Inside Ford's 1969 Torino Talladega

We take a bumper to bumper tour of FoMoCo's legendary NASCAR Areo rocket. And this one just happens to be the very first one off the assembly line.
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[@otisdriftwood8469]

The simplicity of the interior makes it just incredible. No screens, none of the crap all these new cars have. That's a real car.

[@danielc5205]

Some say that money can't buy happiness, but that guy seemed pretty happy.

[@bretc9644]

I’m afraid of what I’d do if I won a lottery. I’d be broke in a week, but I’d have a really nice garage and a lot of cool cars!

[@artmallory970]

Look at G. 5oROS, all the riches he has, didn't buy him happiness...

[@UnfinishedProjectDartSport]

A garage full of cars that you can’t drive is happiness?

[@TRX450RVlogger]

Unfinished Project I know right. I agree.

[@kramnull8962]

Did you notice how fast he wanted to open the hood of the Talladega?

[@tmc.318]

I'm not a really a Ford fan, but I am... a big fan of Richard. That guy is gold. Hats off to you Richard for your collection and your incredible commitment to detail knowledge and the way you help others with registries etc. We need guys like you to never die. You help us see these cars in a way no one else has. Much respect....

[@69spoiler]

You are too kind, if you are ever in Middle TN look me up and you get a personal tour, I like good guys who understand the hobby and how much work is involved.

[@tmc.318]

@@69spoiler Ironically I was in Tennessee for four days last week. I competed in the Tennessee Knockout Enduro. It may be THE toughest off-road motorcycle competition in the world. That was the most physically demanding and beat up anything I have ever done in my life. For anyone who wants to see what that is, search it on YTube. Never again!!! Now back home in North FL enjoying my classic Mopar and Chevys. Thanks again for all you do!!

[@69spoiler]

@@tmc.318 Were you out at the Loretta Lynn Ranch?

[@tmc.318]

@@69spoiler No, that was a Motocross National which I love. I try to ride MX almost every week to train and I race two hour hare scrambles historically about 15 times a year but I am scaling that back some (I'm 53 now). More relaxing with drag racing and enjoying classic cars now. The TKO (Tennessee Knockout) was far more punishing and is in Sequachee TN. It's an extreme enduro and attracts racers worldwide, but the Covid had some of the international guests knocked back. On our Saturday AM amateur race, only 15% of the racers made it to the 20 mile end in the two hour time limit. Then we have to race two more hours and 20 harder miles later in the same day. Here's a link to the pro race highlights from Sunday. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5arm6iwq7l4gbs.

[@69spoiler]

@@tmc.318 That is crazy! is that a loop course that you do multiple laps on or just one round?

[@notsosilentmajority1]

I miss all of these types of cars. When I think about all the cars we had as kids for just a few hundred dollars it is mind blowing. We bought used 60' something Mustangs, Chargers, Camaros, etc. for a few hundred bucks. Now they are worth insane amounts of money. Hey, they were just fun to drive and gas was cheap. Beautiful car and this owner is realistic when he says........ "hey, it's a car". This guy is extremely knowledgeable and very informative. Well done.

[@656hookemhorns]

This car takes me back to my childhood, going drag racing with my dad and his buddy, to race a 69 Torino with a 428 and a 4spd. I was an integral part of the pit crew. I was the burnout director, cool can replenisher and picked up the time slips, all at the age of 8. Good times, wish I could go back 40yrs and do it again.

[@styldsteel1]

Good on you, those cars gave some great memories. But these cars weren't built for the 1/4 mile.They were super speedway cars. That's where they shine.

[@mynameis9057]

I know right! I wish I had a time machine!!!!! Great memories!

[@zazz69ed]

uncle tony says he is a mopar guy.. but his face always lights up when he talks about or sees an old ford... is cool he is just a muscle car gear head guy.. he prefers mopars but loves em all!!! thanks for the fords on here in this line up.. is cool to hear some history besides mustang history when it comes to fords.

[@luke8210]

That side view of the Talladega is a thing of beauty

[@gf4353]

A thing of beauty is a JOY. FOREVER. !!!!!

