The Ford Torino (1968–1976) was Ford's intermediate muscle car, replacing the Fairlane and competing with the Chevelle SS, GTO, and Charger. The 1969–1970 Torino Cobra Jet with the 428ci V8 (335hp, actual ~400hp) is the most collectible, at $50,000–$90,000 (#2). The 1970 Torino Talladega (aerodynamic homologation special) is the rarest at $80,000–$130,000 (#2) — only 746 built. The 1970–1971 Gran Torino Sport with the 429 Cobra Jet (370hp) is the peak performance Torino, at $60,000–$100,000 (#2). The 1972–1976 Gran Torino Sport Fastback (Starsky & Hutch era) is the best value buy at $25,000–$40,000 (#2). The 1968–1969 Torino GT 390 is the entry point at $25,000–$35,000 (#2).
From Fairlane Replacement to Gran Torino
The Ford Torino debuted in 1968 as an upscale sub-series of the Fairlane, becoming its own model in 1970. Named after the city of Turin (Torino in Italian), it was Ford's entry in the intermediate muscle car wars. The first-generation (1968–1969) was a boxy, clean design with the Torino GT as the performance trim and the 428 Cobra Jet as the top engine. The second-generation (1970–1971) was all-new with a swooping "coke bottle" body and the 429 Cobra Jet as the top engine. The third-generation (1972–1976) was larger and more luxury-oriented, with the Gran Torino name and the famous fastback roofline. The 1974–1976 TV show Starsky & Hutch made the red/white Torino a pop culture icon.
| Generation | Years | Styling | Key Engines | Collectibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen | 1968–1969 | Boxy, clean Fairlane-based; Torino GT; Cobra Jet introduced; Talladega aero special | 200ci I6, 250ci I6, 302ci V8, 351W V8, 390ci V8 (265/325hp), 428 CJ (335hp) | High — 1969 Cobra Jet and Talladega are the most collectible 1st-gen |
| 2nd Gen | 1970–1971 | Coke-bottle curves; hidden headlights (Sport); Gran Torino name; 429 CJ available | 250ci I6, 302ci V8, 351C V8 (250–300hp), 429 CJ (370hp), 429 SCJ (375hp) | Very High — 1970–1971 429 CJ/SCJ is peak Torino performance; most valuable |
| 3rd Gen | 1972–1976 | Larger, formal; Gran Torino; fastback Sport; Starsky & Hutch era; luxury-oriented | 250ci I6, 302ci V8, 351C V8 (163–285hp), 400ci V8, 460ci V8 (224–254hp) | Medium — 1972–1973 Sport Fastback is collectible; 1974+ less so; Starsky car is iconic |
The 2nd gen (1970–1971) is the peak Torino — the 429 Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet are the most powerful and valuable Torino engines. The 1st gen (1968–1969) is desirable for the 428 Cobra Jet and Talladega. The 3rd gen (1972–1976) is the most affordable and recognizable (Starsky & Hutch), but emissions detuned the engines significantly.
Production Numbers
| Year | Total Production | Cobra Jet (est.) | Talladega | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | ~172,000 | ~2,500 | N/A | Fairlane Torino sub-series; GT 390/428 CJ; first Torino |
| 1969 | ~190,000 | ~3,800 | 746 | Talladega aero special (746); Cobra Jet Ram Air; peak 1st-gen |
| 1970 | ~230,000 | ~5,200 | N/A (Talladega dropped) | All-new 2nd gen; Gran Torino; 429 CJ/SCJ; hidden headlights Sport |
| 1971 | ~148,000 | ~3,500 | N/A | 429 CJ continues; Bunkie Knudsen fired; styling tweaks; last high-perf year |
| 1972 | ~264,000 | N/A (CJ dropped) | N/A | All-new 3rd gen; Gran Torino; Sport Fastback; 351C top engine |
| 1973 | ~247,000 | N/A | N/A | 351C Cobra Jet returns (266hp); safety bumpers; last good year |
| 1974 | ~173,000 | N/A | N/A | Starsky & Hutch debuts; 460 available; power declining; less collectible |
| 1975 | ~140,000 | N/A | N/A | 351M introduced; 400/460 top engines; low power; declining |
| 1976 | ~157,000 | N/A | N/A | Final year; 351M/400/460; very low power; end of era |
Production data from Ford Motor Company. The 1969 Talladega (746 built) is the rarest and most valuable Torino. The 1970–1971 429 CJ/SCJ are the most powerful. The 1972 Gran Torino Sport Fastback was the best-selling performance Torino. The 1974–1976 models are less collectible due to low power output. Total Torino production: ~1.7 million across 9 years.
