1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1968 Ford Ford Torino GT Convertible
1. New Interior Featured
2. New Fastback Styling Offered
3. Dashboard All New
4. 302 CID 210 HP V-8 New
5. Torino Selected as Indy 500 Pace Car
1968 Fairlane and Torino – Going for Broke!
The 1968 restyle was so far away from the previous Fairlanes that the motoring public was shocked. Shocked – but not put off – with an increase in sales of over 113,000 units! A new top of the line model series was introduced – the Ford Torino and Torino GT. And the Torino paced the Indy 500!
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1967 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino
For 1968, Ford redesigned the Fairlane mid-size car line and introduced a new premium model, called the Torino. The 1968 Fairlane and Torino used the same wheelbase as in1967: 116 inches for the 2- and 4-door models, and 113 inches for the station wagons.
Styling
Styling was drastically changed from the 1967 Fairlane models. The front fascia had a full-width recessed grille, with horizontal quad headlights placed at the outer edges. Some models had horizontal dividing bars in the grille. Parking lights were placed at the outer edge of the front fenders and wrapped around the corner to also act as side marker lights. The body sides were smooth with one horizontal body crease running just below the belt line from front to back. The rectangular taillights were above the rear bumper. Reverse lights sat in the middle of the taillights.
A new addition for 1968 was the two-door hardtop fastback called “Sportsroof” by Ford, similar to Mustang fastback models. This new fastback body style gave the cars great aerodynamics that was advantageous on the race track.
Ford had 14 models in the line for 1968. The base model was the “Fairlane”. Next was the “Fairlane 500”, followed by the top level “Torino” series, and finally, the “Torino GT.
The interior on the Fairlane-Torino was all new for 1968. The dashboard featured four round pods facing the Driver. However, the pods did not contain a full set of gauges – an assortment of warning lights along with the speedometer and fuel gauge. An optional tachometer was available, which was located in the third pod, while a clock, also optional, occupied the fourth pod. Ford offered many upholstery options, including a knitted vinyl option, called “Comfort Weave”. The Torino interior also featured shoulder belts for front outboard passengers on all cars built after December 31, 1967.
Ford had many engine options for this line. All models other than the Torino GT came standard with a 200 CID I-6 engine. The Torino GT models standard V-8 was the 302 CID 2-barrel. This 302 was the base V8 engine option on other models. Other available engines included a 390 CID 2-barrel, V-8 a 390 CID 4-Barrel V-8 and a 427 CID hydraulic lifter V-8.
At the beginning of the 1968 model year production, UAW strike occurred. This resulted in making a 289 CID 2-barrel V-8 the base V-8 engine and the standard engine on the Torino GT. Ford did not change any of its factory sales literature to reflect this change. While the 427 CID V-8 was initially listed as an engine option for 1968 in factory literature, no Fairlanes or Torinos were actually produced with this engine during 1968. However, on April 1, 1968, the 428 CID Cobra Jet V-8 became available as an engine option. Two Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmissions, a 3- and a 4-speed manual transmissions were available.
Station wagons came in three different models: “Fairlane”, “Fairlane 500”, and “Torino Squire.” All wagons came equipped with Ford’s “Magic Doorgate” two-way tailgate. Torino Squire models had simulated wood grain side panels and had the more refined trim and upholstery of the Torino sedans. Two unique station wagon options were a chrome roof rack and a power rear window.
NOTE: The factory designated the Ranchero as a truck, and as such, was not covered in the Fairlane Brochure or the AMA Fairlane Specifications Sheets.
Historical
A specially-trimmed Torino convertible paced the 52nd Indianapolis 500-mile race. 388,489 Torino-Fairlane models were delivered in 1968, an increase of 131,568 units. The new body style excited buyers and put Ford’s mid size back on the map!
1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Factoids
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- New Fastback Styling Available
- New Dashboard Featured
- 427 CID V-8 Advertised but Not Offered
- 1968 Torino Paces the Indy 500
A new addition for 1968 was the two-door hardtop fastback called “Sportsroof” by Ford. It was similar in look to 1968 Mustang fastback models. This new fastback body style gave the cars great aerodynamics that was an advantage on the race track.
The dashboard featured four round pods facing the Driver. However, the pods did not contain a full set of gauges – an assortment of warning lights along with the speedometer and fuel gauge. An optional tachometer was available, which was located in the third pod, while a clock, also optional, occupied the fourth pod.