[@carllewis3203]

Thanks for showing the torino.i have a 68 Torino convertible going together with a 5.0 roller motor and aod.trans.and a ratty but complete 69 Fairlane cobra 428 CJ ram air,total project...love these cars.....made my day.

[@TRX450RVlogger]

Oh yes and over priced old heavy slow car totally cool.

[@terryburns8917]

I love these history lessons. Keep them coming.

[@needmetal3221]

Thank God these things aren't rotting in some lunatics back yard. Great camera work btw. Intuitive 👍

[@Thundarr995]

I wish more people were real with themselves. About 25 years ago I saw a 1980 Pinto panel wagon with the little moon window in the rear upper corner. Fairly rare car. After driving past it for about a year,I went over and offered to buy it. The guy said he didn't want to sell it,it only needed a new transmission it was a 2.9L engine 4sp transmission. First he said he was saving it until his daughter was old enough to drive it. After about another year,so..the car had been sitting there for at least 2.5yrs at this point. It needed a transmission,that's it..to be able to drive. It only had about 100k miles on it. I gave him the crazy price of $1500,and this is 22+ years ago. He still wouldn't sell it. I really wanted to stuff a 302 in it. It didn't need paint and it was orange,with the wood grain on the side. Black interior. He wouldn't sell it because now he was saving it for a retirement project. Well its still sitting in the same place 25years later. Its ruined now. Dude should have just sold it to me. He's got to be dead or pushing 90 by now. LOL!

[@needmetal3221]

@@Thundarr995 stubbornness and big ideas. Meanwhile the thing rots away

[@RalphSampson...]

@@Thundarr995 That's a really sad story, man. I'm almost guilty of some of that. I have had my '53 F100 for 40 years. It's in good shape. I keep changing plans and never drive it. Now, I also have a '62 F100 Uni-bed that I'm making my daily driver....

[@Zephyrmec]

@@Thundarr995 I watched that happen to a 58 Impala ragtop over about 40 years. It had a bad center carrier bearing on the driveshaft, gravel driveway so he didn’t want to jack it up to replace it. Eventually it got pushed into the side yard, and rotted away

[@mynameis9057]

Right!!!!##!! There's to many of the poor things rotting and wasting away because of some mentally dysfunctional selfish hoarder that won't sell nor protect or fix up way to many of these treasures! With all of the stupid senseless laws on the books, muscle cars neglect should definitely be enacted!!!!

[@justaguy6100]

My best friend growing up snagged a Torino SCJ, with the factory Hurst shifter, the Detroit locker rear end, shaker scoop, and the fire-breathing 429. It was so very awesome. He was turning 10's with no upgrades.

[@doubleaaaron]

Thats some smart thinking about the rockers. I love hearing these old stories. So simple but yet it worked so well.

[@styldsteel1]

It was cool. You can lower the car and yet still be within 1969 NASCAR height regulations

[@bartsmith5320]

Love that song "Gonna buy me a Mercury !"

[@shaggydogg3786]

Really cool show. Can’t wait for those mercs.

[@aliassmithandjones9453]

so glad this man has the means and the expertise to rescue and preserve these super cool pieces of automotive history

[@billybradyjr6008]

That’s nice!! My dad hung some of the front ends on those in Atlanta.

[@413x398]

To add, all T's came with a 3.25 open differential, A friend of mine bought me a Talladega door emblem from the dealer back in the 80's and challenged me to build a car around it (old inside joke). Still have the emblem, but no car.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Ha! Good one!

[@Motor-City-Mike]

That's a popular inside joke - heard it as built a project car around an old steering wheel

[@johna1160]

Another beautiful, rare car from Richard's impressive collection. Puzzled why they didn't come with buckets, or offer a four speed. That bench and column shift AT just smack of family sedan.

[@sporty196071]

A friend of mine from school had Talladega and a Dan Gurney sitting in Dearborn (1977) with no motors for years. He went away to college never saw him again. The cars may still be there.

[@billyhong5071]

Fantastic. So refreshing to see a guy with such rare and desirable cars who is so humble and welcoming. All power to you, and hi from Australia.

[@w41duvernay]

The torino has the rear bumper reformed, and turned around to mount onto the front of the car. That is a trend we got to see on Chip Foose redone on musclecars rebuilds. Foose likes to reform bumpers and pull them into the fenders for a "clean" look. Funny Ford was doing this, which is probably where Foose got the idea from. Thanks, Tony.

