W-2B.

On the Ford Torino in 1972, the new 355 family of the 400 2-V family appeared. The most powerful instead of the 429-4V was the 351 CJ. The rest of the range of motors remained the same.

In 1973, they reduced the compression ratio of power units and equipped them with batteries of lower power.

The only new engine in the scale of the model was 460-4V, but they were equipped with only police modifications.

Since 1974, the Ford Torino has become exceptionally 8-cylinder, as by that time the mass had grown so much that the basic 6-cylinder engine was not enough, so 250 CIDs were excluded from the scale. His place was taken by 302-2V. Also in the range was included 460-4V instead of 429-4V.

In 1975, due to the introduction of new environmental standards, the manufacturer equipped all cars with catalytic converters, and also increased the pressure at the output, as a result of which the performance of engines other than 460 decreased significantly. The 351-4V motor was eliminated from the scale model, but left 351W and 351-2V, and also added a modified 351M. In addition, 460-4V and 400-2V remained.

In 1976, with the preservation of the engine range, changes were made aimed at economic efficiency.

Transmission

For Ford Torino from the first years of release offered three gearboxes: standard was 3-speed manual, and as options set 4-speed and 3-speed automatic. Since 1969 Cobra has been equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission in the standard, and since 1972 it has been combined with only 351 CJ, which in 1974 remained the only engine equipped with this gearbox. Such a range, consisting of three gearboxes, was retained until 1975, when the mechanical variants ceased to be installed. Therefore, the last Torino equipped with only three-speed automatic transmission.

Modifications

Ford Torino was produced in a variety of modifications. Initially there were 14, in the following year the number increased to 16 and dropped to 9 at the end of production. They were characterized by special combinations of engines and transmissions, some technical changes and external differences.

Torino GT

This modification was proposed from the beginning of the production of the model. This option was equipped with engines of 4.9 liters, 2V FE and 4V FE. It was characterized by the presence of stabilizers of lateral stability in the suspension and was offered in the bodies: 2-door hardtop, convertible and SportsRoof.

In 1970, the first body was ruled out. The basic engine was 302-2V. Also 429 CJ was available. The GT standard was equipped with mirrors on both sides, emblems, lanterns with reflectors, black appliqués, special wheel covers. In addition, they offered modified headlights and 15-inch wheels.

In 1972, changed the name to the Gran Torino Sport. The convertible was replaced by a 2-door hardtop. The Ram Air system has become the base. The version was distinguished by cast door panels, painted mirrors, 14-inch tires, moldings on arches.

In 1973, Ram Air was ruled out, like an extended hood.

In 1976, the release of the modification was terminated.

Torino Cobra

This name was worn by the most powerful versions of Torino until 1972. The modification also appeared from the beginning of the release, but it was very rare. It was equipped with 7.0 liter 4V CJ and 2-door SportsRoof and hardtop. Outwardly such a car was distinguished by the presence of the emblem "428" under the parking lamps.

From next year for the 4V CJ offered the package Ram Air Induction. In addition to it, the Cobra began to install 428-4V Super Cobra Jet, designed for drag racing, with cast-iron cast crankshafts, cast pistons, oil cooling system. For cars equipped with it, a 230 mm rear axle was installed. On all versions of the Cobra on the front fenders there were emblems, a darkened radiator grille, other tires. They were equipped with a 4-speed manual gearbox and an independent suspension. At the same time for finishing, they were much more modest than other versions.

In 1970, they left only the body of SportsRoof. The base motor was replaced by 351-4V, and 428-4V by 429-4V. An optional Drag Pack, including another axle, a carburetor, forged pistons, an oil cooling system , was also available. The option was 15-inch wheels.

In 1972, Cobra stopped producing.

Torino Bourham

This option appeared in 1970 in the bodies of hardtop with 2 and 4 doors and 4-door station wagon. It was characterized by improved finish and noise insulation, as well as modified headlights and wheel covers. Equipped in the base of the engine 302-2V.

In 1972, the modification was reduced to Gran Torino.

The following year, it was returned as a top in the bodies of a hardtop with 2 doors and a 4-door sedan.

Torino SportsRoof appeared in 1970 as a simplified alternative to the GT.

Torino 500

Initially, this modification was called Fairlane 500 and was the second in the range after Fairlane. It was presented in the bodies: a convertible, a hardtop with 2 doors, a station wagon, a 4-door sedan and a SportsRoof.

Since 1970 Fairlane 500 has become the base version of the series. From the range of bodies, a cabriolet was excluded and a 4-door hardtop was introduced.

The following year, the name Fairlane was deleted, so the version was named Torino 500 and again became the second in the scale with the original list of bodies. As an option, they offered hidden lights.

In 1972, the modification was renamed into the Ford Gran Torino and left the body of a hardtop with 2 doors and a 4-door sedan.

Gran Torino Elite

In 1974, the body of the Sportsroof Gran Torino Sport was replaced by a 2-door hardtop with a 351-2V engine for this modification.

From next year, the modification was selected in a separate model Ford Elite.

Reviews

The performance of the model and the assessments of critics and consumers can be judged by car magazines such as Car Life, Car and Driver, Motor Trend, etc. Automotive publications highly appreciated the manageability and especially the dynamics of early cars, as well as the first versions of the Cobra. Also, cars received good reviews after the restyling of 1972, despite a change in priorities.

The popularity of the model can be judged by sales. The car was very popular. In 1968, more than 170,000 machines were sold, and, considering Fairlane, more than 370,000. With some hesitation, sales reached a peak of almost 500,000 by 1972-1973. Then popularity began to fall to just over 190,000 in the last year.

As for productivity, consumers considered Cobra versions of 1970 to be the best. Later on they tested the logs with worse results, and in 1972 they were excluded from production. Moreover, as consumers noted, the latest Torino became too big and heavy, and engines lost productivity due to the introduction of technologies aimed at environmental friendliness and economy, which significantly affected the dynamics.

Modernity

In 2007, the Ford Torino Cobra Concept was introduced. However, the car did not go into mass production. Another prototype Ford Torino GT was released in 2015. It was assumed that it will be put into production next year. However, and now still do not produce this Ford Torino. His photo caused an ambiguous reaction. Also in various sources there is controversial information about this car: some believe that it will be released in the coming years, others doubt the possibility of its serial production.