Engine Specifications
| Engine | Displacement | Years | HP | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200ci I6 | 200ci | 1968–1971 | 115–155 | 190–234 | Base I6; very slow; no collector appeal |
| 250ci I6 | 250ci | 1969–1976 | 155–170 | 234–257 | Base I6; reliable but slow; common in non-GT Torinos |
| 302ci V8 | 302ci | 1968–1976 | 210–250 | 300–335 | Base V8; reliable; Windsor small-block; no performance appeal in Torino |
| 351W V8 | 351ci | 1968–1971 | 250–285 | 335–380 | Windsor small-block; good value; less common than 351C |
| 351C V8 | 351ci | 1970–1976 | 163–285 | 319–380 | Cleveland small-block; 351C Cobra Jet (266hp, 1973); best 3rd-gen engine |
| 390ci V8 | 390ci | 1968–1969 | 265–325 | 385–427 | 1st-gen mid-range; GT 390 is the best value 1st-gen; FE big-block |
| 400ci V8 | 400ci | 1972–1976 | 172–260 | 327–385 | 3rd-gen mid-range; Cleveland-based; low compression; not collectible |
| 428 Cobra Jet | 428ci | 1968–1970 | 335 | 440 | Top 1st-gen engine; actual ~400hp; Ram Air; most collectible Torino engine |
| 429 Cobra Jet | 429ci | 1970–1971 | 370 | 450 | Top 2nd-gen engine; 4-barrel; most common 429; excellent torque |
| 429 SCJ | 429ci | 1970–1971 | 375 | 450 | Super Cobra Jet; Drag Pack; 4.30 gears; rarest Torino engine; most valuable |
| 460ci V8 | 460ci | 1974–1976 | 224–254 | 362–385 | 385-series big-block; low compression; smog-era; not collectible |
The 429 SCJ (Super Cobra Jet, 375hp) is the king of Torino engines — Drag Pack with 4.30 gears, oil cooler, and forged pistons. The 428 CJ (335hp, actual ~400hp) is the most collectible 1st-gen engine. The 429 CJ (370hp) is the most common 429. The 351C Cobra Jet (266hp, 1973) is the best 3rd-gen engine. The 390 (325hp) is the best value 1st-gen engine. The 460 (224–254hp) is a smog-era big-block with no performance appeal.
Cobra Jet, Talladega, and Gran Torino Sport: The Performance Packages
The Cobra Jet was Ford's performance engine package, available on the Torino GT and Cobra. The 428 CJ (335hp, actual ~400hp) was the top engine 1968–1970. The 429 CJ (370hp) replaced it in 1970–1971. The 429 SCJ (375hp) was the ultimate — Drag Pack with 4.30 rear gears, oil cooler, and forged pistons. The 351C CJ (266hp) returned briefly in 1973. Cobra Jet Torinos are the most collectible — the 429 SCJ is the rarest and most valuable.
The Torino Talladega was built for NASCAR Grand National homologation — 746 produced. Features: extended front end (6 inches), flush-mounted grille, rolled rocker panels, and aerodynamic improvements. The Talladega was Ford's answer to the Dodge Charger 500 and Plymouth Superbird. All Talladegas had the 428 CJ with C6 automatic. The Talladega is the rarest and most valuable Torino — $80,000–$130,000 (#2). Only built in 1969; available in Wimbledon White, Royal Maroon, or Presidential Blue.