[@RygarTheDestroyer212]

Torinos are my absolute favorite! I'm glad to see someone doing a video on them!

[@robertclymer6948]

I love the 72 Torino.

[@RygarTheDestroyer212]

@@robertclymer6948 That one is my favorite too!

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@robertclymer6948 Pre '72, All Turinos were unibody cars. '72 on they had full frames.

[@aprules2]

This guy has like all of my dream cars....

[@mikepantel6945]

Mine too, could use a fully loaded 66 Riv just to tool around with. Marina blue with dark blue leather guts. (Dad had one)

[@swamprat9637]

Oh another great video leading up to uncle Kathy’s birthday spectacular thanks tony I can hardly wait

[@XxMusclecarsxX]

I love these late sixties nascar things, they're hot rodding right from the factory

[@marknease1631]

Good Job Uncle Kathy in showing us the seam on the rear side of the front bumper. Interesting!

[@rondyechannel1399]

I owned a Mercury Spoiler II and interestingly the nose panels are different than the Talladega and were just pressings that were welded on. Underneath the fender just looked crude. The Mercury nose was longer and more aerodynamic too! These cars were running Tunnel Port 427's on high banks and high risers on shorter tracks. They required more RPM to beat the Hemi but were hell for stout. By the time Atlanta rolled around Ford had the new Boss 429 Hemi under the hood. This was an unbeatable combination if they could keep them together. Then everyone knows Iacocca got control of Ford and dropped racing like a hot potato.

[@edge2sword186]

I WORKED AT THE MERCURY DEALER AND THE FRONT END PARTS WERE THE SAME PART NUMBERS , THE LEAD WORK ON THE EARLY FENDERS WAS REALLY UGLY. I KNOW DAVID PERSON DROVE A LIGHTER CAR WITH A DE STROKED 396 AT THE SHORT TRACKS BY USING A 361 HD TRUCK CRANK AND TURNING DOWN THE SNOUT ON THE FRONT OF THE CRANKSHAFT . I DON'T RECALL THE HI RISER EVER BEING UN BANNED FROM NASCAR BUT IT WAS VERY CLOSE IN PERFORMANCE TO THE TUNNEL PORT . FRANCE SAID THE ENGINE HAD TO FIT UNDER A STOCK HOOD AND THE HI RISER DIDN'T . I COULD BE WRONG ON THAT ONE ?

[@davidthayer6969]

The 427 High riser was never ran in a torino or mercury........first the hood would not close......for 1969 The Fords all ran 427 tunnel ports until race #10 at Atlanta at which time the Factory Ford teams switched to Boss 429s.......some independants kept running 427s.

[@claytonechols4876]

1968 Mercury Cyclone were the start of the aero wars because the Mercury grills where more flush than the Torinos . In 1968 the Cyclone set a world record speed of 189.22 mph at Daytona

[@mtpocketswoodenickle2637]

Who was behind the wheel, do you recall?

[@claytonechols4876]

@@mtpocketswoodenickle2637 Cale Yarborough

[@mtpocketswoodenickle2637]

@@claytonechols4876 Yes sir, and this guy has a Cale Yarborough and Dan Gurney edition. Badass!

[@69spoiler]

The Spoiler II was faster than the Talladega as well!

[@davidthayer6969]

Yes, but not only that, Cale averaged 183+ MPH winning the first 125......That race average stood as a NASCAR record for 15 years until Bill Elliotts come from behind at Talladega in 1985.........Cales average is still the fastest race ever ran at Daytona.

[@Gledge9]

Always liked them. I had a 71 500, 351C. And a 72 Gran Torino Sport 302. And the sister to it 72 Montego MX great driving cars.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

I also had a '72 Gran Torino/302 back in 1981 I believe. Car was in great shape inside & out, a real looker. The little 302 ran great too, to be a base motor. But I couldn't keep a C4 auto-transmission in that car to save my life. Went through 3 of em, so I traded it after a year or so to my father.

