model year 1974

Launch of the Gran Torino Elite and the V8 comes as a standard engine for all Torinos. Here are a few sample pictures of the respective models:

>>> Model overview <<<

In year ’74 a little more was changed. The law stipulated that the rear bumpers also have to withstand an impact of 8 km/ h, so they had to be revised. The bumpers were much larger, square and placed a little lower. The taillights were shorter, square and slightly drawn around the corners to replace the side marker lights. The tank filler neck also moved slightly upwards. The front mask has also been redesigned. A new grill, slightly larger and divided into 8 equal vertical sections. The redesigned emblem was placed on the left in “Section 2”. The parking lights were mounted vertically in the outermost of two parts of the grill. The front bumpers have also been redesigned. The so-called “Bumper Guards” moved a bit mid wards compared to the ’73 models. The license plate also moved to the left, so to the driver’s side. The dashboard was retained. The Gran Torino Brougham can be recognized by the continuous taillight, which served in the middle only as a reflector. Brougham Squires (so estate) were recognizable with a standing emblem on the grille.

In 1974, some new features were offered. Gran Torino 2-door has the option “Opera Windows” (framed by the vinyl roof small side windows) on offer, the Brougham were this series. The Torino became more and more the luxury vehicle. A leather steering wheel, split seat, electric sunroof and many more. Decorative elements have also been redesigned. Here and there a few chrome strips refreshed the look. The government also provided adjustable straps, which was installed immediately but rejected the same year. A heavier suspension was no longer in the program, but a slightly more stable suspension front with stronger wishbones and springs.

The model range was the same as in 1973 with two exceptions. The Gran Torino Sport was no longer available as a hatchback and the “Gran Torino Elite” was introduced. The Elite was introduced to keep the new and popular Chevrolet Monte Carlo in check. He was considered a fallback to the Thunderbird, for less wealthy clientele. The elite was both, economical and luxurious. The elite has its own unchanged appearance with a more modern design, which was indeed derived from the Thunderbird. The headlights were trimmed with chrome, parking lights on the outer tips of the fenders and the grill was rectangular with a bulge to the outside. The taillights were a bit bigger and again consistent. The Elite was delivered from the factory with a 351er double carburetor V8, automatic transmission and radial tires. Standard were also vinyl roof, “Opera Windows”, split bench, fine Westminster fabric upholstery, wood applications and all instruments available in the instrument cluster.

The Torino has again increased in size and weight. Again, the car put on by about 5 inches in length. The 250cc six-cylinder was no longer the standard engine. The Torinos left in the basic version, the halls with a 302er dual carburetor and 3-speed manual transmission. The 429er and 460er 4-times carburetor was delivered with automatic transmission and was equipped with duplex exhaust systems. The 351 CobraJet got about 7 KW more power but 30 NM less torque. This was the only engine in which the 4-speed manual was offered and was limited to 2-door. Since the oil crisis in fall of 1973 and high-performance cars were no longer in demand, this was the last year for the 351 CobraJet and the 4-speed gearbox.

The Gran Torino Sport was difficult to distinguish in 1974 from the Gran Torino Coupe. Even in sports Opera Windows and hubcaps were offered. The sport, however, still has the emblem on the left side on the radiator and has a few “sport” emblems, including the C-pillar and trunk. The “Laser Stripe” was also no longer in the program, this was replaced by a smaller, no longer reflective strip. Bucket seats were still available for the sport, with a surcharge also with colored stripes. The Magnum 500 rims have been replaced by chrome-plated wheels with polished trim and silver-painted spokes. The weight increased again (about 180 kg on average), but the performance remained about the same. Thus, one can barely speak of a sports car.

Nevertheless, it was a successful year. 428,086 units left the halls, including 96,604 Gran Torino Elite.