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BMW E26 M1 Sports car

In the fall of 1978, the road version debuted at the Paris Motor Show. BMW M1.The first model of Motorsport GmbH, the only 114 inch flat BMW M1 on the name had been baptized. BMW M1.The audience was enthusiastic, despite the steep price of 100,000 marks received numerous orders. Behind the scenes, but operating under high pressure to get the M1 on the race track.BMW M1. Because time was running away and the new BMW with about 1300 kg in any case little chance in Group 4 were certified, devised Jochen Neerpasch a brilliant move: together with Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley, he invented the BMW Procar Series, the private drivers in the formula 1 Grand Prix was an opportunity to take up the five fastest F1 drivers from the GP qualifying.

BMW E26 M1

BMW E26 M1 in the air

BMW E26 M1 M-power design

BMW E26 M1 on the track

Acura NSX Sports car

The Honda NSX, which was originally presented as a sleek coupe. In a specially constructed plant in Tochigi in complex manual work, both the coupe were produced in its different variants as well as the Targa version. In North America, the NSX came under the Acura brand to the market.Acura NSX .

Acura NSX Japanese car

The NSX was the first production vehicle in the world to have a body made entirely of aluminum. Acura NSX .Engine and chassis are direct developments from Formula 1 Originally had the V6 engine a displacement of 3.0 liters. and was combined with either a manual 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic. Since 1997, it was for the NSX a manual 6-speed transmission, which then with a 3.2 ltr. Acura NSX .Capacity increased engine has been combined. Since 1997, offered exclusively in the Japanese market a lighter and more tightly tuned version called the NSX-S.

Acura NSX Tunned version

In the course of production time were both on the exterior as well as ever in the technology of the NSX more or less extensive changes made, such as 1995, the (final) introduction of the Drive-by-wire throttle approach than using a servo motor under the were moved from sensors detected accelerator pedal position and the one calculated by the engine electronics as a function of information from the traction control setting.Acura NSX .

Acura NSX Exotic Japanese car

Most striking was in the year 2002, the exchange of pop-up headlights to “normal” headlights.Acura NSX . After the longest up to that time production of a generation of a Honda car of 15 years, the NSX in the summer of 2005 was taken from the program. The Acura NSX, however, remained until the end of that year available.Acura NSX .

1980 Dodge Mirada Luxury sedan

A very rare vehicle, the Dodge Mirada was a hardtop coupe manufactured by Chrysler from 1980 through 1983. Based on Chrysler’s J body platform, the Mirada replaced the Dodge Magnum. The Mirada is identical to two other vehicles that Chrysler also manufactured at the same era, the Cordoba and the Imperial. Three engine options were available, an 85 hp Slant Six, a 130 hp 318 V8 and a 150 hp 360 V8. The Mirada was last manufactured in 1983 and at the end of its production year, only 5,120 units were sold.

The Mirada was a sturdy reliable little car, but unfortunately it didn’t become very popular during its three years of production. A mid-sized, rear-wheel drive coupe, the production numbers were very low, and less than 53,000 units were sold during its lifetime. During its production run, the Mirada would remain virtually unchanged with the exception of paint colors and engines. In 1983 the Mirada was replaced with the Chrysler 600. Basically, the Mirada was fairly doomed from the start in the market. Rear wheel drive had gone out of fashion in the car industry quite some time ago, and unfortunately even the true Plymouths were going out of style with their boat-like appearance.

1980 Dodge Mirada Targa

The Mirada was introduced as a luxury coupe, and it did indeed feature luxury items that would have been found in American models during, such as AM/FM radios with cassette players, various power options and leather upholstery.

In introducing the Mirada, Chrysler was also attempting to succeed on the NASCAR front as well. Lee Iaccoca personally requested Richard Petty to campaign a Mirada in NASCAR. Several drivers, including Petty built race ready test vehicles and tested them. Unfortunately the Mirada was tested around 8pm slower than other GM and Ford vehicles of the day and Petty and other drivers chose to go with another model. Arlington Racing did decide to go with the car and campaigned it from 1981 through 1984 racing seasons and managed 15 top-ten finishes during those years.

The main driver was Buddy Arrington; number 67, who ended up carrying the flag for Chrysler in NASSCAR after Petty Enterprises went to GM. The Marida was mainly used as a short-track car, while using a ’81-83 Imperial on superspeedwars. Several other drivers, including Dave Marcis and Dick May did choose to run the Mirada several times in 1981. Unfortunately the vehicles either broke down or finished several laps behind the leaders.