[@Garth2011]

351C was a lay low racer motor. It would idle smooth at 600 rpm yet get up and go all day long with those big huge heads/valves. A great all around engine it was. (1970)

[@TA_Plus_Hemi]

I always get called the Dodge guy, but those were some Grade A Fords.

[@andya857]

The most amazing garage i have ever seen, and a very cool gentleman..Great camera work...

[@paulshamblin6260]

Like a custom car from the factory. Awesome.

[@sorenzx1923]

I love aero cars. All aero car. Such good looking machines. Thanks for sharing these!

[@geekyzebra91]

The torino is one of fords best muscle car one of the cars on my dream list

[@rodneybrand8521]

That Talladega was built at the Ford Motor Company's Atlanta Assembly Plant..he didn't tell you that did he..

[@69spoiler]

There is more to the story but time is limited.

[@davedavis775]

Pretty cool history . These special purpose built vehicles are just awesome. That's funny that the Talladega never won a race at it's name sake and the same for the Daytona. The Daytona's were a bit more aero dynamic than the Superbird . Then NASCAR changed the rules limiting all aero cars to an engine size no greater than 305 cubic inches and suddenly they were not as competitive.

[@davidthayer6969]

thank you for your INFORMED reply. So many people claim that NASCAR banned the winged mopars.......your information is correct, the didnt ban anything, simply penalizing any special bodied aerocar.

[@kramnull8962]

My Dad rest his soul would have enjoyed these episodes so much UT.... I'll have to enjoy them for him. Thanks so much for such an informative breakdown of automotive history...

[@guywerry6614]

Really enjoyed the video - in addition to being very knowledgeable, Richard narrates a video very well. Nice job, guys, crazy wonderful car!

[@ScottKenny1978]

Thank you both for showing these beautiful cars!!!

[@CJDUBstang]

decoding the VIN tag on the door: 63B Fairlane 500 (Cobra bench seat) vin #46 So this particular car was tagged and vinned as a base Fairlane Cobra fastback, as were all production cars. This makes sense as the Cobra comes with bench seat, 9" axle, the 428, and all the heavy duty equipment standard. Some of the pre-production cars were actual Torinos, i.e. code 63F/ vin 42

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

Notice the top of fuel tank is the bottom of the trunk. My cousin had a '71 Torino GT, my friend had a 71 Charger, I had a '69 Chevelle. All were small blocks , boy we had fun in those days of high school.

[@nathanmartin8375]

Never seen one, beautiful car, thanks uncle Tony, cheers from Cape Town, South Africa

[@roberttaylor5999]

It blows my mind that neither the Talladega nor Daytona ever won at their namesake tracks!

[@hotwheelsbob2000]

Not only that, but the Talledga debuted at Daytona and the Daytona debuted at Talladega.

[@mikesawyer4707]

This was before electronics and on board computers took over the modern performance cars. My dad retired from auto repair business in the early 80's he could not keep up with the modern car's. He was in his sixties. It was time to sell the business and let the younger generation take over. Occasionally, dad would build a performance engine for a close friend or client however, he never did regret his decision to retire.

[@672egalaxie6]

Outstanding collection, thanks for taking us along, and please let's see them all!

[@SketchysGarage]

So many cars have been forgotten about that's why I like going in Old junk yards. Great video UTG.

[@erictate8986]

Hi UTG sir that was another great car review, keep up the good work ! That is a beautiful Ford Torino Talladega .

[@albertgaspar627]

I think the front bumper actually began as a rear bumper on the station wagons. Also, these and the wing cars were to get King Richard Petty to go back and forth from teams. What would have been slick, is if Ford had gone with the King Cobra Torino in 1970. No wing, all body.

[@hotwheelsbob2000]

Station Wagon bumper is completely different. The Talladega front bumper started as a Torino Sports roof rear bumper.

[@sumochop360]

We need some driving footage!

[@retrogaming8647]

Exactly.

[@raynic1173]

Yeah, when he said the faster they go the better they drive, That's a door can't leave shut.

[@collectingetc]

Ahh. I had a 69 right out of highschool. One car I wish I would have never gotten rid of. Beautiful car!

[@tulatoiletandsepticllc81]

Some beautiful old iron being very well taken care of.