The Gran Torino Sport was the performance trim of the 3rd-gen Torino, available as a fastback or formal hardtop. The fastback roofline was unique and iconic — later made famous by Starsky & Hutch (1974–1976). The 1972–1973 Sport with the 351C CJ (266hp) is the most collectible 3rd-gen. The 1974–1976 models are less powerful but more recognizable. The Gran Torino Sport Fastback is the best value Torino — $25,000–$40,000 (#2) for a car with big-block looks and pony car proportions.
Market Values by Condition (2026)
| Variant | #1 Concours | #2 Excellent | #3 Good | #4 Fair | 5-Year Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 Torino Talladega 428 CJ | $180,000 | $115,000 | $65,000 | $28,000 | +45% |
| 1969 Torino Talladega 428 CJ | $170,000 | $110,000 | $62,000 | $26,000 | +42% |
| 1970–1971 Torino 429 SCJ Drag Pack | $140,000 | $95,000 | $52,000 | $22,000 | +38% |
| 1970–1971 Torino 429 Cobra Jet | $110,000 | $75,000 | $42,000 | $18,000 | +32% |
| 1969–1970 Torino 428 Cobra Jet | $95,000 | $65,000 | $36,000 | $15,000 | +30% |
| 1968–1969 Torino GT 390 | $55,000 | $38,000 | $20,000 | $8,500 | +22% |
| 1972–1973 Gran Torino Sport 351C CJ | $55,000 | $38,000 | $20,000 | $8,500 | +25% |
| 1972–1973 Gran Torino Sport Fastback 351C | $45,000 | $30,000 | $16,000 | $6,500 | +20% |
| 1974–1976 Gran Torino Sport Fastback | $40,000 | $27,000 | $14,000 | $5,500 | +18% |
| 1970–1971 Gran Torino Sport 429 CJ | $120,000 | $82,000 | $45,000 | $19,000 | +33% |
| 1968–1969 Torino GT 302/351W | $40,000 | $27,000 | $14,000 | $5,500 | +15% |
| 1970–1971 Torino 351C (base) | $35,000 | $24,000 | $12,000 | $5,000 | +12% |
| 1974–1976 Gran Torino 400/460 | $30,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 | $4,000 | +10% |
| 1975–1976 Gran Torino (base, I6) | $20,000 | $14,000 | $7,000 | $2,500 | +5% |
Values from Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, and Bring a Trailer sold data (2024–2026). The 1969–1970 Talladega (746 built) is the most valuable Torino — a NASCAR aero warrior. The 429 SCJ Drag Pack is the most valuable non-aero Torino. The 428 CJ is the best value 1st-gen performance Torino. The 1972–1973 Gran Torino Sport Fastback is the best overall value — iconic styling, decent power, and $30,000–$38,000 (#2). The Torino is 20–30% cheaper than equivalent Chevelle SS, GTO, or Charger, making it the smart intermediate muscle car buy.