1980 Dodge Mirada stylish Limousine

The Mirada used transverse torsion bars in its suspension in the front and leaf springs with a sway bar in the rear. A ‘Sport Handling Package’ was offered on the Mirada and it included heavy-duty shock absorbers, torsion bar bushings, springs and anti-sway bars in both the rear and front. The braking system used drum brakes in the rear and power assisted disc brakes in the front.

Several different variations of rooflines were offered on the Mirada. Base models received a basic metal roof with a chrome beauty strip that reached from the bottom of the opera windows and across the roof. Buyers that wanted their Mirada to feature a sportier look could choose either a power sunroof, or a glass T-top roof. An even more luxurious option would be to choose either a vinyl landau roof or a cabriolet roof.

Every year except 1983 the T-tops and Landau were available, and the Cabriolet top could be purchased anytime. Unfortunately the power sunroof wasn’t very popular and was only available for 1980 and 1981.

Several basic wheel options were available, base models came with 15′ steel wheels with turbine-like hubcaps. Another option was polished ten-spoke, 15′ aluminum wheels with bright chrome center caps and painted section.

On the inside, the Mirada was available in a selection of styles and colors, though the most often chosen interior color was dark red. In the base vehicle, the dashboard was black with a faux woodgrain finish that surrounded the center console and gauges. The CMX featured a brushed aluminum finish that replaced the woodgrain. Options on the seating were either vinyl bucket seats, a 60/40 split cloth bench seat or leather bucket seats. The Mirada could be chosen with either a column shift or floor shift, while the bench seat was only available with the column shifter. Available steering wheels were either an interior –matched two-spoke wheel with horn buttons in the spokes. The CMX featured the Mopar ‘Tuff Wheel’ as the standard steering wheel in 1980 and 1981. The base models featured manual windows but the CMX could be purchased with power windows as an option.

1991 Dodge Stealth RT Turbo

The Dodge Stealth, is an impressive automobile which boasts sleek styling and brandishes an aggressive shape. These cars incorporate some of the latest automotive technology available today which is put to good use when demonstrating its performance potential. Although often compared to sports cars, the Dodge Stealth is a grand touring 2+2 seater sport coupe which has but one drawback; a weight disadvantage. This, of course, is more than compensated for with ample acceleration and braking power.
Built in Nagoya, Japan by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the Dodge Stealth is the twin to the Mitsubishi GTO or 3000GT as commonly known in the United States. Although most of the Stealth was designed and built by Mitsubishi, the body styling is unique to the Stealth and was designed by Dodge. The Dodge Stealth is available in Canada and the United States, where the Mitsubishi GTO or 3000GT is not available in Canada but is available in the United States and abroad.

In 1991, its first year of production, the Dodge Stealth was available in four trim levels; base, ES, RT and RT Twin Turbo. It was initially released with these various configurations to satisfy the individual tastes and budgets of a wide range of sports car enthusiasts.

1991 Dodge Stealth RT Turbo coupe

In 1991, its first year of production, the Dodge Stealth was available in four trim levels; base, ES, RT and RT Twin Turbo. It was initially released with these various configurations to satisfy the individual tastes and budgets of a wide range of sports car enthusiasts.

The base Stealth powertrain, which was available until 1995, is a 3.0-liter, SOHC, 12-valve V6 that produces 164 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. The Stealth ES, which was available until 1993, and the R/T increases that level of performance with a 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 that delivers 222 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. A 3.0-liter DOHC twin turbocharged V6 with 320 horsepower (300 horsepower for 1991-1993 models) does 0-60 mph in a very impressive 5.3 seconds.

The Stealth R/T Turbo model is equipped with a 6-speed Getrag manual transmission (5-speed Getrag pre-1994). All other models come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. Available as an option in all models except the Stealth R/T Turbo is a 4-speed automatic transmission which features driver controllable Power/Economy modes.

Safety features include the availability of anti-lock brakes as either standard or optional equipment across the entire Dodge Stealth lineup. The Stealth includes standard driver-side air bags in all models made to date and passenger-side airbags in all models produced after 1993. The Dodge Stealths comfort and convenience features include standard air conditioning (switched to R-134a in 1994), an available tailgate wiper/washer, power windows and door locks, speed control, a security alarm, and a remote key-less entry system which became available in 1993. Front low-back bucket seats with recliners and height adjustment are standard on all Stealth models. Leather seats are optional on R/T and R/T Turbo models.

