The $1 Ford Torino vs 600 hp Pontiac Grand Am | FTW Ep 11

[@bmremmel]

I'd like to first thank Sean and AutotopiaLA for the great time and experience! Even though he didn't pick my Ford, I still love him. :) I have also met Sean (the owner of the Grand AM) and have seen his Pontiac Grand AM first hand and I'm a HUGE FAN of what he has done with his car, it's AWESOME (he's also a great and knowledgeable guy who's happy to answer any questions about it). If you see either of us at a cruise or show, come say Hi! Thank you AutotopiaLA and Sean for keeping our American Muscle alive!

[@MaxRockatansky17]

It seemed to be only the seats and seatbelts that was the difference in Seans choice, but after head butting a dashboard at speed I can see Seans concerns. But I love the original interior of your Ford. Even though the colour is not original it's bad arse! I love your car. 😎👍

[@johnbutler7682]

Brian what rims are you running?

[@bmremmel]

@@johnbutler7682 they are custom made Avant Garde wheels. Aircraft Aluminum. 18” Front and 20” in the back. Huge back quarter so wanted to go big. 12” wide Rear, 9” wide front. 55/65 series tires on the Torino at 4,278lbs made the car feel sloppy. Lower profile with bags and the redone suspension has made a HUGE difference in drivability. Saw some posts that the ride would be smoother with higher profile tires and I can tell you that has not been the case. It’s all about the suspension.

[@robertcopes1185]

I love your car and thanks for keeping it ford powered.. you don't see enough of the 68' and 69' fastback Torino's... Also love a 67' Fairlane 500 with a 427..

[@kramnull8962]

One of the most Badass Torino's I've ever seen. Blood sweat and a few tears makes for a beautiful portfolio....

[@TheCycle2300]

It is a HUGE opportunity for my Grand Am to have been picked to be on Shawn's show. I have met Brian and fell in love with his beautiful Torino. I fully appreciate the uniqueness of his car as I do of the GA. The Torino is definitely one of my favorite builds!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Both are such great cars! I really love the unique starting point and the creativity in each build

[@bmremmel]

Right back at you Brother! Let's catch up soon.

[@55Ramius]

Wow, couldn't believe you chose these two cars. In 72 , my high school muscle car was a 1968 Torino GT with a 390. Had a Dual Quad cross bolt 427 sitting on a skid in the garage but never put it in. Sold the engine to a racer. My friend had a few Pontiacs while in school but ended up with a 1973 Grand Am 400. Sure brought back memories although neither of us had that kind of power. Cool to see this. 😃

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

First On Race Day for me. I just love the way it sounds, and the family history with the car speaks to me, too. 👍👍

[@brianmcpeek651]

Wow beings back some great times! I drove a 73 Grand Am to high school. She was 2 door 400 hipo 400 turbo possi had his & hers shifter & swivel captain chairs all factory. 🤜🤛

[@FrisellFan01]

For me there is so much to love about this car. I have always been a fan of the Grand Am I have never seen one customized until this one. And for the Torino that is the finest example of that model I have ever seen.... great choices all around and a sharp car.

[@bmremmel]

@Jerry, thank you for the kind words!

[@robertvolpendesta9423]

Torino gets my vote. Had 1 years ago, had the 428 cobra jet engine with the shaker hood scoop. I gave it away back in the early 90s

[@iansharpe8420]

I have a special spot in my heart for thay grand- am. Sean is not only a super great guy, but has such a great grasp on styling. Its unique, and I love it.

[@oobatz333]

I’ve always hated red cars with black wheels and accents, especially on newer models, but man he really pulled it off with that Gran Torino, what a beautiful looking car!

[@bmremmel]

Thank you!

[@DKLabs99]

Tough call. Love the uniqueness of the Grand Am and everything about it but that Torino does it for me.

[@bmremmel]

Thank you 🙏

[@mcjams66]

Love everything about that Torino and the Pontiac turned out pretty cool also!

[@bryanluntz1603]

Always wanted one Almost bought a 73 years ago Was a 4 door tho Wished I'd picked it up That Green Torino in the Clint Eastwood movie Torino is gorgeous

[@trevorensrud8317]

I think this episode is the closest vs. yet!! I'm not choosing!! Both car's are just individually TOO AWESOME!!!

[@SHOdown13]

Both spectacular cars. Being a Ford guy I would normally go for the Torino. BUT... the rubber band tires detract it for me. I love what was done with the big body Pontiac. Color, stance, power, suspension, wheels, tires, interior and on and on and on. I agree with you on the Win.