Value Trend Chart (2020–2026)
Ford Torino Average Values (#2 Condition)
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 Talladega (#2) | 78000 | 92000 | 100000 | 106000 | 109000 | 110000 | 110000 |
| 1970–71 429 SCJ Drag Pk (#2) | 68000 | 80000 | 88000 | 92000 | 94000 | 95000 | 95000 |
| 1972–73 Gran Torino Sport (#2) | 26000 | 31000 | 34000 | 36000 | 37000 | 38000 | 38000 |
Torino vs Chevelle vs Charger vs GTO: The Intermediate Wars
| Factor | Torino 429 SCJ | Chevelle SS LS6 | Charger R/T Hemi | GTO Judge RA IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Ford intermediate | GM A-body | Chrysler B-body | GM A-body |
| Top Engine | 429 SCJ (375hp) | 454 LS6 (450hp) | 426 Hemi (425hp) | 400 RA IV (370hp) |
| Torque | 450 lb-ft | 500 lb-ft | 490 lb-ft | 445 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | ~5.4 sec | ~5.3 sec | ~5.1 sec | ~5.5 sec |
| Quarter Mile | 13.7 @ 104 mph | 13.7 @ 104 mph | 13.5 @ 105 mph | 14.0 @ 100 mph |
| Weight | ~3,800 lbs | ~3,800 lbs | ~3,800 lbs | ~3,600 lbs |
| Rarity (top) | ~1,200 (2 years) | ~4,475 (1 year) | ~600 (6 years) | ~3,770 (2 years) |
| Value (#2, top) | $95,000 | $150,000–$200,000 | $180,000–$230,000 | $75,000–$100,000 |
| Aero variant | Talladega (746) | N/A | Daytona (503) | N/A |
The Torino 429 SCJ is competitive with the Chevelle LS6 and Charger R/T in performance, but 30–50% cheaper. The Talladega (746 built) is rarer than the Charger Daytona (503) but worth less — the Daytona's wing and nose cone are more iconic. The Torino is the best value intermediate muscle car: same performance, lower price, and the Talladega aero variant is a unique collector piece.
Key Option Codes
Ford Torino Option Codes
| Code | Name / Description |
|---|---|
CJ | Cobra Jet Package 428/429 CJ V8 with performance cam, 4-barrel, dual exhaust; 1968–1973; most collectible |
SCJ | Super Cobra Jet / Drag Pack 429 SCJ (375hp); 4.30 gears, oil cooler, forged pistons; rarest Torino engine; 1970–1971 |
Talladega | Talladega Package NASCAR aero: extended nose, flush grille, rolled rockers; 746 built; 1969; most valuable Torino |
GT | Gran Torino GT Package Performance trim: 390/428 CJ, GT badges, stripes, bucket seats; 1968–1971 |
Sport | Gran Torino Sport Package Fastback or formal roof; 351C/429 CJ; sport hood, bucket seats; 1972–1976 |
R-code | 428 Cobra Jet Ram Air Functional ram air scoop; 335hp (actual ~400hp); 1968–1970; rare and desirable |
J-code | 429 Cobra Jet 370hp, 450 lb-ft; 4-barrel; most common 429; 1970–1971 |
Q-code | 429 Super Cobra Jet 375hp; Drag Pack; 4.30 gears, oil cooler; rarest Torino engine; 1970–1971 |
C6 | C6 3-Speed Automatic Heavy-duty automatic; standard on CJ/SCJ; strong; preferred for drag racing |
Top Loader | 4-Speed Manual Ford Top Loader close-ratio; preferred by collectors; less common than C6 |
Traction-Lok | Limited-Slip Differential Ford limited-slip; 3.25–4.30 ratios; essential for CJ/SCJ |
N95 | Ram Air Induction Functional hood scoop; adds ~10hp; rare; most desirable on CJ cars |
Sport Slats | Rear Window Louvers Sport slats on fastback rear window; 1972–1976; iconic; adds value |
Laser Stripe | Body Side Stripe Two-tone stripe package; 1972–1976 Gran Torino; iconic; adds value |
Buying Guide
- Best investment: 1970 Torino Talladega 428 CJ
- NASCAR aero warrior; 746 built; $110,000 (#2)
- Rarest and most valuable Torino; homologation special
- Verify Talladega-specific parts: extended nose, flush grille, rolled rockers, build sheet
- Best performance: 1970–1971 Torino 429 SCJ Drag Pack
- 375hp 429 SCJ; 4.30 gears, oil cooler, forged pistons; $95,000 (#2)
- Rarest Torino engine; ~1,200 built; ultimate performance Torino
- Verify SCJ-specific parts: Q-code engine, 4.30 gears, oil cooler, Drag Pack
- Best value 1st-gen: 1968–1969 Torino GT 390
- 325hp 390ci; GT package; $38,000 (#2)
- More affordable than 428 CJ; same GT look; great driver-quality car