1991Tunned  Dodge Stealth RT Turbo

The Stealth R/T Turbo is the most often talked about model in the media. With an impressive list of standard equipment and features, its quite easy to see why. Over various production years, this model is or has been a twin turbo charged, twin inter-cooled, all-wheel driven, four-wheel steered assembly of metals, plastics and leather with triple mode electronically controlled suspension and dual mode active exhaust. Depending upon year, it pumps out between 300-320 horsepower with between 307-315 lb-ft of torque and there is still room for the kids!

In late 1995, it was announced that the Dodge Stealth would no longer be produced after 1996 due to the rising value of the yen and slow sales. A 1996 model was not available in Canada and production was very limited in the United States. All told, this car is destined to become a collectors item for automotive enthusiasts

1994 Dodge Venom Concept  car

1994 Dodge Venom sports car

1994 Dodge Venom Racing car

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Muscle car

1964 Dodge 330 Factory Lightweight (aluminum front end), Bob Harrop and Crescent Dodgeoriginal factory Super Stock car, showing 49 miles on the odometer and original interior, restored to original race condition by Rick Demarco, 426 Max Wedge engine by Jerry Stine, paint and lettering just as raced in 1964, this is the real deal factory lightweight sponsored by Dodge driven by ‘Harrop the Arab’ multiple magazine features.

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Retro car

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Sports car

1958 Dodge Coronet Exotic car

This 1958 Dodge Coronet Super D-500 Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 Sports and Classic Car Auction presented by The Worldwide Group, in Hilton Head Island, SC where it was estimated to sell for $125,000 – $175,000. It was offered without reserve, which was a rather daring move considering the value of the vehicle. This car is outfitted with the Super D-500 V8 engine that displaces 361 cubic-inches and produces 325 horsepower. There is a torque flight automatic transmission and four-wheel power drum brakes.

Virgil Exner’s design influences were prominent in Chrysler Corporation vehicles during the mid-1950s, as evident by the finned cars that took the market by storm. The Chrysler C300 was created to satisfy NASCAR homologation purposes, and variations of this masterpiece would continue for more than ten years.

At the Dodge and DeSoto marques, only slight changes were on the horizon. The Adventurer was given a dual quad setup similar to the C300 and offered superior performance to most other cars on the road. For Dodge, their D-500 was their performance pinnacle that kept its owners smiling a quarter-mile at a time. Above the D-500 was the Super D-500.

The Dodge D-500, Plymouth Fury, and Desoto Adventurer were introduced in 1956 with the D-500 being the most rare. These super performance machines were not ‘add ons’ or dealer options, but a model in all respects. The D-500 was given a heavy duty suspension, larger exhaust system, larger and lighter brakes, limited paint colors and schemes, special high performance engine and more. The result was astonishing, as the 1956 D-500 set or broke a total of 306 race records.

1958 Dodge Coronet retro car

In 1949 Dodge introduced the Coronet which was the top trim level offered by Dodge. It was similar to the Meadowbrook models in many respects, deviating in their interior appointments and minor differences with trim. The base level four-door sedan bodystyle was offered for under $1930. The top of the line version was the two-door station wagon which had seating for six and cost $2865. An L-head six-cylinder engine produced just over 100 horsepower could be found under the hood. A three-speed transmission with Fluid-Drive was standard equipment.

For 1950 the Dodge Coronet continued to be Dodge‘s top-of-the-line vehicle. It still was very similar to the Meadowbrook; it include all of its features plus added addition chrome trim on the wheels, rear fender guards and was adorned with the ‘Coronet‘ name proudly displayed on the exterior of the vehicle. Little changed for the following year. For 1952 the eight-passenger sedan was no longer offered. In 1953 the Dodge Coronetincorporated an air scoop on its hood. Under the Ram hood ornament could be found the word ‘Dodge V-8‘ for the eight-cylinder variants. The Hemi head overhead valve V8 engine was capable of producing 140 horsepower. The six-cylinder unit produced 103 horsepower.