[@courtneyjohnson8815]

Both Vehicle's were incredible

[@ronsolis8182]

Two beautiful cars but Man your take on these cars is always spot on, good job. 👍❤️

[@BigThomTattoos]

I love that Torino and the wheel size and stance is perfect

[@bmremmel]

Appreciate that

[@DavidNeyens]

Your show rocks! Well done. Love both cars.

[@crowvelle]

I am not a Ford guy, but that Torino makes my mouth water.

[@allantaylor3288]

I’m a Pontiac/GM fan all day long but the body style of the Torino wins hands down compared to the Grand Am and the story also won me over so Brian you get my vote this time around, cool car 👍

[@bmremmel]

Thank you 🙏

[@travishall67]

Good choice. My first car was a '74 Lemans. Almost the exact same body style as that '73 Grand Am. The older I get, the faster I remember that 2 ton car being. 🤣🍻

[@R.J.1]

Seat of your pants is the best indicator IMO. Even the slowest car can be fun if it handles. I'm certain a 74 Leman's was a blast and helluva first car.

[@buckreynolds1779]

Appreciate both

[@that68lifestyle]

That Torino is amazing!

[@bmremmel]

Thank you!

[@deanhughes2718]

This is probably the only FORD that I like.The 68 Torino looks tuff with perfect colour choice. Wheels and stance are also beautiful. So it's the Torino for me.

[@AutotopiaLA]

It’s such a great car

[@bmremmel]

Thanks Dean, much appreciated!

[@danmyers9372]

I’m a Blue Oval guy so it’s the Torino for me. Like you I would put in some high back buckets and shoulder belts. I also am one who doesn’t care for either the looks or the ride quality from less than about a 40-45 series tire. An 18” wheel with a 40-45 profile tire would not drastically change the appearance and provide a WAY more comfortable ride. As for the Grand Am I love the uniqueness and quality of the build but I also just can’t get past the fugliness of the original car. BTW, I love these comparison videos! 👍

[@bmremmel]

Solid points. I'll look into it and consider it. As a Blue Oval Guy, which seats would you recommend?

[@Antonio_Coimbra]

Thank you Autotopia LA for the super Content, super Videos and the super Cars 👍🥳🔥🙏🎉.

[@williamsager1238]

Both cars are bad ass !! Another amazing show thanks Shawn and team ..

[@bossesp351xe8]

Brian’s 68 Torino for the win for me. It is the more striking appearance car. Yeah I agree I would change the seats and safety belt set up, but that is an easy change but completely understand and support his reason not too! Very cool car with good back story.

[@AutotopiaLA]

They’re both such cool rides. I’d be happy with either of them

[@bmremmel]

Appreciate that

[@bryanluntz1603]

I remember both when you featured them Nice rides GrandAm subtle n clean build Torinos have always been a favorite car of mine and the Grandma story along with it just makes it that much more

[@AutotopiaLA]

They’re both such cool cars and the story with the Torino is awesome!

[@ljsites]

Love this series. ‘For the Win’ so for me to simply say they are both great builds would be a cop out. I going to pick the pontiac for just having the guts to tackle an ugly bumper not so badass car to build, and turning it into, well, a Badass car!

[@tobymcdonald2760]

Appreciate both but come on….. that Grand Am should be bringing Pontiac back as we speak. I’ve despised that aspect of GM and was never attracted but that car got me thinking otherwise. I want one now lol Great film and can’t expect anymore 👍 do it to it

[@TallStarlite]

2 Badass Rides !

[@jameshutchins3396]

The grand am when it came out was a what are they thinking car for me. This one completely changes that, love it. The torino was love at first sight when it came out. So for me it's a tie period. I would be honored to have both of them in my driveway. Absolute tie.

[@davemeyer505]

Grand Am was my choice from the get go. I have seen both videos, so it was an easy choice.

[@55555711]

i like the body style myself of that pontiac front end to me looks cool and the power is enough for the street to have fun with and the color works with this car interior looks amazing love it

[@greytogray6070]

Excellent choices to compare. Sean's GA is my fav, but then I have a predisposed bias in favor of Pontiacs. That said, the Torino is stunning and that fastback body style is a design triumph. Great family story with the car and great execution into a PT ride. Regarding the GA, your comment about thinking it's weird to start with that car as a basis for a build is at odds with your opening statement about liking these cars because they're different and not the usual Camaro, etc., starting point. For someone who has had exposure to so many different and amazing cars over the years, one would think your appreciation for variety would have evolved to a greater degree. In any event, a nice revisit to these two beautiful cars.

