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            Although my knowledge of this car is very informed for the last 36 years, I know absolutely nothing about it's history prior to 1978 other than where she was bought new and that she's only had 2 owners. 

            This is the paint that was on the car in 1978, hood stripes included. Originally Royal Maroon and repainted Turquoise sometime in the 70's. An inexpensive repaint even by 1970's standards. The factory paint can still be seen inside the trunk and within some of the small chips and scratches. Rock solid in all areas with only 2 minor rust spots. One small spot on each rear quarter panel (close-up's provided). Otherwise, the car doesn't even have a rust pimple. The finish actually holds a surprising shine and is a very pretty color. This is how I've always known the car to look. Chrome, stainless trim, emblems, lenses and exterior moldings are in very good original condition with only minor imperfections. Both bumpers are very nice. All glass is crystal clear. There are absolutely NO aftermarket or reproduction pieces anywhere on the car. The overall appearance of the car is quite good. The blemishes are easy to find on close inspection but the car presents well and deserves the thumbs-up and compliments it receives.        

            I have a strong sentimental side. It is hard to say goodbye to this car and know that I will never see it again. My collection contains several vehicles that I've gotten from my father and close friends over the years, not to mention the cars I've acquired on my own. As a General Motors lover at heart, I'm hoping that a "Ford Guy" will find this advertisement. I simply can't keep all of them forever. Will I regret passing this Torino on to someone else? Probably, but I stand by this decision. She deserves to be someone's pride and joy.

            At 46 years old, it's kind of surreal as I sit behind the wheel and drive down the road. It just doesn't seem that long ago that I was getting in the back seat trying to avoid being stuck in the middle. Now, I sure love my brother and sister but when I was a kid I didn't want to be sandwiched between them. Jim's touching me, Sara picked her nose. Sound familiar? Ah, memories.

            The view from my from my front porch.

            Close-up's shown below but the power convertible top is brand new.

            Not rust, just a couple of chips.

            This is #1 of only two rust spots on the entire car. This is the passenger rear quarter panel in front of the tire.

            Bottoms of front fenders and all along the rocker panels are gorgeous.

            The tires are brand new. When I took her out of the garage she had been hibernating in for 30 years, the bias-ply white wall tires from 1980 were all still holding air but I didn't want to risk driving on them.

            All glass is very nice and the windows roll up and down easily.

            Of course, the hood scoop blinkers work perfectly.

                  Again, the top is new. The original top was too tattered and aged. Wish I could have left it on the car but I had to replace it.

            #2 of only 2 small rust areas. This is the lower portion of the drivers rear quarter panel. Extremely minor but had to be documented. This car has never slept outside in the last 36 years. I assume prior to that it was simply daily transportation for the 9 years that the original owners had it. Oregon does not apply salt during the winter. This car is impressively solid. All inner structures, bottom of doors, fender wells, floors, trunk and undercarriage are mint.

            Not even a rust pimple.

            Original grille and brightwork are excellent.

            Power top functions properly.

            The top cross bows and frame are excellent.

            Yes, I have the original top boot.

            With the exception of the drivers seat cover and carpet, the 100% original interior is outstanding.

                  Every switch, lever and knob operates correctly. This is rarely the case. Due to the constant temperature of the insulated garage she always slept in, moisture and corrosion have NOT gotten to this car.

            All lights, gauges, turn signals, brake lights, heater, wipers and horn function correctly. The factory radio works when it wants to.

            122,419 total and actual miles since 1969.

            Both door panels and rear side panels are excellent.

            The center console is perfect.

            The original dash pad is beautiful. These are almost always cracked beyond repair and nice ones are impossible to find.

            Based on my explorations, the factory wiring appears like new.

            Replacing the original carpet and drivers seat cover would bring the factory interior to near perfection.

            I still can't believe we all squeezed in here. The back seat is excellent and was seldom used.

            The steering wheel wrap has always been there. It is my sincere belief that the wheel is in great shape under it but I can't be positive. The horn pad and ring are mint.

            Even as a GM guy, I have always loved the dashboards and instrument lights on the 68 and 69 Torino/Fairlanes.

            This photo says a lot. The rubber plug and paintless area around it are where the bodies were mounted to the machines and carried down the factory assembly line. These areas are very prone to rust regardless of the climate the car has lived in. The entire trunk area on this Torino is amazing. The following photos will support that claim.

            They are never found like this.

            The factory tar paper insulation is in excellent shape. Again, these things simply didn't stand the test of time. The trunk is gorgeous.

            The original grille is in exceptional condition with one very small hair-line crack near the right headlight.

            Just a boring 302-2V that runs incredibly strong. No ticks or noises of any kind. The engine really is top-notch. A tune-up was done, radiator and hoses replaced, new battery, new tires, etc... I did NOT go through everything. It was my intention to get her driveable and generally safe. Mission accomplished. Brakes and suspension feel okay but based on age I would assume some attention will be needed. The 3 speed manual transmission shifts flawlessly and glides through the gears like butter with a smooth clutch. Please note: Undoubtedly, I will get at least one question asking if she can be driven across the planet. Short answer, NO. Again for the hard of hearing, NO. She is running and driving fine but a comprehensive check out and service would be required before a long drive. The car is tight and sound but has been sitting a very long time.  

            Undersides we pray to find! Absolutely no rust or corrosion.

            I haven't noticed any large fluid puddles on my garage floor and I wouldn't call her a leaker, but from the bottom of the engine there is seepage. A safe assumption would be the rear main seal.

            The exhaust is old but basically doing it's job. She is pretty quiet.

            The original 8 inch rear end with 3:00 gearing is very worn and noisy. Correct replacement components are included. Easy repair.

            Backsides of quarter panels are excellent.

            I have spoken with a couple of Ford and Mercury "Guru's" about the rarity of the car. When all factors are considered regarding color, trim options, drive-train, etc, I have been assured that she is a one-of-one.