1968 Ford Torino

Description

Originality is important and collectors are finally realizing that every car doesn't need to be a trailer queen. Instead, cars like this 1968 Ford Torino hardtop are finding new homes and greater appreciation from guys who love seeing the way the factory did it and appreciate the feeling of a car that hasn't been torn down and rebuilt. For that reason, this Torino remains a special car.

We suspect that the car had a repaint some years back, as a result you get a car that looks great but you aren't afraid to drive anywhere. But even as-is, it looks suitably vintage and contributes to this car's very appealing no-nonsense look, which is what original cars are all about. Survival rates on hardtop Torinos must be incredibly low, since you just don't see many of these at shows and cruise nights, but there's no denying that it's a handsome car. Compared to the fastbacks and convertibles, it has a somewhat formal look accentuated by restrained use of chrome. And there's just nothing like the sound of those doors closing on an original car, which also offers good gaps on all the panels, a tight feeling going down the road, and excellent factory chrome that's been lovingly polished from day one by just four owners.

There's no question that the interior is entirely original, and while there's some where, there's even more evidence that this car has been loved. Black upholstery works quite well with the gold paint, eliminating the problems with many late-60s color combinations. The split bench offers lots of space for road trips and you'd be shocked that a 2-door car would have so much room in back, but that's the beauty of full-sized comfort. The four round instrument pods give it an aggressive look, even if the dials inside are only monitoring the basics, and it's worth noting that everything works, including the original AM radio. The woodgraining on the dash still looks pretty good, the dash pad hasn't been cracked or burned by the sun, and while you can probably get reproduction upholstery, nothing quite measures up to OEM. Heck, even the driver's door panel doesn't even show a little depression where the driver's elbow might have been resting over the past 45 years. There's also a massive trunk outfitted with an original mat and an ancient bias-ply spare.

The 390 cubic inch V8 provides effortless performance and is unquestionably the car's original, numbers-matching powerplant. Still wearing Ford Blue engine enamel, it has a smooth confidence that makes this car a pleasure to drive at any speed and once again, there's an intangible feeling in a well-maintained original car that you can't restore into a project. Routine maintenance pieces have been conscientiously replaced over the years, keeping the car mechanically sharp, but it has never needed internal engine surgery and drives superbly as a result. The 3-speed automatic transmission is unobtrusive in operation, letting the 390's torque do most of the work, and with 2.75 gears in the 9-inch rear, this is the car you want on your next road trip. The underside is unquestionably original, but it's all surface scale and road grime, not cause for alarm. Styled steel wheels add a sporty look and carry 235/60/14 white letter radials.

Extensively documented with maintenance receipts, an owner's manual, original bill of sale, and title documentation, this awesome Torino survivor makes a great impression. Call today!