The Ford Torino has been produced between 1968 and 1976, and was named after the city of Turin (Torino, in Italian). The Torino was a version of the Ford Fairlane, produced between 1962 and 1970, and in 1968 the Fairline’s name was changed to Torino.The first Torino was larger in size than the previous Fairlane and incorporated a whole new roof line in the fastback as well as the new two door hardtop. The Torino was built from the start with plenty of power and comfort.

In 1968 the Ford Torino GT became   a sport version of the Fairlane 500 series, included a 2-door hardtop, SportsRoof, and a convertible. They were equipped with a six-cylinder engine, except for the Torino GT models which came with a standard 2V small block V8 engine. The 428-4V Cobra-Jet was by far the most potent engine available.
1969 the 428 CJ was no longer the top engine choice. The ultimate engine option was the 428-4V Super Cobra Jet (SCJ). This engine was specifically designed for drag racing, and the option package was referred to as the “Drag Pack.” After that the biggest change for 1971 was the decision to no longer use the Fairlane name from the intermediate line-up all together. The base model was now the Torino, Torino 500, Torino Brougham, Squire Wagon, Torino GT, Torino Cobra was still only available as a 2-door SportsRoof.

The 1970 and 1971 Ford Torino featured a complete new body style change. The new lower, wider, and longer Torino was gracefully designed with aerodynamic lines. The 429 Cobra Jet was equipped whit 360hp, 4-speed manual transmission, 15inch magnum 500 chrome wheels etc. The 1970 Torino was voted “Motor Trend Magazine” car of the year. The new chassis has design that was used to give the Torino a quieter and more isolated ride. The base engine was the 250 cu in (4.1 L) I-6 in all models except station wagons and the Gran Torino Sport which had a 302-2V small-block V8 as standard. The 429-4V was not a high-performance engine like the Cobra Jets of previous years; instead, it was a high torque, low revving engine.
In the 1972 the car was redesigned, whit many characteristics used from the previous generations. It had a “long hood short deck” look. The most radical change was the large eggcrate grille. In 1972 there were 4 body stiles for the Torino : The 2- door hardtop and fastback, and the 4-door sedan and station wagon, with a 3 and 4 speed manual, and a 3 speed automatic transmission. These models are highly respected and amazing car models can be found at OOYYO Network.
In 1973 the new Torino was the Gran Torino Brougham, which was available as a 2-door hardtop and a 4-door sedan. All the other models were the same. The engines were better. Some models had the 335 series V, some had the 429 7.0 L 385 Series V8 and some had the 7.5 L 385 Series V8. In 1974 for the safety regulations, the company had to redesign the bumpers and tail lamps. The bumpers were square shaped, lower and larger, and the lights were wrapped around the corner, squared and much shorter. The body styles that were used in 1974 were 2-door coupe,4-door sedan and a 4-door station wagon, with a 3 and 4 speed manual, and a 3 speed automatic, with a 3 and 4 speed manual, and a 3 speed automatic. As far as the engines were concerned, they used 4,9L Windsor V8, a 5.8L Windsor V8.5.8 Cleveland V8. 6.6L 335 series V8 and a 385 series V8 engine, depending on the model of course.

The 1975 models had a great engine change. The engine’s were 5,8 V* modified, 6,6L 335 series V8 and a 7,5L 385 series V8. There were only 3 speed automatic’s and came in 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and a 4 door station wagon. The 1976 models were the same as the 1975 as far as the engines were concerned and the transmission but the change was in the style. The 2 door coupe was changed by the 2 door hardtop.

Ford heavily restyled the Torino and rebadged it as the Ford LTD II in 1976. They applied a nameplate from a full sized car. The Roofline from the 1968-1969 models, provided a great wind-cheating design that was used in NASCAR races. After that Ford decided to make the Torino Talladega which had improved Fords success in the NASCAR races. After the Talladega, Ford introduced another NASCAR success, the Torino King Cobra. It also had wind modifications, and the grille was a large opening below the front bumper.
After a while NASCAR introduced a changing the homologation rules. They increased the minimum number of cars produced for the public from 500 to 3,000 for a vehicle to qualify at NASCAR. The King Cobra project was abandoned by Ford. It never saw a NASCAR track or a showroom. Only three prototype cars were produced.