The 390 HP hydraulic lifter 427 CID V-8 was initially listed as an engine option for 1968 in factory literature, but no Fairlanes or Torinos were actually produced with this engine during 1968.
A 1968 Torino GT convertible was selected as the 1968 Indianapolis 500 pace car. 709 promotional Torino GT convertibles were produced with the 1968 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car package, along with 159 official and backup pace cars used at the event itself. The promotional replicas were appearance-based packages offered to dealers for sale as were many of the backup cars.
1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts – Models Offered
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Fairlane – The Fairlane was again the base trim level for 1968 and included chrome windshield and rear window moldings; chrome rain gutters and side window frames; a chrome horn ring; front and rear arm rests; cigarette lighter; vinyl-coated rubber floor mats and “Fairlane”, in script, on the side of the rear fender. The Ford name was spelled out, in block letters, across the front of the hood and across the vertical section of the trunk lid. The Fairlane was available as a 4-door Sedan, 2-door hardtop and Station Wagon.
Fairlane 500 – The Fairlane 500 was the intermediate trim level for 1968 and included all the Fairlane trim, plus special trim and moldings; color-keyed carpeting, front and rear and a choice of four Nylon and vinyl levels of upholstery. Also included was an aluminum dividing bar in the center of the vertical portion of the trunk lid, and a horizontal dividing bar in the center of the grille. “Fairlane 500”, in script, appeared on the rear fender, just ahead of the taillights.
Fairlane models were the 4-door Sedan, 2-door hardtop, 3-door fastback hardtop, Convertible, and Station Wagon.
Torino – The Torino was the top trim level for 1968 and included all the Fairlane 500 trim, plus a lower body side molding, special emblems and trim inside and out, and a Torino crest on the ‘C” pillars of the two-door hardtop and four-door sedan. Torino available models were the 4-door Sedan, 2-door Formal Hardtop and Torino Squire Station Wagon.
Torino GT – The Torino GT was the sporty version of the Torino Series and included all the Torino features, plus as standard, the 210 horse power, 302 CID V-8 engine; bucket seats and console; special name plaques and exterior trim; Deluxe wheel covers and red safety and white courtesy lights on the interior door panels, as standard equipment.
The Torino GT was available as a 2-door hardtop, 2-door fastback hardtop, and Convertible.
1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts – Engines
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- 115 HP 200 CID I-6
- 195 HP 289 CID V-8*
- 210 HP 302 CID V-8
- 265 HP 390 CID V-8
- 335 HP 390 CID V-8
- 335 HP 428 CID CJ V-8
- 390 HP 427 CID V-8*
200 CID I-6. (Code “T”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 200 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3,684″ x 3.13″.
Compression ratio: 8.8:1.
Horsepower: 115 @ 3800 RPM.
Torque: 190 @ 2200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 240 degrees, Exhaust: 240 degrees, Lift: 0.348″. Overlap: 28 degrees. Camshaft Duration – Automatic w/emission Control: Intake: 240 degrees, Exhaust: 240 degrees, Lift: 0.348″. Overlap: 27 degrees.
Carburetor: Ford Autolite one-barrel (Manual Transmission) Model C8DF-9510-E; (Automatic Transmission) Model C8DF-95l0-F.
NOTE 1: Emission Control Ford Autolite 1-barrel Model C8OF-9510A (manual transmission), Autolite 1-barrel Model C8OF-9510B (Automatic transmission).
NOTE 2: Horsepower was reduced by a compression ratio reduction t0 8.8:1 and a camshaft reduction in duration.
289 CID 2-Barrel V-8. Code “C”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 289 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 2.87 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.7:1.
Horsepower: 195 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 282 @ 2400 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 266 degrees, Exhaust: 256 degrees, Lift: (intake) 0.368″, (exhaust) 0.380″. Overlap 40 degrees.
Carburetor: (Manual Transmission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model C8AF-9510-AF; (Auto Transmission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model C8OF-9510-S.
NOTE 1: Emission Control Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model C8AF-9510AK (manual transmission), Holley 4-barrel Model C8ZF-9510G (Automatic transmission).
NOTE 2: This engine was noted as “released for production” in place of the 302 CID V-8 due to supply shortages, but there is no information on placement in any Fairlanes or Torinos. The 289 CID V-8 was used in Ford cars in 1968, most notably the Ford Mustang, especially earlier in the year.
