Ford Torino (First Generation)

1976 Ford Elite
Produced: 146,475
Original Price: $4,880
Average Auction Sale: $2,146
Median Auction Sale: $2,365
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Chassis Profiles
Produced: 146,475
Original Price: $4,880
Average Auction Sale: $2,146
Median Auction Sale: $2,365
Recall information
Chassis Profiles

1975 Ford Elite
Original Price: $4,720
Average Auction Sale: $5,213
Median Auction Sale: $4,375
Chassis Profiles
Original Price: $4,720
Average Auction Sale: $5,213
Median Auction Sale: $4,375
Chassis Profiles
The cost to own was around $4720 in 1975; production reached 123,372 in 1975. The year prior, 96,604 were produced.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2007Introduced in 1974, the Ford Elite was produced for the North American market until 1976. Based on Ford's Torino, the Elite was a two-door coupe that was a much more affordable personal luxury vehicle in comparison to the Thunderbird. It was intended to compete with the Chrysler Cordoba and the Chevy Monte Carlo. Basically, the Elite was a concurrent Mercury Cougar XR-7 with just a minor front end restyle. The Elite was offered during the beginning of the 'personal luxury' car craze that began during this time period.
A sub-model of the Torino, the Elite was advertised on its own with the side script saying 'Gran Torino Elite' and model would be both titled and registered as a Gran Torino. From 1975 through 1976 the Elite was finally its own full model and it featured the 'Elite' side script. The Elite was a very popular car in its own right and sold very well in all three production years.
The Gran Torino Elite featured all of the requisite features like the stand-up hood ornament, rear quarter opera windows, landau vinyl roof and many other period features. The standard engine in the vehicle was the 5.8L V8, and the 6.6L and 7.5L V8's engines as optional. The only transmission available was a 3-speed and a column-shift with a front bench seat or a console-mounted shift with buckets could be purchased as optional. On all models including the base was full instrumentation that included a tachometer.
There were basically no changes for 1976 other than a few colors and the catalytic converter becoming standard on a few models, depending on where the model was sold. The Ford range was completely restructured and downsized and the Elite name was dropped from the line after 1976. Unfortunately the Elite was a short-lived model and the Thunderbird was reduced in size and price drastically for the 1977 model year, and moved to the old Torino platform. The Torino was replaced by the LTD II. Continuing under the more-popular Thunderbird name, the larger Elite was discontinued.By Jessica Donaldson

1976 Ford Torino
Produced: 193,096
Original Price: $4,175 - $5,080
Average Auction Sale: $21,355
Median Auction Sale: $17,050
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Chassis Profiles
Produced: 193,096
Original Price: $4,175 - $5,080
Average Auction Sale: $21,355
Median Auction Sale: $17,050
Recall information
Chassis Profiles

1975 Ford Torino
Produced: 301,325
Original Price: $3,950 - $4,790
Average Auction Sale: $14,050
Median Auction Sale: $2,950
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Chassis Profiles
Produced: 301,325
Original Price: $3,950 - $4,790
Average Auction Sale: $14,050
Median Auction Sale: $2,950
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Chassis Profiles

1974 Ford Torino
Produced: 428,625
Original Price: $3,175 - $4,375
Average Auction Sale: $7,359
Median Auction Sale: $6,525
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Chassis Profiles
Produced: 428,625
Original Price: $3,175 - $4,375
Average Auction Sale: $7,359
Median Auction Sale: $6,525
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Chassis Profiles

1973 Ford Torino
Produced: 496,581
Original Price: $2,700 - $3,560
Average Auction Sale: $14,634
Median Auction Sale: $13,750
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Chassis Profiles
Produced: 496,581
Original Price: $2,700 - $3,560
Average Auction Sale: $14,634
Median Auction Sale: $13,750
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Chassis Profiles

1972 Ford Torino
Produced: 496,644
Original Price: $2,040 - $3,485
Average Auction Sale: $20,360
Median Auction Sale: $11,025
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Chassis Profiles
Produced: 496,644
Original Price: $2,040 - $3,485
Average Auction Sale: $20,360
Median Auction Sale: $11,025
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Chassis Profiles

1971 Ford Torino
Produced: 326,463
Original Price: $2,670 - $3,561
Average Auction Sale: $26,744
Median Auction Sale: $24,750
Chassis Profiles
Produced: 326,463
Original Price: $2,670 - $3,561
Average Auction Sale: $26,744
Median Auction Sale: $24,750
Chassis Profiles

1970 Ford Torino
Produced: 230,413
Original Price: $2,687 - $3,378
Average Auction Sale: $43,447
Median Auction Sale: $35,000
Chassis Profiles
Produced: 230,413
Original Price: $2,687 - $3,378
Average Auction Sale: $43,447
Median Auction Sale: $35,000
Chassis Profiles
The Torino was actively raced in the NASCAR circuit. In 1969, Ford introduced the Torino Talladega. This limited-edition vehicle was given an aerodynamic body style which they then used on the NASCAR circuit.
In 1970 Ford introduced the Torino Cobra complete with a 428 cubic-inch Cobra Jet engine. Power was transferred to the rear wheels courtesy of a four-speed manual gearbox. The suspension was upgraded and a dual-exhaust unit added. Bucket seats continued the performance montage in the interior. A Traction-Lok limited-slip differential was optional. A 'shaker' hood scoop could be ordered as optional equipment which helped the engine breath at high speeds. The Torino Brougham version offered luxurious amenities which offered a sporty appearance and creature-comforts.
In 1971 the Torino could be purchased with a wide range of engines that included a 351 Cleveland small-block and a Ford 429 cubic-inch engine. The performance could be further increased with the adoption of a Thunder Jet, Cobra Jet or Super Cobra Jet package. As government regulations and emissions standards were becoming stricter, the muscle car era was coming to an end. For 1972, only the 31 Cleveland eight-cylinder engine was available, however, still available in Cobra Jet configuration.
In 1973, to comply with government and safety regulations, the front end was given a larger bumper. This trend continued in 1974 when the front was modified to make the vehicle safer. The performance era had come to an end and consumers were expecting a new breed of vehicles which kept manufacturers struggling to meet these demands. The trend was shifting from larger, performance machines to fuel-efficient, safe, economical, and luxurious vehicles. This was true with the Torino which saw the performance options fade away from year-to-year, and more luxury offerings being presented.
The TV series 'Starsky and Hutch' drove a 1975 Gran Torino adorned in bright red colors and white body stripes.
In 1976 the production of the Torino ceased and replaced by the LTD.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2009

1969 Ford Fairlane Torino
Produced: 129,054
Original Price: $2,715 - $3,210
Average Auction Sale: $35,543
Median Auction Sale: $31,000
Chassis Profiles
Produced: 129,054
Original Price: $2,715 - $3,210
Average Auction Sale: $35,543
Median Auction Sale: $31,000
Chassis Profiles

1968 Ford Fairlane Torino
Produced: 172,083
Original Price: $2,685 - $3,120
Average Auction Sale: $22,045
Median Auction Sale: $18,150
Chassis Profiles
Produced: 172,083
Original Price: $2,685 - $3,120
Average Auction Sale: $22,045
Median Auction Sale: $18,150
Chassis Profiles
Model Production *
* Please note, dates are approximateRelated Articles and History
Ford Models