In 1954 the Coronet name was used on the intermediate trim levels. Chrome trim could be found throughout the exterior of the vehicle including a chrome strip that ran along the middle of the body. In script letters, the name ‘Coronet‘ could now be found on the sides of the rear fenders. The base price for the four-door six-passenger sedan was $2110. The top of the line bodystyle was the four-door Sierra with seating for six and would set the buyer back $2695. The Coronet made an appearance at the Indy 500 where the convertible body style was the official pace car.

In 1956 the Dodge Coronet was restyled and grew by six-inches, became wider, and now sat closer to the ground. They were now the base trim level for Dodge. Both the six and eight cylinder engines now produced more horsepower. The eight-cylinder unit was capable of 175 horsepower. Tri-colored paint schemes were not uncommon. In the front was a new grille that was divided intro two separate openings. The parking lights were incorporated into the grille. The windshield was a classy wraparound design. Sales were very positive as the public agreed with the design and the vehicles mechanical abilities. Riding on the wings of success, Dodge made the wise decision to not mess with the design for 1956. The side trim and taillights were slightly modified. Tail fins could now be found protruding from the rear. A push-button transmission was now offered as optional equipment. This technology had been borrowed from Chrysler and proved to be rather popular with many.

1958 American retro car-Dodge Coronet

In 1956 the Dodge Coronet was restyled and grew by six-inches, became wider, and now sat closer to the ground. They were now the base trim level for Dodge. Both the six and eight cylinder engines now produced more horsepower. The eight-cylinder unit was capable of 175 horsepower. Tri-colored paint schemes were not uncommon. In the front was a new grille that was divided intro two separate openings. The parking lights were incorporated into the grille. The windshield was a classy wraparound design. Sales were very positive as the public agreed with the design and the vehicles mechanical abilities. Riding on the wings of success, Dodge made the wise decision to not mess with the design for 1956. The side trim and taillights were slightly modified. Tail fins could now be found protruding from the rear. A push-button transmission was now offered as optional equipment. This technology had been borrowed from Chrysler and proved to be rather popular with many.

In 1956, Dodge created a true ‘sleeper’ car. The Coronet D-500 appeared to be similar to other Coronet‘s but hidden under the hood was a 315 cubic-inch V8 that could pump-out 260 horsepower. It was able to go from zero-to-sixty in under nine seconds. One of the rules to compete in NASCAR was that at least 500 identical models had to be produced. The Coronet D-550 was a purpose-built vehicle intended for the NASCAR circuit. It featured a 315 cubic-inch Hemi V8 that produced 285 horsepower. In addition to a larger engine, the suspension, tires, brakes, and transmission were all modified to create a highly competitive, very effective muscle car / racing machine.

The Coronet was again restyled in 1957. Dodge began incorporating its ‘Forward Look’ design. The wheelbase grew, as did its length. The car was lowered and now sat even closer to the ground. One of the most recognizable features were the large tail fins. The front headlights were placed below headlight ‘brows’. A chrome strip ran the entire length of the vehicle on both sides. Chrome trim could be found throughout the vehicle, encompassing lgihts and grille openings. The base engine was the L-head six-cylinder engine that produced 138 horsepower. Eight-cylinder engines were available.

Picture of 1958 Dodge Coronet classic retro car

In 1957 the D-500 was replaced by the D-501. The ’500′ series was a high-performance option offered on all series. The Coronet D-501 featured a 354 cubic-inch Hemi V8 that produced 340 horsepower. Only 101 examples were produced. The suspension was updated to include torsion bar front suspension and a rear, heavy duty shock absorbers and leaf spring suspension.

The grille and headlights were the most significant changes for the Dodge Coronet for 1958. The headlights were now quad units. Dodge focused on improving the engines, which they did, with all engines of the ‘wedge’ single rocker head design. The top of the line engine was the 361-cubic-inch V8 with fuel-injection which was capable of an astonishing 333 horsepower. The Dodge name could be found in block letters along the front edge of the hood.

In 1959 the Dodge Coronet was given even larger fins. The brows over the headlights became even more exaggerated. They grew in length, width, wheelbase and were lowered, closer to the ground. A 383-cubic-inch V8 engine was available which produced 345 horsepower in its Super D-500 format. The buyers were treated to an extensive list of options, one of them being the Swivel-Seat option. The seat, with the push of a lever, could swing out to meet its occupant. Another option offered by Dodge was the self-leveling rear air suspension called LevelFlite. The name ‘Dodge‘ could be found in block letters on the trunk lid. The ‘Coronet‘ name was in script and appeared on the front fender.

The Coronet name did not appear on a Dodge vehicle in 1960. It re-appeared in 1965 as a mid-sized muscle car featuring a 426 cubic-inch Hemi engine that produced 425 horsepower. It was now an intermediate-sized vehicle. The bodyshell rested on a 117-inch wheelbase. The base trim level for the Coronet was outfitted with a 224-cubic-inch six-cylidner engine. The Dodge name was proudly displayed in block letters across the front of the hood. The Coronet name was in script along the front fender tip.

1954 Ford Comete Monte Carlo coupe

The Comete was a personal project of Francois Lehideux, a designer formerly with Renault. In 1950 Ledhidex took over as the president of Ford. He decided that his newest prestige model should be developed independently of the Ford organization, and to do this, he chose Facel-Metallon to undergo this project.

The Comete project was designed in complete secrecy by Daninos in Italy without even the Ford‘s own design studio ever knowing until the Comete was unveiled at Biarritz in August 1951. The Comete didn’t even carry the Ford badge. In an stunning tribute to the advanced pressing and welding techniques of Daninos, the Comete featured beautifully proportioned line that were built on a Ford Vedette floorplan.

1954 Model of Classic car-Ford Comete Monte Carlo

The Comete featured a severe elegance in its silhouette that was offset by huge steel bumpers, and later, a large egg-crate grille. A ribbed stainless steed dashboard and door handles were displayed on the interior, along with an impressive jet-age three-spoked steering wheel. The steering wheel was a tribute to Daninos work on aircraft design..

The Comete came with a single, horizontal bar across the grille with a chromed shield of bullet in the center, very similar to contemporary Studebaker products, along with steel wheels with chromed hubcaps. The engine was originally taken from the Vedette, and its meager 60bhp unimpressed buyers. The Comete was considered to be unreliable and underpowered with its small engine, though the looks and features drew admiration from onlookers. By 1953, the power was increased to 80bhp, and driving was shifted through a 3-speed column change manual gearbox.

1954 Model of red Ford Comete Monte Carlo retro car

The new Comete ‘Monte-Carlo’ model was introduced in 1953, and received a 3.9 L V8 engine that was normally fitted only to Ford trucks. The engine delivered 78 kW (105 hp) and featured plenty of torque. The public wasn’t a big fan of the new engine, as it was not only known as a ‘truck engine’, but its large engine displacement meant its tax horsepower that was rated at 22CV, making for high road taxes. The ‘Monte-Carlo’ model came with a fake hood scoop, wire wheels, and a typical Ford egg-crate grille. This vertical and horizontal equally spaced bar grille was called a ‘coupe-frites’ or a ‘french-fry cutter’ by the French.

Under the hood was a 3.9 liter V8 Ford Mistral engine that produced 105bhp. This model was capable of 95mph, despite an increase in weight.

A total of 2,165 Cometes were produced during its production run, with 699 of them being Monte Carlos.
Ford SAF was taken over by Simca during the Comete’s production, and for 1955, the final year for the Comete was produced under the Simca name.

1964 Red muscle car- Ford Mustang

The Mustang was introduced at the 1965 New York World’s Fair, Mustang Mania instantly swept the country, and a new automotive market segment was created – the 2+2 or better known as the ‘ponycar.’ Though its mechanical underpinnings descended from the Falcon, the Mustang was completely different. It was a compact, tight, clean package weighing in at a modest 2,550 pounds – a departure from the ever-enlarging American cars of the day. The classic long-hood short-rear-deck combined with a forward-leaning grille, elegant blade bumpers, sculptured body sides, fully exposed wheel openings and restrained use of bright trim gave the car a unique look that belied its affordability. Its looks were backed up with power, providing three optional V8 engines with up to 271 horsepower. Other options included automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, styled chrome wheels and air conditioning. Not surprisingly, the entry-level modes were a minority of the production.

1964 Classic green Ford Mustang

To say that the first Mustang was a success is an understatement. Following the introduction, the Mustang was on the cover of both Time and Newsweek. A week before introduction, Ford ran ads with the air times for the first television commercials, which all three networks broadcasted simultaneously. Mustang was selected as the Official Pace Car for the 1964 Indianapolis 500, and more than 22,000 orders were taken the first day. By its first anniversary, over 418,000 Mustangs had been sold, breaking the all-time record for first year sales of a new nameplate.

