1976 Ford Gran Torino: The Luxurious Dream Car of Suburban America

Many individuals nowadays recognize what a Gran Torino is because of a specific movie bearing that title created by an iconic actor-director. However, I was familiar with these vehicles long beforehand due to my fondness for 1970s detective television series. Additionally, my father owned one.

It was long before your author came into existence, but your father’s initial occupation was working as an insurance investigator. The company founded by your grandfather along with Barney Moran and Dick McCarthy around 1949 in post-war Rock Island primarily offered dram shop insurance during the '70s. This meant your dad had plenty of opportunities to travel across Illinois, looking into incidents like bar brawls. What exciting experiences!

Consequently, my grandfather instructed Dad to go to Bob Neal Ford and choose a vehicle because much of his role involved driving. He ended up selecting a copper metallic 1973 Gran Torino sedan featuring a brown vinyl roof. Since it was solely for work purposes, this is the sole photograph I possess of it, with Dad’s 1960 Roadster in the frontispiece. You can learn more about the 356 and its follow-up model here.

A Gran Torino was quite a nice vehicle to drive through small Illinois towns. The Torino made its debut in 1968 as the premium model of the newly introduced Fairlane.

My grandmother's father also owned one of those, specifically a '68 Torino GT hardtop (rather than a fastback) in Candy Apple Red with a black vinyl top and black interior. I happen to possess an entire collection of photos showcasing such a vehicle as well. However, discussing that automobile would be better suited for a different article!

Although Fairlane models persisted as the more modest mid-size offering from Ford until the end of the 1971 model run, 1972 was dedicated exclusively to the Torino. The complete overhaul introduced curvaceous "Coke bottle" styling, a lengthened hood, and an altogether more spacious appearance.

And although the car was Larger, it didn't turn out to be as drastic as expected. The 1971 Torino sedan measured 206.6 inches in length with an 117-inch wheelbase, whereas the model from '72 extended to 207.3 inches in overall length and had an 118-inch wheelbase. Vehicles such as the showcased '76 example saw their size increase—to about 218.4 inches due primarily to the addition of those substantial bumper designs.

Coupe models featured an 114-inch wheelbase, whereas four-door versions had a slightly longer 118-inch wheelbase. The initial '72 edition remained the sole variant free from the so-called "park bench" federal bumpers. In 1973, a substantial five-mph front bumper was introduced; then, for the following year, '74 models also incorporated a corresponding rear bumper.

I've never actually been inside one of these before, which is surprising since they've always intrigued me. A Gran Torino represented quite an upgrade from a standard Mavericks or even ordinary Torinos. It offered some additional flair for suburban dwellers. In truth, the Gran Torino sedan was the best-selling mid-sized Ford vehicle back in 1976.

The most affordable 1976 Torino model was the basic two-door hardtop, priced at $4,172 (equivalent to approximately $23,450 nowadays), with 34,518 units manufactured. Following closely behind was the standard sedan which cost slightly more at $4,206 ($23,640 adjusted for inflation). At the higher end of the spectrum stood the luxurious Gran Torino Brougham sedan, retailing at $4,915 (around $27,625 currently), where 17,394 sedans were made along with just 4,473 examples of this upscale variant. Lastly, topping off as the highest-priced mid-size vehicle from '76 was the Gran Torino Squire station wagon featuring desirable faux-wood paneling; it carried an eye-watering sticker price of $5,083 (approximately $28,570 today). This particular version remained the sole offering surpassing the five-thousand-dollar mark. A total production run saw 21,144 vehicles rolling out of the factory gates.

A total of 40,568 Gran Torino sedans were manufactured, each weighing approximately 4,081 lbs and starting at $4,495 ($25,260). These vehicles came standard with a 351 cubic-inch V-8 engine paired with a two-barrel carburetor, Select-Shift Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, power steering, power front disc rear drum brakes, along with an interior featuring brocade cloth and vinyl upholstery.

According to the brochure: "Time and time again, this model leads in sales within its class. Once you see and experience it for yourself, you'll understand why. The Gran Torino elevates your comfort and prestige significantly without requiring a substantial increase in cost."

For instance, you receive numerous premium features such as shiny metal rock panel moldings and wheel arches, along with additional trim on the rear lower panel. The top-tier audio system offers enhanced noise reduction for greater tranquility...the interiors boast a sophisticated elegance with thoughtful amenities and meticulous car detailing that significantly enhance your sense of pride in owning this vehicle.

Unfortunately, 1976 marked the final year for the Gran Torino. Starting from 1977, It would undergo a complete redesign featuring sharper angles and layered quadruple rectangular headlights, renaming it as the LTD II.

Regrettably, as times changed, the LTD II failed to match the sales success of the Torino and ceased production after 1979. Regarding the vehicle highlighted here—a model colored with Code 6P, known as Creme—I encountered it in downtown Rock Island during June 2021. At the time, I was en route to participate in the regular cruise night at the Davenport riverside when I spotted this car and promptly diverted from my path just to see it up close.

What’s wild is that I recognized this car. I recall spotting it at the Kmart in Rock Island around 1999. Back then, I was utterly astonished to come across a nearly new Gran Torino in such excellent condition that I had to pull over my 940 just to snap one photo. You can imagine how stunned I was when I spotted what must be the very same vehicle, still in impeccable shape, in 2021!

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