REAL DEAL FORMAL ROOF GT, M-CODE 351-4V, FMX TRANS, EXPERTLY RESTORED, MARTI!

Chevelles are fine and GTOs get a lot of attention, but if you want to stand out from the typical muscle-car crowd, this 1969 Torino GT is the only alternative. With a strong-running M-Code 351 cubic inch V8, it's the Blue Oval's answer to the ubiquitous A-body. Better still, it's a bargain compared to its bowtie-wearing rivals and quite a bit rarer to boot!Handsome and restrained compared to its fastback siblings, this Torino GT hardtop adds a bit of formality to the performance game. All the Ford hi-po styling cues are in place here, including the hood scoop, rocker panel stripes, grille, trunk moldings, and styled GT wheels, so there's no mistaking it on the street. It was painted in September 2016, so it's still quite fresh, and the code C Black Jade paint shines up beautifully and this is definitely a car with presence (the original color was code Y Indian Fire Red, but there are no signs of the old shade). There's a ton of sheetmetal in those quarter panels but it's all quite straight and crisply rendered and panel gaps are very good all around, a testament to the fact that the original metal, pans and panels included, survived all these years and were kept during the restoration. You don't see these cars all that often, so you'll find a lot of enjoyment in the little stuff, from the grille and the matching insert in the hood scoop, and the lovely tail panel and tight-fitting bumper. You also get red stripes that are a subtle touch on the green Torino and they work well with the redline tires and red factory GT badges. There's also a beautiful black vinyl top that makes this car look quite handsome compared to its peers. Basic black is an elegant look for the interior, which also features a comfortable bench seat and room for six. The seats are in fantastic condition, and we strongly suspect that everything inside has been restored at some point, so it has an all-of-a-piece look that's very appealing. The instrument panel offers a quartet of round gauge pods seeming to grow out of the dash pad and the gauges inside are in good shape, with interesting silver faces that still show up pretty well behind lenses that are only a little cloudy. The original AM radio is still in the dash, but it's not working so an upgrade might be in order, maybe by hiding it in the glove box. The door panels show Ford's intentions with the Torino (Grand Touring), and unlike the Mustang, this Torino is big enough to have a good-sized trunk without needing a fold-down rear seat. And speaking of the trunk, it's fitted with a reproduction plaid mat, full-sized spare tire, and jack assembly for a very correct look.OK, the real reason this Torino GT is special can be found under the hood: a 351 cubic inch V8. It's been fully detailed and probably looks better than new. The OEM appearance is augmented by a set of simple stamped steel valve covers and painted air cleaner assembly, which also wears a reproduction decal. The carburetor was just rebuilt in May 2017, so it starts easily and runs beautifully, with smooth torque that only vintage V8s seem to deliver. The 3-speed FMX transmission shifts well and the beefy 9-inch rear just shrugs it off and offers great highway cruising thanks to 2.80 gears inside. A recent dual exhaust system gives it an awesome Ford small block sound and even though the underside is mostly original, it remains in good condition overall. Classic styled steel wheels offer a more sporting look than plain old steelies and it wears 205/70/14 BFGoodrich redline radials all around.The original California car is documented with an original owner's manual, Marti Report, restoration photos, and receipts ($7k in new parts alone!), this is a fun, affordable Ford that delivers in all the ways that matter. Who says Chevy guys get all the breaks? Call today!