model year 1970

An even sportier appearance with a flatter windshield and strong facelift. Here are a few sample pictures of the respective models:

>>> Model overview <<<

In 1970, the Torino was run as a separate series, the Fairlane was located one level further. Ford changed a lot about the look of the Torino. The box-shaped line has been replaced by the cola bottle line. Stylist Bill Shenk gave the Torino a whole new look, following a supersonic plane with a narrow waist and arched hull.

The bonnet became longer and wider than the ’69 models. The roofline was lower and not as pronounced as the previous models. The tilt windshield was slightly tightened and the hatchback had an even flatter roofline. The general styling was much more aerodynamic. The grille went over the entire width of the front end. The fenders visually extend the doors. The rear and front chrome bumpers were slimmer and snuggled perfectly into the line. The taillights are no longer square but oblong with rounded outsides.

The model maintenance was very extensive, 15 models were offered. The base model was now the Fairlane 500, which was available as a coupe, sedan and station wagon. The Torino was offered as a coupe, limousine without B-pillar, sedan and station wagon. The Torino “Brougham” was the top equipment variant and was offered as a coupe, sedan without B-pillar and as a station wagon. The Torino GT could be purchased as a coupe hatchback and convertible. The Cobra was only available as a coupe hatchback.

The Ford Falcon joined this extensive model change. This model was introduced in 1960 and should form the end of the series in the ’70 model year, the entry-level model in the middle class. On January 1st 1970, some new standards were introduced, but the Falcon could not meet. Therefore, the Falcon is called the 1970 ½ model because it was no longer produced afterwards. It was offered as a coupe, sedan and station wagon. It had less equipment than the Fairlane 500 and was slightly cheaper. The Falcon had just an inferior rubber floor instead of a rug for example. But it was the only model that was offered as a 2-door sedan. In the middle of the year, a Torino Coupe hatchback was introduced, which has been marketed as a low-priced alternative to the GT. With these types you could choose from 17 models.

Although all models gained in length and width, but were also heavier. The wheelbase increased to 117 inches (estate 114 inches) and the track was widened. Despite weight gain of an average of 100 kg, the suspension remained the same. However, one could continue to order the sportier suspension that brought significant improvement in driving behavior.

The engines were only the 250er, 302er and 351-2V taken over. The 250 remained as a production engine, the 302 series as a series for GT and Brougham. New was the 351cid Cleveland engine, which was offered as a double or 4-speed carburetor. Also new was the 429 four-compartment carburetor V8 of the 385 engine series. This engine was standard in the Cobra. The 351W-2V (Windsor) and 351C-2V were given the same power. The 429 was available in three different types. The “Thunder Jet” with 367 hp, the Cobra Jet with 381 hp (equipped with 700 CFM Rochester 4-speed carburetor with or without ram-air) and the Super Cobra Jet with around 390 hp. The Super Cobra Jet was part of the “Drag Pack” option. This includes either a 3.91:1 or a 4:30:1 final drive, forged pistons, a 780 CFM Holley carburetor, engine oil cooler and more. Again, it was offered with or without Ram Air. In addition, Ram Air was also offered on the 351C-4V. The hood on the bonnet got the nickname “Shaker” because it shook or vibrated when the engine was running. The 3-speed manual remained standard (except Cobra), the 3-speed automatic and 4-speed gearbox remained in the program.

The interior was completely new. The dashboard is facing the driver. The temperature gauge was the only available one. Oil pressure and electrical system were monitored only with warning lights again. Bucket seats were offered for all 2-door models and were no longer series in the GT. The upscale Torino Brougham was more noble. Finer upholstery, hubcaps, other emblems, extra insulation and the so-called “Hideaway” headlamps. These twin headlights open or close via Vacidum-pumps. When the headlights are closed, it looks like a large radiator grille without headlights.

The Torino GT was delivered with an air scoop on the hood, but only the optics served. It was blinded with a black plastic panel from the inside. GT emblems, sport-color painted sports mirrors, taillights in full body width (the middle part serves only as a reflector) and hubcaps with decorative rings were also features of the GT. Standard tires were the E70-14 (about 225/60), convertibles were delivered with F70-14 (about 215/70). New to the Torino GT was the so-called “Laser Strip”, a reflective strip in the middle of the side panel. Besides the “Hideaway” headlight was offered. By air pressure, 2 large flaps obscured the headlights and behaved to a more aggressive front. The magazine tested the hatchback GT and a 429 Cobra Jet, C6 automatic transmission and 3.50:1 ratio. The acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was completed in 6.0 seconds, the quarter mile in 14.4 seconds with a speed of 100.2 mph (161.3 km/ h)

The Cobra remained a pure performance model. It was only available as a hatchback and was delivered with 4-speed manual transmission. New in the program were 15 inch Magnum 500 rims with F60-15 tires and a kind of grill or spoiler on the rear window, known from the Opel Manta or similar models. Both were also available for the GT. Although the Torino has become heavier, the performance of the 429 is gigantic.

The station wagon was offered in 3 variants. As Fairlane 500, as Torino and Torino Squire. The tin dress was hardly unlike the coupe and sedan. It had more space than the other two body styles and was visually upright. The Squire was the top variant and had wooden dummies on the sides again. It was shipped from the factory with the small V8 with 302cid, and had front disc brakes. It had the three-way tailgate, the roof rail and the optional 3rd rear seat.

And then there was the King Cobra. Since Ford lost more and more ground in the NASCAR to the Dodge Charger Daytona and the Plymouth Superbird. 2 or maybe 3 of these monsters were made. The KC had a completely revised front end and one of them an outwardly curved rear window. This brought a significant improvement in air resistance. The exact number of pieces is still a mystery today. The first King Cobro was yellow, has a normal VIN stamped and has no vaulted rear window. Installed was a modified allegedly 700-hp, 429 Cobra Jet engine. Then there was a second in white with a hand stamped VIN. This was powered by a revised 460 engine equipped with 429 heads. Since the car has an accident, it was equipped with a standard Torino front and sold (in the meantime in the color blue) to South Carolina. A few years later, the car was discovered in a junkyard. Even the damaged front end was found, repaired and a second front was rebuilt. This Torino, however, is orange and one is not sure if it’s the white one or not. However, this thoroughbred racing machine was never produced. Numerous tests showed tremendous instability at higher speeds. Furthermore, Ford opted out in 1971 from the NASCAR, which prevented further development.

In general 1970 was also a very successful year for the Torino. It was often photographed by the press and voted for Car of the Year by Motor Trend magazine. There were 230,411 Torinos produced, along with 110,029 Fairlanes, 67,053 Falcons and 485 Special Edition Torinos.