41. 1969 Ford Torino GT
The ’69 Ford Torino evolved from the Ford Cobra and Fairlane, so needless to say this car has pedigree. Prices dropped and the changes to the Fairlane attracted consumers looking for muscle, which the GT package offered.
The Torino GT came with more than a few engine options that changed over the course of the year thanks to several UAW strikes. The best recognized was the 360hp R-code Ram Air 428. This car was a popular car to race on the streets, so much so that Ford had many turned in under the 12 month/12,000-mile warranty. People would take them out to race, blow out the engine in short order, and return it to the dealer for a new one, only to repeat. The car didn’t even have an option for a V-6. That tells you all you need to know. Ford was hoping to differentiate the Torino GT from the Fairlane. They made their point. It could go from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds and run the quarter mile drag in 15.
The ’69 Torino GT sold about 81,000 units, an impressive feat for a muscle car. Many are still on the road today, restored to their former glory.
Engine: 428 Cobra Jet Ram Air V-8 – Top speed: 121 mph –
Quarter mile time: 15 seconds – 0-60 mph time: 6.5 seconds