[@minnesotatomcat]

That is definitely the coolest 73 grand am around, but that Torino is bad to the bone. I wish I had that car and he had a sore ass 🤣

[@bmremmel]

LMFAO!! Appreciate that. Confident you're a tough negotiator so I'm not even going to try... ;)

[@wbr7869]

I’m going with the 68 ford Torino! Only because I had a 68 ford fairlane fastback! 289 with a 4 speed. God I miss that car and every cool car I owned!!!!

[@johnsbackwithcommonsense7628]

I love how these type of simply things put a smile on people's faces.

[@bmremmel]

I honestly love that too. Love it when people come up to me at shows and tell me how their Dad had one, or their brother who went to Vietnam.. it really gets people into being nostalgic. It’s one of my favorite parts of the car scene.

[@jeffrooster]

The colonade platform was pretty good in my opinion . I would choose the GrandAm, with one change. modify the rear bumper to tuck in tighter.

[@ivanracine431]

Two great cars great show man as always 👍👍👍👍👍

[@jonathancox2401]

I don't care about having high bucket seats and shoulder harness. The thrill is in getting sideways and thrown around and feeling the thrust from the ponies under the hood. I thought the fun comes from adrenaline pumping because being behind the wheel or even on the passenger side creates a certain level of danger or fear that makes the experience incredible. I love both builds but I prefer the Torino.

[@bmremmel]

Thanks Jonathan for the kinds words. Not going to lie... feeling a little "out of control" has been part of the thrill for me since I got the car at 16. Kind of like walking a wire without a net... ;)

[@jakepearson3189]

Nothing badder then a red Ford!

[@hotrod2321]

First I want to say I Love watching your videos. Both car's are just awesome. But I agree that Grand am is just beautiful it sounds and looks amazing. I love that body style. He did everything perfect on it. Thanks for all the great videos can't wait to see what's next. Take care.

[@TheCycle2300]

Thanks for your comments. I appreciate it. 👍👍

[@gsmith207]

love both. So ill take both! sold! ha! seriously tho these guys built some epic gas assin cars! Really inspirational to us car nut heads with issues! Cheers!

[@bmremmel]

Thank you!

[@fks-pv8il]

Love both these cars. Hard to lose when you have what you want and the are sic!

[@AutotopiaLA]

They’re both badass rides

[@bmremmel]

🙏

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

Both are WICKED... the Grand Am is the one

[@embersullivan3214]

Like you said, the Grand Am is just one of those cars that’s really hard to make it something cool. I gotta go with the Torino. I’m all about a vehicle with a story, and to still have the original interior, and the hole where his finger poked through the seat. It’s everything to me. That’s not just a car. It’s a family member. Some people will never understand when I say a car has a heart and soul all its own, but it’s true. There are so many stories, and memories attached to a car like that.

[@AutotopiaLA]

I’m with you all the way. Wish all these old cars could talk. What a story!

[@bmremmel]

Thank you so much, couldn’t have said it better. My Grandma would always pick us up from school in the Torino. One day, there was a lightening storm. My twin brother and I were scared. We ran to the car, got it, and she could see we were freaked. We were afraid we would be struck by lightening and begged her to hurry home. She then told us “we would always be protected with her in that car”. We felt relieved. 33yrs later, I honestly feel the same every time I get in. It’s not a car, the Torino means something to me that few people will ever understand. Thank you Ember for realizing that. It has a heart and soul. One day, my son will keep that alive.

[@saether75]

Nice to see something different on the channel tho I love ‘em all. Alm in all two cool cars done right 🤘

[@pa2922]

And the Winner is the Torino! No question both cars great but the torino winns

[@bmremmel]

❤

[@terraboundmisfit]

Worst thing about the Pontiac is no 455 SD, with shaker under the hood. Best thing about the Torino is the 7 liters of SBF!

[@christopherstacy9375]

I love both cars awesome cars . like both seeing cars like that because you didn't see them all the time so yes awesomeness

[@Detroitmuscle74]

Bad Azz Ford Torino and for the ignorance of anyone saying the wheels are to big them most likely the ones driving a Honda another man build is just that another man's build Once again That Torino is a BEAST

[@bmremmel]

Thanks Michael, totally appreciate that!

[@brandaneakright6082]

I’m a huge fan of the colonade gm’s, and the Torino’s. I’d take the grand am though over the Torino, just because it’s one you don’t see very often and it’s such a nice build. I’ve had a 74 grand am and a 74 lemans, with some of the 73-77 Chevy chevelle’s and Monte Carlo’s. They’re great driving cars and honestly easy to make run really good too. I like oddball stuff that you don’t see 24/7 everywhere, I still have my 68 Chrysler newyorker I’ve had since I was 12. I’ve built it drivetrain wise but it still has all of its original body panels, and interior and paint but still looks like new. Hats off to both owners of these cars.

