Ford

The Ford Torino joined the Fairlane range for 1968 as its more luxurious and sporting derivative. Ford’s intermediate line offered a wide choice of body styles, including two- and four-door sedans, hardtops, station wagons, convertibles and the sleek SportsRoof fastback. The Torino sat above the regular Fairlane models, with the Torino GT providing a sportier appearance and higher equipment level. A broad selection of six-cylinder and V8 engines was available, culminating in powerful big-block units such as the 428 cu in (7,014 cc) Cobra Jet. The performance-oriented Fairlane Cobra appeared for 1969, further strengthening the range’s muscle-car credentials. Although Torino was initially only a Fairlane subseries, its popularity quickly established the name as the most prominent part of Ford’s intermediate range.

See also: Ford Fairlane

For 1970 the hierarchy was reversed: Torino became Ford’s main intermediate model, with Fairlane reduced to a lower-priced subseries. A completely redesigned body featured dramatic coke-bottle styling, while GT and Cobra versions maintained the performance image. The Fairlane name disappeared after 1970. Another major redesign followed for 1972, when the larger Torino and Gran Torino adopted body-on-frame construction. Later models increasingly emphasized comfort and luxury over performance. Production continued through 1976, before replacement by the Ford LTD II.