[@xxZerosumxx]

My dad told me that when he was young, he bought a Talladega because he wanted the something with a big engine. Told me about the front end and how it was extended compared to the original GT.

[@simonheaney8721]

Automobile s especially cars from this era. is rich, fulfilling American culture. Beautiful ❤️

[@TheCanadianBubba]

Fellow that owned a gas station/garage in my hometown had one... had a *very* unique sounding exhaust. Too bad we did not get to hear it run.

[@CZ-kz7ug]

Beautiful car! I've been to alot of car shows and only seen one of those in my life.

[@fightinggator4398]

Ford is and will always be #1 for me!

[@gt-37guy6]

Damn...a legit factory race car. All that custom fabrication! Special Performance Vehicle...guess that says it all. Wonder if they used an outside fabricator house, like when they used CarCraft (?) for the Boss 429s?

[@69spoiler]

@GT-37 Guy The Talladega was built on the Ford Assembly Line. Some of the special parts were out sourced.

[@mraycgz]

So beautiful. So. Very. Beautiful.

[@Fleetwoodjohn]

This guys got some NICE toys!

[@MrPappysCobra]

Awesome collection and owner!

[@robertclymer6948]

Thanks you guys for showing this piece of history. I had no Idea this car existed. wow. Cannot wait to see the Mercury cars. oh, Nice camera work as always.

[@johnwilburn]

Neat! Some day when the opportunity presents, you should do a real deal LO23 Dart!

[@shanebrbich5698]

Pretty much the best car show on the net! 👍🇦🇺

[@Leosarebetter]

The Rims, Hubcaps, window winders, steering wheel are the exact same as the Ford Falcon of similar era in Australia. I used to work/repair/trash hundreds of them back in the day.

[@JR_406]

I love the aero cars. The little things that Ford came up with was so cool. Then Dodge... Not subtle at all. Lol

[@suprchkn9967]

Richard is a great great with a wealth of knowledge of Aero cars. Im glad i found the registry and got my Talladega on there, #558 in Presidential Blue

[@69spoiler]

Thank you!

[@pissbridge]

I love this thing that your doing uncle Tony and uncle Kathy!!! We want more!!!

[@edge2sword186]

EVERYBODY LIKES THEM ALL BECAUSE THAT WAS THE REAL "NASCAR " DIDN'T MATTER WHO WON THE RACING WAS ALWAYS CLOSE ENOUGH TO KEEP YOU ON YOUR FEET AND AWAKE ON EVERY TURN . I NEED ANOTHER ONE FOR MYSELF !

[@_Peremalfait]

It was a time of legendary drivers, Richard Petty, David Pearson, the list goes on and on, and cars that at least had some resemblance to the cars people drove on the street.

[@Ratridez]

Beautiful job on that bumper 👍

[@LITTLE1994]

Those cars are hard to find and are very expensive. The Nascar Aero Wars was a crazy time.

[@SuspenseESCAPEremastered]

I got to see the "good old boys" running these cars at Michigan in 1969! I was 10 years old and my brother took me. Richard Petty was driving a FORD.

[@mexicanspec]

It is interesting that if what said is true that there no option on the Talledegas, no car had reverse lights, because this one did not.

[@kevind3185]

Our Vocational school restored a 1969 Talladega in the late 1990's. Car came from a farm in Milan Michigan.

[@adamturner2507]

Only ford hey let's put the back bumper on the front lol I love fords

[@johnwilburn]

Actually the 67-69 Barracuda used the same bumper front and rear.

[@adamturner2507]

@@johnwilburn lol thats cool to it makes since for a manufacturer to try and reuse a part rather that make an entire new thing

[@styldsteel1]

Bruh you have no idea what your talking about.

[@davidoutlaw136]

A friend of mine here in SC was the previous owner of that car. He fully restored it. Said he was scared to death to drive it much in fear of damage. I seen it in in Tonys Daytona video and called the previous owner up and he said that was indeed his old car. Small world...great videos Uncle Tony your very appreciated for sharing your knowledge.

[@69spoiler]

Tell Mike Hi for me. Still love the Talladega.

[@davidoutlaw136]

I will. I sent him the link to this video. You have one heck of a collection.