[@bazilwreckerloughead]

Yeah man; I've always been a sucker for the 'ugly duckling' (just ask my wife...JOKING). Love the story & the stance of the Torino, but like you said, the taller seats & the shoulder belts on the Grand Am are better...& those cut outs for the exhaust tips!

[@FastMonty]

Wow! Both stories are fantastic... I too have to go with Sean's GA, welp, cuz I'm a Pontiac guy, right? But, Brian's story, and build style (similar to my own), is also fantastic. Next cruise I'll be saying hi to him for sure. Shawn, love this channel, and what you do... keep it up, my man!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thanks brother! They’re both true knock outs!

[@FastMonty]

@@AutotopiaLA Agreed!

[@bmremmel]

Looking forward to meeting you!

[@FastMonty]

@@bmremmel Sounds good, brother! Keep it up!

[@crw3673]

2 unique looking cars! My way of saying, not my taste. 😄 But surely can appreciate the work that was done to both! The Torino tho, has some really low profile tires for a cruiser, but he built what he wanted. You can't hate on that. Different strokes, for different folks.🤪

[@AutotopiaLA]

They’re both amazing rides

[@jackperry9369]

Badass grandam thank you as usual Sean

[@55555711]

ford sounded like a monster sounded so good

[@bmremmel]

Thank you!

[@henriyoung3895]

Great vid. Thanks man. Give me the Ford. Then install new seats, roll bar n harnesses and old school AM torque thruster mag wheels.

[@bmremmel]

Thank you and love the suggestions. One day, my son will have this, so, I need to address the safety for sure. QQ, which seats would you recommend?

[@pedroVVILLA]

I Love the Torino beautiful color graphics design rare car i saw at the car show in lakewood, ca got a trophy best of the show I think it's perfect for cruising not for racing

[@bmremmel]

Thank you! Yes, doesn't make sense for me to race this family heirloom.. ;)

[@Saffsa]

The Torino for the Win . One Bad to the Bone Ford Torino

[@bmremmel]

Thanks man!

[@1valg]

That Grand Am is done just right. Clear winner.

[@brianbob7514]

Correct choice :)

[@gangleri_0181]

Now, that's one nice Torino!

[@bmremmel]

ty!

[@Godsblessings1111]

You can't go wrong with either ride! The Ford Torino, truly has that old muscle school look and sound! Great content as always! ✌

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you. Both are such killer builds

[@bmremmel]

Ty! That Grand Am is bad ass. The owner Sean is super cool as well. We appreciate all the love!

[@biggchuski4927]

There both 2 sick cars, but I have to go with the Torino I'm a Ford man 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿

[@bmremmel]

Thank you!

[@wolfthornhawkridge5705]

I think I’m going to have to go with the Torino for the win. Set up nice plenty of power, although, I agree that the lap belts could be updated.

[@bmremmel]

Yeah, I believe I'm coming around to that for sure. Especially if I'm going to give this to my son one day. Interesting the stuff we tolerate for ourselves that we wouldn't for others. ;)

[@NXT_LVL]

I always liked the Torino, until I saw a 66 Charger and went hmmm. That said, we will NEVER have that era of car design and performance again. Say what you want about the modern tech and engines, old iron is good iron

[@wolfthornhawkridge5705]

@@bmremmel if it makes you feel better, I drive a 65 Mustang with only lap belts and I removed the headrest from the seats (Corbeau). We love our Fords and try and stick close to the way they were in their prime! Sweet ride you have.

[@bmremmel]

@@wolfthornhawkridge5705 how do you like your Corbeau seats overall?

[@wolfthornhawkridge5705]

@@bmremmel there very comfortable, the side bolsters and reclining feature are my favorite. I tried to like the headrest but for the 65 they were to high. The one thing I did was added the seat track extenders as the seat tracks they provide put the seat in a higher position than stock and it had me a bit to close to the steering wheel. There really good for long drives, very comfy and hold you in place when cornering.

[@bklynbatallday104]

I had both these cars my family back in the day one uncle Add at 3:51 Cleveland the other had 428 cobra & my older Cousin had the pontiac GA I loved all those cars however the pontiac in my opinion had the nicer Interior and ride

[@fredericbergez9257]

wonderful Pontiac !!! So gorgeous !!! Sincerly, I began to be fed up with the same muscle cars, even though they are all nice and awesome. This Grand AM is one of my favorite car of this era. Nice Curves, a body line so cute and agressive. Yeah !!! And of course the Torino is pretty too, in his Pro-touring style. And with his history, it's really amazing. 😉

[@matthewpicklesimer293]

Excellence x Awesomeness = Pleasure Unlimited Big Smiles Inc.

