Produced by the Ford Motor Company specifically for the North American Market, the Torino was a car that was sold from 1968 until 1976. While the Torino would be a large car by modern standards, it was considered a midsize car during its production. The Torino replaced the
Ford Fairlane. Many know of the Torino as a performance car because the Torino was the base for Ford's NASCAR during the early years.
The Torino was larger than the Fairlane and was made available with several body styles including a two-door fastback or notchback hardtop, a four-door sedan, a four-door station wagon, and a two-door convertible. The wide variety of body styles made the Torino an ideal vehicle for just about every consumer. Engine choices for the Torino ranged from the 5.0 small block V8 to a 6.4 liter big block. The Torino GT was the most upscale model as it had extra sport trim. The Torino was very popular, but was made really popular because it was featured on the show Starsky and Hutch. Later models of the Tornio would be offered with a 428 Cobra Jet engine, a floor mounted four speed manual transmission, upgraded suspension, dual exhaust, and bucket seats. Eventually, the tide would turn away from the performance cars, and the Torino would go with it with the production ending in 1976.
