1969 Ford Torino Gt 428 Cobra Jet Cj Unrestored Survivor Marti Report Fairlane on 2040-cars

Before we begin, I want you to know that like you, I'm a classic car fanatic. I've also been an eBayer since 1998 and take pride in only receiving positive feedback over the last 16+ years.  I've owned dozens of cars over the years and have made many sight unseen deals to acquire or sell cars across the country.

In addition, I strongly believe in the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words." The Internet has allowed us in our hobby to search for cars nationwide and it's my hope to make you as comfortable as possible with this purchase. I am listing this car for a close friend and I took all of the photographs and video. I have had the honor of driving this piece of history, and can vouch for its condition. Please sit back with your favorite beverage and enjoy the lengthy description, video links, and 412 photos of this incredibly special car.

Here is an opportunity of a lifetime to purchase an investment quality,unrestored, true survivor, 1969 Ford Torino GT 428 Cobra Jet with under 36,000 original miles. I've never seen a low mile, unrestored survivor Torino GT come up for sale, let alone one with a factory 428 Cobra Jet. Can you already smell the leaded Sunoco fuel in this Torino?

We all see so many restored cars for sale that are either over-restored,  reassembled with incorrect hardware and inferior aftermarket parts, gloss black everything, or those that just don't feel right when you drive them. There is a movement of appreciation for unrestored survivors in our hobby and this Cobra Jet powered Torino represents this movement perfectly.

I don't want to overuse the saying "it's only original once", but we know it's true. The survivors just seem to feel better, drive better, and in my opinion, look better. Thankfully, the market is appreciating survivor muscle cars. If you're on the fence with this purchase, ask yourself when you'll find another unrestored example to put in your garage?

Finished in its mostly original Lime Gold paint, this non ram air, bench seat Torino was built to be the ultimate sleeper. Purchased new at Selig Ford on National Avenue in West Allis, WI, I picture the original owner convincing his wife that he just purchased a "family" car. Little did she know that under the hood was Ford's baddest big block on the market, the legendary 428 Cobra Jet. Completely underrated at the factory at 335 horsepower, most Ford lovers tout this fire breathing dragon as the best street racing engine Ford ever built. Backed by a C6 transmission, beefed up at the factory with heavy duty clutch packs and the famous "R" servo, many people preferred these C6's over the 4 speed.

How many of these 428 CJ Torino GT's were made? Let's refer to the Marti report that will accompany the car with the sale. The numbers show that just 701 of the 386,000 FairlaneTorinos made in 1969 had the Q code 428 Cobra Jet and only 410 of those cars featured an automatic transmission.  For perspective, there were more 428 CJ powered Talladegas and Cobras made in 1969 than there were Torino GT's with the same powerplant. Now, that's rare!

This Torino GT shows under 36,000 miles on the odometer. We don't have a paper trail with the car, but please read on, study the photos, and we think you'll agree that there is no doubt the mileage is original. The original exterior patina is consistent with a low mileage car. The original interior shows like a 36,000 mile car, with little pedal wear, consistent vinyl wear on the seats, carpet, etc. Finally, the engine compartment photos will show the factory stapled valve cover gaskets still in place (you never see this!!), many factory emissions hoses (radiator and heater hoses have been replaced), and original finish on the engine block, etc.

Videos

'69 Torino 428 CJ Cold  Start

'69 Torino 428 CJ History

'69 Torino 428 CJ Running

'69 Torino 428 CJ Driving

Mechanicals

Let's begin with the mechanicals on the car. The factory 428 Cobra Jet starts, runs, and idles incredibly well. Set the choke, turn the key, and it starts. Note in the video that the choke steps on the 735 cfm Holley still operate like they should too!

After a warm-up, this low mile Cobra Jet is ready for whatever duty you give it. This Torino will cruise around town all day without giving you the grief a 429 may give you at low speeds. But, lay into the throttle, and this well-tuned 428 Cobra Jet will show you who's boss in a hurry. This is not a car for the faint of heart.

For those not familiar with the beefed up C6 transmission designed for these Cobra Jets, they're phenomenal as well. The heavy duty clutch packs allow for quick, no delay shifts. The famous R servo on these transmissions is also really neat. If you haven't driven a car with one, the R servo helps provide super positive shifts, which almost seem to throw the car forward.

Note the photos of the countless original parts on the car, but also note that a few items, like the starter, brake booster & master cylinder, and shocks have been replaced.

We'll let the videos show the rest. The Torino accelerates smoothly and handles like a low mileage car should. The steering is incredibly tight and there is little wind noise in the car, as noted in the videos. The period correct Mickey Thompson F70 bias plys have good rubber, track well and aren't noisy. The bottom line is this is the nicest original intermediate sized car I've ever driven. Seriously, it drives that nicely.

Numbers

Ok, let's talk numbers. The 428 block is date coded 8L25, which we believe translates to the 25th day of December, 1968. This coincides with the January 1969 build date of the car. One the rear pad, we were unable to get the camera to take a photo of the very light VIN stamping. What can be made out with the naked eye, is 9K. The next couple digits are stamped too lightly to make out, but the next readable digit is a 1. Add in the factory overspray on various parts in the engine compartment and there's no doubt in my mind the engine is original to the car. In the photos, please note the 428 Cobra Jet only power steering cooler, as well as the correct 428 Cobra Jet distributor.

The transmission photos show a code of PGB AG, which is correct for a '69 Cobra Jet car, with a column shift. The VIN code stamp on the C6 tranny is on top and cannot be photographed installed in the car. The odds of this transmission ever being replaced has to be near zero, as the PGB AG code is so specific to this car. Also note the cast iron tailshaft, which was also only available on these C6's mated to 428 CJ's, as well as the yellow painted dipstick tube that can be seen in the photos.