[@georgef1176]

All that grand am needs is the rear bumper nipped and tucked. The front is good. I’m so amazed at that thing I want one!!

[@rlstang7276]

the two cars are impressive but I take the Torino

[@bmremmel]

Thank you!

[@rlstang7276]

@@bmremmel 👍🏼👍🏼

[@cesarenotardonato9937]

That Pontiac Grand Am is just fabulous and I love it...always loved Pontiacs

[@crispy-steven2076]

Hell yeah!!!!

[@thomasj.kappjr.929]

Looks perfectly fine to me staggered stance LowPros GetsUp and Goes forget the haters

[@bmremmel]

Thank you :)

[@fishpony1211]

Both cars were great. I have to go with the grand am for rarity and motor choice. The LS7, in my opinion, is the greatest ls motor ever built

[@terraboundmisfit]

A 455 SD would have been so much cooler!

[@christophermielke]

Old friend had an almost identical Grand Am back in the 80's with similar hp #'s. He drove it into Lake Huron the same day he picked it up from the custom shop. Alcohol may hv been a factor, no injuries. It "was" a nice car! I Agree, Grand Am for the win

[@PhillyDee215]

Make America 🇺🇸 V8 AGAIN

[@derondewitz2463]

I absolutely love that grand am !!!!!

[@derondewitz2463]

Regardless of the LS swap it's just a rare car and yes it's ugly but that's what makes it cool

[@55555711]

both was nice i couldnt pick i like them both

[@fks-pv8il]

After your wreck I don’t blame you for wanting the safety measures!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Definitely more important to me than ever before

[@jrmotorsports5532]

While I respect the hell out of the time and quality of the Grand Am build, the Torino wins it for me on looks alone. Great story as well.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Yeah. Both sick rides. I’d be happy with either one

[@bmremmel]

Thank you!

[@jrmotorsports5532]

@@bmremmel no problem, beautiful build.

[@ryanperry9472]

Sean, I absolutely LOVE seeing you get excited about a car! Your reactions are priceless! Love the channel dude!

[@bmremmel]

He's authentically and absolutely excited! You can tell he LOVES cars.

[@terraboundmisfit]

So, you are not here for the automobiles, just some dudes reaction to them?

[@EYSSEN2001]

I like the non traditional odd ball cars . More content on that please

[@55555711]

when it drove by it looked like a movie car i love that pontiac

[@georgef1176]

I never thought a grand am of that generation could be so nasty and beautiful

[@supersport57]

PONTIAC Gran Am was awesome.

[@NXT_LVL]

A Grand Am or a Boat-Tail Rivira are just one Bass Boat/Donzi paint job away from being an actual speed boat for the road.

[@RK-kj8di]

I like to see a body that is not common and I appreciate safety also.

[@55555711]

doesnt matter how heavy car is when you got sweet strong motor pushing the car

[@tinasmith4975]

SALUTE GREAT CONTENT

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Enjoyed!! 👍👍

[@josephpizzi7505]

F T W ! GRAND AM !

[@FIGHTSEEN]

I will fight anyone who doesn't like the 73 Pontiac. Got me looking around for shells. Awesome sled.😎🏁

[@jb2oldies69]

You make it soooooo hard Both are beautiful cars 👍

[@thejoshbtv]

Grand Am. Neither car is a particularly good looking design. But I think the Grand Am does look better. And I hate airbags so that is a huge knock on the Torino.

[@rajnbull]

Shawn you are dead on about the Torino. Not a fan of red cars period, but this car works well with RED. I'm a YUGE fan of Starsky and Hutch 76 Grand Torino and the TV show. I'm 56 so I grew up with this car watching that show. I never could get an answer on what motor they used in that TV show. I am guessing it's a 351 C or W. Maybe somebody knows what motor they used? Stay Gold..

[@bmremmel]

Thank you!

[@ed9603]

I've always liked the grand am so few will ever be seen

[@bartjacobs3394]

The Grand Am is a cool car but I love the Torino and im a diehard BLUE OVAL man so its Torino for me. I love your show Sean keep bringing these cool hotrods no matter the brand as long as its American made.

[@rixkafer56]

I'll take the grand am ... owning it 30 plus years is a pretty good story too. Its just me but if the torino looked more original like the picture, it'd would be much harder to drcide. .. i like the early Torinos !!

[@AutotopiaLA]

I think they’re both great builds