- Verify GT package: badges, stripes, bucket seats, 390 engine code
- Best value 2nd-gen: 1970–1971 Torino 428/429 Cobra Jet
- 335–370hp; CJ package; $65,000–$75,000 (#2)
- 80% of SCJ performance at 70% of the price
- Verify CJ-specific parts: R-code or J-code engine, ram air, dual exhaust
- Best overall value: 1972–1973 Gran Torino Sport Fastback 351C CJ
- 266hp 351C CJ; fastback styling; $38,000 (#2)
- Best torque-per-dollar of any Torino; iconic fastback roofline
- Verify Sport package: fastback roof, sport hood, 351C CJ engine code
- Best Starsky car: 1974–1976 Gran Torino Sport Fastback
- Pop culture icon; 351C/400/460; $27,000 (#2)
- Most recognizable Torino; red/white paint scheme; affordable
- Verify Sport Fastback package; Starsky replica paint adds value if done correctly
- Best entry point: 1968–1969 Torino GT 302/351W
- 210–285hp; GT package; $27,000 (#2)
- Most affordable entry to Torino collecting
- Good driver-quality car; parts readily available
- Avoid: 1975–1976 Gran Torino with 250ci I6
- 155–170hp; no performance appeal; not collectible
- Only buy as a cheap project or parts car
- Better to buy a 1972 Sport Fastback than a 1975+ I6
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Ford Torino?
- The Torino was Ford's intermediate muscle car (1968–1976), replacing the Fairlane. It competed with the Chevelle SS, Pontiac GTO, Dodge Charger, and Plymouth GTX. The Torino was available with the 428 Cobra Jet (1968–1970) and 429 Cobra Jet/SCJ (1970–1971) — some of the most powerful engines Ford ever installed in a street car. The Torino was replaced by the LTD II in 1977.
- What is the Torino Talladega?
- The Torino Talladega (1969) was built for NASCAR Grand National homologation — 746 produced. It featured an extended front end (6 inches), flush-mounted grille, and rolled rocker panels for aerodynamic advantage. The Talladega was Ford's answer to the Dodge Charger 500 and Plymouth Superbird. All Talladegas had the 428 CJ with C6 automatic. It's the rarest and most valuable Torino — $110,000 (#2).
- What is the difference between Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet?
- The Cobra Jet (CJ) was Ford's performance engine package with a 4-barrel carb, performance cam, and dual exhaust. The Super Cobra Jet (SCJ) was the ultimate version: Drag Pack with 4.30 rear gears, engine oil cooler, and forged pistons. The 429 CJ was rated at 370hp; the 429 SCJ at 375hp. The SCJ is much rarer (~1,200 vs ~5,200) and worth ~25% more. Both were available 1970–1971.
- Is the Starsky & Hutch Torino a real car?
- Yes — the 1974–1976 TV show Starsky & Hutch featured a 1974 Ford Gran Torino Sport Fastback in bright red with a white "vector" stripe. The show used several Torinos during filming. The red/white paint scheme was not a factory option — it was created for the show. However, Ford did offer a similar "Laser Stripe" option. The Starsky Torino is the most recognizable Torino, but 1974+ models are less collectible due to low power output (351C at 248hp, 460 at 254hp).
- Why is the Torino cheaper than the Chevelle SS and Charger?
- The Torino is less well-known than the Chevelle SS (LS6 legend) and Charger (General Lee, Hemi). The Torino never had the same pop culture impact (Starsky & Hutch is less iconic than Dukes of Hazzard). The 429 SCJ is as fast as the LS6 454 but costs 50% less. The Talladega is rarer than the Charger Daytona but worth 40% less. This makes the Torino the best value intermediate muscle car for knowledgeable collectors.
Get an AI-powered valuation for your Ford Torino or Gran Torino — free, instant, based on real auction data.
Value My TorinoSources & References
- Hagerty Price Guide — Valuation Tools — Independent valuation data by condition grade #1-#4
- Bring a Trailer — Auction Results — Real-world auction sale prices for market comparison
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