Out back, note that the rear end has the correct "N" stamped nodular case and features the correct 31 spline axle, as evidenced in the photo showing the three holes in the hub.

I've tried to take photos of all other parts with numbers under the hood, so please take some time to check things out.

Exterior

This Torino GT is gorgeous in the photos and videos, but honestly looks even better in person. The Lime Gold paint still has excellent glossy luster and is mostly original to the car.

We know that 20+ years ago, the far lower quarter panel on the passenger side has had a small patch. This is evident in the photos where a factory indentation on the lower quarter appears on the driver's side, but not on the passenger side. The current owner has known of this car for nearly 20 years and the patch has been there as long as he's known of the car. The paint color match is excellent and an untrained eye won't catch that a patch was ever put in place.

We also suspect there's been some other minor touch-ups on the lower panels of the car, as there are a couple spots where you can feel evidence of a mask line along the C-stripe. Again, most people won't even catch this, but we want to be upfront with what we know about the car.

We will let the photos do most of the talking, but please note the following highlights:

•          The original trim on the car is VERY nice, as seen in the photos
•          Notice the "modeling" patina of the factory metallic paint...I love it!
•          Note the halogen replaced, but correct, Ford script headlights
•          The front and rear bumpers have been rechromed
•          All glass is correct and in extraordinary condition
•          The original grill is gorgeous and has just one crack on the passenger side
•          The trunk floor is solid and factory Ford metal
•      The factory original spatter paint trunk mat also looks very nice (see the part number in the photos).  Note the spare tire and jack assembly too!

Interior

The original black interior in this Torino is nothing short of spectacular. Those of you in the know will see that the seat pattern is the '68 style. However, the seats have headrests, which is correct for '69. The seat covers are Ford original and the seat bolts show no signs of ever being removed. We've chalked this up as a factory anomaly and a cool talking point with the car. Please note the following while studying the interior photos:

•          The dash is beautiful! I'll let the pictures show it off
•          Note how nice the chromed plastic bezels are on the gauge cluster are. So many of these are worn and turn white.
•          The car was originally a radio delete. We suspect the owner wanted some tunes and had the dealer install a factory radio, correct antenna, and speaker
•          Note how nice the original Sports Roof package tray lays. It's nice and flat with no evidence of rear window leakage
•          The front and rear seat vinyl is incredibly soft and shows very little wear at all
•          The interior smells original. This is a compliment and you Ford nuts know what I'm talking about!
•          The doors shut like it's 1969. The unrestored cars only seem to do this

Undercarriage

This beauty is as honest underneath as it is up above. As most Wisconsin cars were, this Torino was undercoated new. As it probably saw a few winters, the undercoating went a long way to protect this car. However, please note in the photos that the outer wheel well housings have some rust. This is cosmetic and can only be seen on a lift, but again, we want to represent this car properly. In addition, please note the following in the photos:

•          The car has newer exhaust, with Flowmaster mufflers. Note the NOS chrome tips!
•          The seat mount reinforcement areas are very nice and aren't blown out like so many we see on the road. This is a common area for rust!
•          The original floors and subframe are also nice and just have some flaky undercoating and light surface rust
•          The gas tank has been replaced due to too much sediment in the original

Bottom Line

After looking at the videos and 412 photos of this piece of Ford history, please don't hesitate to contact the owner with any questions. Mike can be reached via telephone at 414-651-3856 until 9:00 p.m. central time.

This is a Marti Report backed, legitimate, '69 Torino GT 428 Cobra Jet survivor with under 36,000 miles. Own a piece of muscle car history.

Sale Terms and Conditions

Please let the 412 photos of this piece of history make you comfortable with a purchase. However, don’t hesitate to call me with a specific question. Please remember that your bid is a COMMITMENT TO BUY this car. Because opinions of vintage cars can vary, please have the car inspected or inspect the car in person PRIOR to bidding. Any inspection fees are the responsibility of the bidder. I cannot stress enough that I am asking bidders to follow through on their commitment if you bid.

A $500 non-refundable deposit and communication from the high bidder is due within 3 days of the auction's end. The deposit can be paid via Paypal or cash, and I will eat any Paypal fees. The balance is due in full within 7 days of the auction's end, paid via cashier's check (must be verified), wire transfer, or cash in person.  

Because of its age and mileage, this vehicle is sold strictly as-is-as shown, with no warranties expressed or implied. If you haven't owned a classic car, this isn't a 2012 Honda Civic. These cars can require attention.

When you place a bid on a vehicle, you are entering into a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle. This arrangement is outlined in the eBay User Agreement. We also reserve the right to cancel bids at our discretion.

We will not be liable for any cancellation of this auction for any reason. We reserve the right to cancel bids from bidders with negative feedback or a bid retraction history and members with zero (0) feedback need to contact us for approval to bid. As with all bids, bidders need to be 18 years or older.

As stated above, shipping charges are buyer's responsibility. We will assist a buyer with shipping the car anywhere in the United States or Canada from zip code 53172, but will not be responsible in any way for claims arising from shipping damage. We assume no responsibility for damages incurred after the vehicle leaves our possession. We are not affiliated with any shipping carrier. Any claims or other communication regarding shipment of vehicles will be between you and the shipper, not with the seller.

The terms of sale shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin without regard to any conflict of laws or provisions thereof that might indicate the applicability of laws of any other jurisdiction. The venue for all legal proceedings shall be in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.