Rides from the Readers: 1969 Ford Torino Cobra
Hagerty readers and Hagerty Drivers Club members share their cherished collector and enthusiast vehicles with us via our contact email, tips@hagerty.com. We’re showcasing some of our favorite stories among these submissions. To have your car featured, send complete photography and your story of ownership to the above email address.
Today’s featured ride is a 1969 Ford Fairlane Cobra. Among Ford’s mid-size offering, launched in 1968, the fastback Fairlane models quickly edged out the convertible and two-door hardtop models in sales. The sleek fastbacks proved to be a hit on the track as well as the street, with David Pearson taking the 1968 NASCAR championship behind the wheel of a race-prepped example.
The street-spec Cobra series, which joined the Fairlane lineup in 1969, added some confusion to the Fairlane family: These cars didn’t bear any “Fairlane” or “Torino” nameplates, only “Cobra.” (Not until the year later, in 1970, would the Torino Cobra hit dealership lots.) Nevertheless, Fairlane Cobras were offered with the appropriate bevy of tire-shredding V-8s and heavy-duty performance add-ons.
This particular 1969 Torino belongs to Craig Gibbs and boasts the heavy-hitting 428 Cobra Jet mill paired with a four-speed, close-ratio manual. On top of that, it carries the optional Ram Air Induction package, power steering and power brakes, and 3.50:1 Traction-Lok rear end. This classy SportsRoof Torino wears Indian Fire Paint over a black interior and originally hails from Ford’s Kansas City, Missouri, assembly plant.