302 CID 2-Barrel V-8. Standard on Torino GT. Code “F” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 302 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.00 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 210 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 300 @ 2600 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256 degrees, Exhaust: 254 degrees, Lift: (intake) 0.426″, (exhaust) 0.425″. Overlap 34 degrees.
Carburetor: (Manual Transmission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model C8AF-9510-AF; (Auto Transmission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model C8OF-9510-S.
NOTE: Emission Control Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model C8AF-9510AK (manual transmission), Holley 4-barrel Model C8ZF-9510G (Automatic transmission)
390 CID 2-Barrel V-8. Engine Code “H” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.5:1.
Horsepower: 265 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 390 @ 2600 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256 degrees, Exhaust: 266 degrees, Lift: (Intake) 0.427″ (Exhaust) 0.430″. Overlap 36 degrees.
Carburetor: Ford Autolite 2-barrel (manual transmission) Model C8AF-9510-AH, (automatic transmission) Model C8OF-9510-T.
NOTE 1: Emission Control – Ford Autolite 2-barrel (manual transmission) Model C8AF-9510M , (Automatic transmission) Model C8OF-9510U.
NOTE 2: Not Available on Torino GT.
390 CID 4-Barrel GT V-8. Engine Code “S”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 335 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 427 @ 3200 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 270 degrees, Exhaust: 290 degrees, Lift: (intake) 0.4809″ (exhaust) 0.4900″, Overlap 46 degrees.
Carburetor: Ford Holley 4-barrel Model C7OF-9510A (manual transmission), Holley 4-barrel Model C7OF-9510B (Automatic transmission).
NOTE: Emission Control Ford Holley 4-barrel Model C8OF-9510C (manual transmission), Holley 4-barrel Model C8OF-9510D (Automatic transmission).
428 CID Cobra Jet V-8. Engine Code “R” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 428 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.13 x 3.98 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.7:1.
Horsepower: 335 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 445 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: (intake) 270 degrees, (exhaust) 290 degrees, Lift: (intake) 0.481″, (exhaust) 0.489″ Overlap 46 degrees.
Carburetor: Holley 4-barrel Model C8AF-951M (manual) Holley 4-barrel Model C8OF-951H (automatic).
427 CID HP 390 HP V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Engine Code “W” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.23 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.9:1.
Horsepower: 390 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 460 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 270 degrees, Exhaust: 290 degrees, Lift: (intake) 0.481″ (exhaust) 0.490″, Overlap 46 degrees.
Carburetor: Holley 4-barrel Model C8AF-9510 AD (automatic transmission only).
NOTE: This engine was listed for the Fairlane/Torino in early literature & brochures but never fitted. It was available in the 1968 Mercury Cougar and about 100 were produced.
1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts – Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: 116.00″ – Wagons 113.0″.
- Overall length: 201.1″ – Wagons 203.9″.
- Overall width: 74.5″.
- Overall height: 2-Door 53.5″ 4-Door 55.0″ – Fastback 53.5″ – Convertible 54.5″ – Wagons 56.0″.
- Weight: Varies – See 1968 Fairlane AMA Specifications Sheet pg 24 HERE.
- Front tread: 58.83″.
- Rear tread: 58.93″.
- Tires:
- Base: 7.35 x 14 four-ply tubeless black wall.
- Wagons 7.15 x 14 four-ply tubeless black wall.
- GTs F70 x 14.
- 427-428 CJ FR70 x 14.
- Details: See 1968 Fairlane AMA Specifications Sheet pg 18 HERE.
1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts – Powertrains
- Transmission Ratios
-
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission (Floor Shift on GT Models Only):
– I-6 & 302 V-8: First: 2.99:1, Second: 1.75:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 3.17:1.
– 390 V-8: First: 2.42:1, Second: 1.61:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.33:1. - Four-Speed Manual Transmission:
– 302 CID V-8: First: 2.78:1, Second: 1.93:1, Third 1.36:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.78:1 (N/A Station Wagons).
– 390 CID 2-barrel V-8: First: 2.32:1, Second: 1.69:1, Third: 1.29:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.32:1.
– 390 CID 4-barrel V-8: First: 2.78:1, Second: 1.93:1, Third: 1.36:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.78:1. - Three-Speed Automatic Transmission:
– Low: 2.46:1, Second: 1.46:1, Direct 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.20:1.