[@tomjoad8272]

I like that this guy is so enthusiastic and sharing about his cars. That's the whole point. I meet the cranky bastards with restored vehicles and get cranky when people ask about them.

[@bartsmith5320]

You never disappoint ! I love these rarest of rare!

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

One thing that I like about the internet era is we are not stuck anymore with a majority of car magazines that turned their noses up at anything that is Ford.

[@79tazman]

I've always had a soft spot for the early Torino's they have the body style of muscle I knew about the Talladega's but did not know all the little things about them anyway that's a cool car

[@1234Testicle]

FANTASTIC BROTHER

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

A rare and wonderful opportunity to visit a very thoughtfully curated collection.

[@maddmaxx6730]

Very cool, any chance on hearing the engine fire up 😎💥

[@4.9copblank49]

Impressive collection.

[@nhra7110]

Thanks for sharing this special car!

[@Motor-City-Mike]

Memories of my '69 Torino Cobra. 428CJ, top loader 4spd, 9" nodular rear axle, 4.11 locker. A little Ford magic done - she'd show her tail lights to supposedly faster cars or melt the back tires into trails of thick white smoke. God I miss that car.....

[@skildude]

I had a 69 torino GT 351W that came with a hood scoop. Mine was Gold with Gold interior. Mine had the beauty rings and GT minicaps on the wheels. The front of my hood and quarterpanels were chrome. As I recall the turn signals were the front of the quarter panels. I later found out that the rear end of the car was from a 68 Torino and mine had been in a huge accident at some point. If was relegated to the junk pile after finding that out. Sure was fun. but in hindsight it sure was dangerous.

[@deefisher5157]

my absolute favorite car. my first was a 73 torino. unfortunately it was wrecked my current is a 67 galaxie big block two door

[@chrispiazza7487]

When I was a kid back in the late '70's in Philadelphia, there was a guy I know who had, I think, 3 of these things.

[@lrq7927]

Wow just Wow!

[@chucks6879]

Had the pleasure of owning one of these. First thing I did was cut off 1/2 a coil to get the nose down. Changed the carb to a 600 Holley so I could get from WPB to Daytona on one tank of gas. The speedometer goes to 140 at about 5 o'clock but had it hanging straight down one night all on bias tires. Car went to Canada oh it was the rare burgundy color.

[@kingerikthegreatest.ofall.7860]

Beautiful car.

[@bbb462cid]

Love it. I'm a GM guy but more than one FoMoCo product is a car I'd own happily. Like a '69 Cyclone Spoiler Dan Gurney Special.

[@jpsullivan4845]

I used to own one, by far the coolest car I will have ever owned. And the rarest- according to Moody they made barely 400 which would explain why less than 150 are in the registry. There is no missing these cars!

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Awesome car and information! Very interesting & I learned a lot. Thank you Richard, Tony, and Uncle Cathy! ( Is it spelled "Cathy" or "Kathy"??? )

[@curtislowe4577]

Ten years ago I spent a week in Norway. It was in June with the Summer Solstice in the middle of that week. I didn't get any photos but on the 83 mile drive from the Oslo Airport to Kongsberg I drove some back roads. I saw several 60s and 70s American cars. I can clearly recall a mid-60s red Chevrolet convertible. In Kongsberg there was a blue 68 Chevelle and an absolutely horrible 80s Chev or BOP station wagon.

[@bluesdude758]

I'm a Mopar Maniac but I gotta admit that Talladega is way cool! I went to the Talladega track in Alabama several times in the early to mid 1970s and it was great watching the cars "stretch" to hit top speeds around 200 mph. Back then, Mopar vs Ford vs Chevy was serious. Too bad, NASCAR screwed it up with "The Car of the Future." I lost interest after that... IMHO

[@MrFlounder878]

"Gentlemen. Start Your Engines!" please?

[@charger19691]

Thank God these beautiful rare cars are in very capable hands and have a good home with a nice gentleman.

[@peterl7346]

What great times it must have been working for these manufacturers! Thanks again you for sharing another magnificent example from your collection. Waiting for the next installment.....

[@Marco-fi6gv]

Awesome Tony. Love seeing these beautiful old muscle cars. Thanks again. I can't wait to see more

[@TURBO.SPENCE]

Awesome content tony!