For 1968, Ford offered Fairlane and Torino hardtops in two flavors: a conventional three-box Sport Coupe and a slant-roofed Fastback. Let’s see how that worked out.
1968 Fairlane Torino GT studio model (note jackstands)
When Ford introduced the Fairlane and Fairlane Torino Fastbacks for 1969, from some angles it might look like a bold and risky move. After all, the ’66-’67 Dodge Charger and ’65-’67 AMC Marlin, two more intermediate-size cars with full fastback rooflines, had failed to set the showrooms on fire. And the styling critics weren’t terribly kind to these two fastbacks, either. But Ford had covered its bets in its redesign of the Fairlane for 1968, offering a conventional notchback hardtop coupe along with the Fastback. Now the buyers would decide.
Fairlane 500 Fastback and Sport Coupe
The Fairlane lineup for ’68 included four models and a new name: Fairlane, Fairlane 500, Torino, and Torino GT. (The name Torino was earlier considered for the car that became the 1965 Mustang.) The Fastback body style was offered in two of them, Fairlane 500 and Torino GT. At the Fairlane 500 trim level, the Sport Coupe and Fastback sold in nearly equal numbers. But on the sport-luxury Torino GT, the Fastback outsold the Sport Coupe by three to one. Vice President of Styling Gene Bordinat and his design crew had gotten it right.
Torino GT standard (left) and optional interiors
Despite its muscle-car badging, standard C-stripes, and presentation, the Torino GT’s standard engine was a 302 cubic-inch V8 with a mere 210 hp. At extra cost, two FE-series 390 CID V8s were offered with 265 hp (two-barrel) or 325 hp (four-barrel, premium fuel). Car Life magazine tested a Torino GT with the 325 hp V8 and Cruise-o-matic and strolled through the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 90 mph—barely worthy of muscle car status.
A 427 cubic-inch Cobra V8 with hydraulic valve lifters, a 10.9:1 compression ratio, and 390 hp was listed as available. However, the Ford experts are certain no such cars were actually produced. But in the spring of ’68 the 428 CID Cobra Jet V8 was introduced, cleverly assembled and grossly underrated at 335 hp, and now the Fairlane and Torino became bona fide muscle car contenders. It’s said the CJ’s output was actually closer to 400 hp.
Overall, the Fairlane’s 1968 restyle was a success. In the previous generation, volume had fallen from 317,000 units in ’66 to 239,000 in ’67, a less than encouraging trend. But with the ’68 makeover (essentially a reskin), production more than recovered, topping 372,000 cars. Of that total, more than 106,000 were slant-roof models, easily earning their place in the Fairlane/Torino lineup. Rebranded as the SportsRoof, the Fastback body style was continued for ’69.
These cars are among my favorites being as I was an ardent fan of NASCAR back when cars were closer to stock. David Pearson, perhaps the sport’s best, won two of his three championships with this bodystyle. It was so slick that the Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Superbird were created to battle it.
I prefer the grille and taillights of the similar Mercury Cyclone. The Torino deserved the traditional Ford round rocket taillights. Perhaps four of them.
My aunt and uncle had a Torino fastback, 390 4-speed. That engine blew, they replaced it with a 302.
Wasn’t a fan of the fastback when new,but it’s grown on me over the years.
Until its time to back up lol. You can’t see behind you except for mirrors. Very good looking cars though.
Its interesting that the early ’68 Torino brochure and Fairlane brochure both show a red Torino GT sport coupe with 427 fender badges and list the 427 as an option, though only available with the SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic and 3:25 gears, no 4 speed available. The later revised brochure shows what looks like the same car shot at a slightly different angle, but with 390 badges and no 427 on the options list, it predates the 428 release and shows the 390 as the top of the heap option. Makes you wonder if the early 427 car was actually built or if it was just the ad men doing the original exacto knife cut and paste ?.
When I was a student at UF in the mid-seventies, I ran my daily driver 340 Barracuda at the Gainesville drag strip 8-10 times. One time, someone brought a 1968 428 Torino fastback. Obviously just a street car, but I was expecting it to run maybe low fourteens. It ran low sixteens. Was this normal for a 428 Torino? Probably not, but that’s what this one ran. Never looked at the motor; maybe someone just put 428 fender badges on a 302? I never saw another 428 Torino at the strip.
When I think of fastbacks, I think of small 2-seat or 2+ sports, or sporting, cars. This is just too big for a fastback design. When I see it, I think of an overweight, bloated Mustang. Actually, in my opinion, it’s also too big to be considered a “muscle” car. Yes, it may have been fast, but any car with a 7.0-to-7.5-liter engine should be fast.
Thats right 100
Not if it had the 429 in it. It was fast. Iam from those times growing up and thought they looked odd to me also.
My Mom and Dad bought a 70 Torino Cobra 429 SCJ drag pack 4speed grabber green. Fast car!!
I have a 1969 Torino Cobra Fast Back Toploader 4 Speed for sale. Completely redone, Excellent Condition. Reasonable offer considered.
They also offered the Torino GT as a convertible – I’m certain of this as I owned one with a 390ci 335hp with C6 automatic, red with c-stripes and a white top.
I have a 1969 survivor Talladega with 53K documented miles for sale.Excellent original white paint and the never rebuilt 428cj runs and drives like new! Bought from San Diego Auto Museum. BEST OFFER