1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Fact Sheet

Going for Broke
in 1968

 

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!

Return to the Ford Archive

General Year Information

The new Fairlane had a full-width grille, containing horizontally mounted quad headlights, and smooth sides with a single horizontal feature line running front to rear. The taillights were vertically situated, rectangular units, with a centrally located backup light. The word Ford was spaced evenly across the trunk lid, in block letters. The top-line Fairlane models for 1968 were now called Torino, with the Fairlane 500 being demoted to intermediate trim level. The GT models were now their own series no longer an option on the Fairlane 500 line – nor the new Torino line.

The base 289 V-8 was increased in CID from 289 to 302. The 428 CID FE would replace the 427 as the high HP option in mid-year.

NOTE: The station wagon and the Ranchero rode on the Falcon wheelbase, but were considered Fairlanes and could be had with most Fairlane options and interiors.  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 Notes

A specially-trimmed Torino convertible paced the 52nd Indianapolis 500-mile race.  388,489 Torino-Fairlanes 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!

Models Offered

Click the Tab to See the Details

Model T – Six and V-8 –  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.

Model  T –  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 ;eve;s 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.

Model T – The Fairlane 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.

 

 

 

Model T – 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.

Engines

Click the Tab to See the Details

Inline Six. (Code “T”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 200 CID. Bore and stroke: 3,684″ x 3.13″. Compression ratio: 8.8:1. Horsepower: 115 @ 3800 RPM. Torque: 190 @ 2200 RPM. Seven main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: 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: Emission Control Ford Autolite 1-barrel Model  C8OF-9510A (manual transmission), Autolite 1-barrel Model  C8OF-9510B (Automatic transmission)

NOTE: Horsepower was reduced by a compression ratio reduction t0 8.8:1 and a camshaft reduction in duration.

Optional Two Barrel V-8. Standard on Torino GT. Code “F” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. 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 Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: 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)

265 HP Optional V-8.  Engine Code “H” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. 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 Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: 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: Emission Control Ford Holley 4-barrel Model  C8AF-9510M (manual transmission), Holley 4-barrel Model  C8OF-9510U (Automatic transmission)

NOTE: Not Available on GT  

335 HP Optional V-8. Engine Code “S”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. 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 Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: 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)

Optional Cobra Jet V-8. Engine Code “R” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. 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 Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: (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).

 

Optional 390 HP V-8. Engine Code “W” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. 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 Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: 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).

 

Chassis Features

    • Wheelbase: 116.00″ – Wagons 113.0″
    • Overall length:  201.1″ – Wagons 203.9″
    • 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

Power Train Options

Transmissions

      • Three-Speed Manual Transmission Standard.
      • Four-Speed Manual Transmission: Optional.
      • Automatic Transmission: Optional.

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.

Rear Axle

      • I-6 Transmissions:
        Three Speed Manual: 3.25:1
        Four-speed Manual: 3.20:1
        Automatic: 2.80:1 Wagons 3.25:1
      • 302 V-8 Transmissions:
        –  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 Transmissions:
        –  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

Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1968 Fairlane

  A Raven Black
  B Royal Maroon
  F Gulfstream Aqua
  I Lime Gold
  M Wimbledon White
  N Diamond Blue
  O Seafoam Green
  Q Brittany Blue
  R Highland Green
  T Candy Apple Red
  U Tahoe Turquoise
  W Meadowlark Yellow
  X Presidential Blue
  Y Sunlit Gold
  6 Pebble Beige

 

1968 Ford Fairlane & Torino –
Current Market
Values

 

Significant Options

    • 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).
    • 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).

Related Documents

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 Torino Road Test –
Car Craft Magazine

1968 Ford Fairlane-Torino Production Figures

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. We’ve told about the 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.

%d bloggers like this: