1974 Ford Gran Torino

Ford Motor Company model line underwent drastic changes in the year 1974. Torino added many new features and options for its 1974 model. Torino, this time became more luxury oriented then evr before and many new luxury features were available. This model is larger and heavier than other models of Ford. Gran Torino hardtops and sedans have a rear fender skirt option to impart it a longer and lower look. On 2-door and 4-door sedan models, heavy duty shocks and a rear sway bar are included.

The Ford Gran Torino was produced from 1974 to 1976. Ford Torino had 1974 as it's another successful year and this time it was popular than ever before. Ford produced a total of 426086 units including 96604 Ford Gran Torino Elites. The 1974 Gran Torino Sport does not feature "Sportsroof" fastback roofline and then the new "Gran Torino Elite was introduced". 1974 Gran Torino Elite gave a tough competition to Chevrolet's ever popular Monte Carlo. The Elite was intended as an entry level "personal luxury" vehicle for the people who could not afford a Thunderbird and it could be brought in the same price range as that of the Monte Carlo. Ford described Elite as "A totally new 2-door hardtop….. With Thunderbird inspired styling, sold engineering and personal luxury. ..plus mid-size economy."

Ford said that Elite was not entirely new but it had some of the unique features. This 1974 Ford Gran Torino Elite had a unique front sheet metal with a style that was greatly inspired by Thunderbird. This car had twin headlamps surrounded by chrome bezels and parking lamps on the outer edges of the pointed front guards. It had a large grille and rectangular arching across the front. The doors and quarter panels were shared with Mercury cougar and Mercury Montego and its body was not sweeping like other Torinos. The Elite came standard with radial tires, 351-2V V8 engine and automatic transmission. It also featured some luxury items like opera windows, complete instrumentation, Westminster cloth upholstery, split bench seat, vinyl roof and wood grain trim. Body style was nearly 5" longer and also weight was significantly increased in this model.

Gran Torino 2-doors were available with opera windows which became a very popular option during mid-1970s whereas Brougham models have these as the standard feature. Unlike 1972-73 models, all 2-door Gran Torinos has fixed rear windows. Many luxury features were added like leather strapped steering wheel, an electric sun proof, split bench seat and speed control with steering wheel controls. Trim was a feature that was revised in 1974 models, instead of the lower doors moldings now ran on the rocker panels. All 1974 Torino models featured seat belt interlock system which was mandated by US government. A revised heavy duty suspension package was the only suspension option as the competition suspension was no longer offered but this option was available on all Torinos of 1974 except for 1974 Gran Tornio Elite and also it included a heavy duty front and rear springs and front sway abr.