The original platform was used, with numerous modifications, up to 1973. The Pinto-based Mustang II was built from 1974 until 1978. A new fox body platform began in 1979 and was largely unchanged through 1993. In 1994 the SN-95, a modified version of the Fox body, debuted and was produced until 2004. The 2005 Mustang is built on the first entirely new platform in 25 years.

1964 Ford Mustang Convertible

Until 1967, Mustang had this new market all to itself. For 1965 a new 2+2 Fastback model added as was the GT Equipment Group. Both performance and aesthetically minded, this group included front disk brakes; grille-mounted fog lights, 5-gauge instrumentation, GT stripes and badges and special dual ‘trumpet’ exhaust outlets. 1966 brought a huge shot in the arm to the ponycar moniker – the first Shelby GT 350. Built on the 2+2 Fastback by famed racer/car builder Carroll Shelby, these cars featured race-tuned engines and suspensions. By mid-1966, Mustang passed the one-million sales mark.

On the track, the Mustang name was quickly establishing itself in many motorsports arenas. In 1965, Mustang assumed the role as Ford’s rally car. Carroll Shelby, famed builder of the Cobra, created race-ready cars for SCCA’s production class B competition against the likes of Chevrolet’s Corvette and the Jaguar E-Type. Shelby‘s goal was accomplished when the GT 350 took the B-Production Championship from Corvette. Shelby Mustangs were also successful in the world of drag racing. Ford campaigned several highly modified A/FX altered Mustangs equipped with 427 ‘Cammer’ motors in National Hot Rod Association drag racing events. 1966 brought the creation of the SCCA Trans Am professional racing series for V-8 sedans of 305 cubic inches or less. Mustang took the Trans Am Manufacturers’ Cup in 1966. The Shelby GT 350 repeated the previous year’s success as B-Production Champion.

1974 Ford Torino Muscle car

In 1968 Ford introduced the mid-sized vehicle, the Torino, which stayed in production until 1976. The Torino replaced the Fairlane, although the name persisted on the base level models but given differnet trim than the Torino versions. The Torino was available as a two-door fastback or convertible, four-door sedan or station wagon, hardtop, and as a pickup, similar to the El Camino.
The Torino was actively raced in the NASCAR circuit. In 1969, Ford introduced the Torino Talladega. This limited-edition vehicle was given an aerodynamic body style which they then used on the NASCAR circuit.

In 1970 Ford introduced the Torino Cobra complete with a 428 cubic-inch Cobra Jet engine. Power was transferred to the rear wheels courtesy of a four-speed manual gearbox. The suspension was upgraded and a dual-exhaust unit added. Bucket seats continued the performance montage in the interior. A Traction-Lok limited-slip differential was optional. A ‘shaker’ hood scoop could be ordered as optional equipment which helped the engine breath at high speeds. The Torino Brougham version offered luxurious amenities which offered a sporty appearance and creature-comforts.

1974 Ford Torino Classic American car

During the early 1970′s, the Torino was updated giving it an aggressive look and modern appeal. For 1971, the look was all-new and good enough to capture Motor Trend’s coveted ‘Car of the Year’ award. The GT version had hidden headlights, the only Torino to have such a design. For 1972, the grille was enlarged; vent windows were removed from four-door models and the convertible option was no longer offered. The abbreviation ‘GT’ was now labeled as Gran Torino.

1974 Ford Torino American sports car

Not only was 1971 through 1972 a big year for redesigns, the engine options saw drastic changes. In 1971 the Torino could be purchased with a wide range of engines that included a 351 Cleveland small-block and a Ford 429 cubic-inch engine. The performance could be further increased with the adoption of a Thunder Jet, Cobra Jet or Super Cobra Jet package. As government regulations and emissions standards were becoming stricter, the muscle car era was coming to an end. For 1972, only the 31 Cleveland eight-cylinder engine was available, however, still available in Cobra Jet configuration.

In 1973, to comply with government and safety regulations, the front end was given a larger bumper. This trend continued in 1974 when the front was modified to make the vehicle safer. The performance era had come to an end and consumers were expecting a new breed of vehicles which kept manufacturers struggling to meet these demands. The trend was shifting from larger, performance machines to fuel-efficient, safe, economical, and luxurious vehicles. This was true with the Torino which saw the performance options fade away from year-to-year, and more luxury offerings being presented.