Introduced in 1968, Ford’s new intermediate Torino came in fastback, convertible, two and four door hardtops, sedan & wagon. A hit on the racetrack as well as the road, the Torino Cobra fastback became the new bad boy on the muscle car block. With V8s ranging from 302 up to 429 cubic inches, Torino offered something for everyone. In 1969 Ford released the Talladega - a Torino fastback with elongated, aerodynamic snout to aid top end speed in NASCAR competition. Equipped with the 427 ‘side oiler’ and later a 429 Boss V8s, or 428 Cobra-Jet for street use, the Talladega won the NASCAR manufacturers championship for 1969.

Initially offered as a Fairlane variant, the Torino proved so popular that by 1970 the Fairlane name was used for base model Torinos, before being dropped for 1971. Renamed Gran Torino for 1972 with all new styling that proved a hit with buyers until replaced in 1974 with yet another new body. It was to be the last as Gran Torino was discontinued after 1976. The ‘74 hardtop coupe is best remembered in red & white as the hero car in the hit TV series Starsky & Hutch.