1976 Ford Gran Torino

Description

If you're a guy of a certain age, you already know what this is. If you don't, well, it's going to be hard to explain "Starsky and Hutch" and the significance of this 1976 Ford Gran Torino to you, but perhaps you remember the "Starsky and Hutch" movie a few years ago where such a car was featured prominently. Either way, this is an icon of '70s television, but underneath it's also a powerful, luxurious, and really fun car to drive.

A quick Google search will tell you about one of the most famous TV and movie cars of all, but the details on this one are even more impressive. It's not some ragged-out prop, it' s a purpose built performance car built by a fan, and quite honestly if you have a Gran Torino coupe, this is the best way to make it look awesome. Bright red is fine, but the iconic white stripe slims it down and gives it a very aggressive look that's the exact opposite of subtle. Finish quality is a lot better than a movie prop, too, with great bodywork on top of a clean original car, and the bright red paint is deep and shiny to make it really pop. UP close, you'll also note that the white stripe has been outlined in black to really give it some contrast and there's a hood scoop just in case the look wasn't aggressive enough. Big chrome bumpers look big enough to use as battering rams (which is what they often did on TV) and you have to admit that this big brute does look imposing hammering down the road.

Buckets in a Torino are rather rare, as this was Ford's luxury model, but the cloth-covered chairs give it a sporty countenance inside that's just right for the vivid bodywork. It appears to be mostly original upholstery, and it's holding up remarkably well for being 40 years old. There's a bit of fading and some scuffs on the driver's seat, but nothing that would warrant replacement (which would be a crime). The carpets are newer and look great and the center console is fitted with a big Hurst T-handle shifter and the switch for the Gear Vendors overdrive unit. The factory gauges are arrayed in five round pods, but the owner has added a tach in one of the original holes and a full array of Auto Meter gauges up top that monitor, well, everything. There's also an AM/FM/cassette stereo in the dash with an amplifier hanging on the side of the console and speakers in the door panels. Options include factory A/C and power windows, because, after all, this was a luxury model.

This much car needs a lot of engine to make it fast, and there are no disappointments with the aluminum-headed 460 living under the hood. A Weiand intake, a big 4-barrel carburetor, and MSD ignition system help perk things up too, and thanks to the big engine bay, the 460 is an easy fit. Long-tube headers help the big block breathe better and the glasspack-style mufflers sound spectacular. The rugged C6 3-speed automatic was rebuilt and equipped with a high-stall torque converter and the 9-inch rear end doesn't even blink at all the torque. Clean floors, the right '70s stance, and Centerline aluminum wheels help with the throwback look.

These cars were extremely popular back in the day and not many have survived. If you like the show, the movie, or just the car, this is a no-disappointments hot rod Torino that's a blast to drive. Call today!