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission (Floor Shift on GT Models Only):
-
- Rear Axle Ratios
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- I-6:
Three Speed Manual: 3.25:1.
Four-speed Manual: 3.20:1.
Automatic: 2.80:1 Wagons 3.25:1. - 302 V-8:
– Three Speed Manual: 2.79:1 Wagons 3.50:1.
– Four-speed: 3.25:1.
– Automatic: 2.80:1 Wagons 3.00:1. - 390 V-8:
– Three Speed: 3.25:1.
– Four-speed: 3.25:1.
– Automatic: 3.25:1. - Optional Rear Axle: See 1968 Fairlane AMA Specifications Sheet page 4 HERE.
- I-6:
-
1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Powertrain Options
- Engines
-
- 302 cubic inch V-8 engine ($107 – standard on GTs).
- 390 cubic inch 2-barrel V-8 engine ($184 optional all Fairlanes including GT).
- 390 cubic inch 4-barrel V-8 engine ($264 optional all Fairlanes including GT).
- 427 cubic inch 4-barrel 390 HP V-8 engine ($505 optional all Fairlanes including GT).
- Transmissions
-
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission Standard.
- Four-Speed Manual Transmission: Optional.
- Automatic Transmission: Optional.
1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Significant Options
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- Air conditioning $353).
- AM radio ($57).
- AM/FM radio ($133).
- 8-track stereo tape player ($128)
- Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission ($184 with I-6 and 302 V-8; $220 with 390 V-8).
- Four-speed manual transmission ($184).
- Luggage rack on station wagons ($44).
- Power brakes ($42).
- Power steering ($84).
- Power tailgate on station wagons ($32).
- Power windows ($99).
- Tinted windshield ($21).
- Two-tone paint ($19).
- Vinyl roof on two-door hardtops ($74) on four-door hardtops ($84).
- Wheel covers ($41).
- White sidewall tires ($32).
1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Downloads and Images
1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts – Related Document Downloads
Downloadable files directly related to the 1968 Ford Fairlane and Torino will appear below. Click to Download:
1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Brochure
1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Brochure Version 2
1968 Ford Full Line Magazine Insert Brochure
1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Print Advertisements
1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino AMA Specifications Sheets
1968 Ford Torino Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1968 Ford Fairlane & Torino Line will appear below
1968 Fairlane & Torino GT Convertible
The 1968 Fairlane & Torino GT Convertible, like the Fastback, was only available in the Fairlane 500 and Torino GT lines. Production was 3,751 for the Fairlane and 5,310 for the GT.
1968 Torino and Fairlane 500 Fastback
The 1968 Torino and Fairlane Fastback could be In the Fairlane 500 and Torino line. It generated a host of interest and sales. 32,452 in the Fairlane 500 and 74,135 in the Torino GT line. Arguably the most popular body style in 1968.
1968 Ford Fairlane & Torino 2-door Hardtop Coupe
The 1968 Ford Fairlane & Torino 2-door Hardtop Coupe was available across the entire line. At the Fairlane level it replaced the 2-door sedan. Production was: Fairlane – 44,683 , Fairlane 500 – 33,282, Torino – 35,964, Torino GT – 23,939.
1968 Ford Fairlane 500 Convertible & 4-door Sedan
The 1968 Ford Fairlane 500 Convertible & 4-door Sedan are shown to compare trim to the other lines. Production figures are included there.
1968 Ford Fairlane 500 Hardtop & Fastback
The 1968 Ford Fairlane 500 Hardtop & Fastback are shown here so as to compare the trim level versus the Torino GT.
1968 Ford Torino, Fairlane 500 and Fairlane 4-door sedans
The 1968 Ford Torino, Fairlane 500 4-door & Fairlane 2-door as shown here were the bread on the mid-size Ford Sandwich. 2-door & 4-door production was as follows: Fairlane – 18,146, Fairlane 500 – 42,390, Torino – 17,962.
1968 Ford Torino Squire Wagon
The 1968 Ford Torino Squire Wagon was only available in this line 14,773 were produced.
1968 Ford Fairlane 500 and Fairlane wagons
Unlike the Torino Squire, the Fairlane and Fairlane 500 offered more business-like wagons, with the major difference being the 500’s added exterior trim and upscale interior. Production was 10,190 for the 500 and 14,800 for the base Fairlane, indicating that these were practical vehicles.