1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino Fact Sheet
1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts, Figures, and Specifications

For 1970, Ford moved away from the boxy lines of the previous year to a new body for the 1970 Fairlane-Torino lines. The new styling was influenced by the “coke bottle” styling popular with GM and Chrysler products.
1970 Fairlane-Torino – A Little Wider, A Little Longer . . . and Sleek
The 1970 Fairlane-Torino Series was completely restyled, with a sleek body shell and rounded fender contours. Mid-year, the Falcon name would become the lowest priced Fairlane, with Maverick replacing the Falcon nameplate in the low-price segment.
Four new and different V-8s were offered: 351 CID Cleveland (replacing the 4-barrel Windsor), and three 429 CID big blocks.
General Year Information – 1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino
All Fairlane-Torino models had a wheelbase increase – now 117.0″ for all but station wagons, that now moved to 114.0″. The top-line Torino Series featured hidden headlights as part of its luxury package. The Cobra models offered a functional hood scoop in the Super Cobra Jet package and rear window louvers were available in the Cobra.
Due to the introduction of the Maverick, the Falcon became redundant, so it was moved to the Fairlane line as a nameplate for 1970 at mid-year. This made the Falcon the lowest-price Fairlane model. It was available as a 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan and wagon. It could be equipped with the Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet packages, and its 400 pound weight difference making it the hottest performance Ford mid-size car.
The 351 CID Windsor 4-barrel V-8 was replaced with the “Cleveland” canted valve 351 CID V-8. The cylinder heads were similar to the “Boss 302” heads, but designed specifically for this block.
The FE 428 CID V-8 was replaced with the canted valve 429 CID V-8. This engine had been available on Thunderbirds since 1968, and large Ford in 1969. Its more modern and freer flowing cylinder heads made it a better performing V-8 and horsepower was upped from 335 to 360 and 370. The Super Cobra Jet received many of the parts and pieces from the Boss 429 engine, but not the cylinder heads.
Historical Notes
Torino was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 1970.
Due to the new, reverse-curve Torino rear window design that impeded the air flow over the back of the car, and recognizing the impact of the aerodynamic Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Superbird, Ford elected to race 1969 Talladega models this year. Only six NASCAR races were won by Ford drivers this year.
1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts – Models Offered
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Six and V-8 – The Falcon became the base trim level in the Fairlane replacing the Fairlane line. It was available in 2-door and 4-door sedan and as a base wagon. Exterior included chrome windshield and rear window moldings; chrome rain gutters, and the Falcon name, in script, on the rear fenders above the side marker lights. The interior trim included color-keyed front and rear arm rests; cigarette lighter; and vinyl-coated rubber floor mats.
Six and V-8 – The Fairlane 500 was the upscale trim level of the intermediate Falcon/Fairlane/Torino Series and included chrome windshield, rear window and rain gutter moldings; front and rear door arm rests; cigarette lighter; Nylon carpeting. “Fairlane 500” in script, appeared on the rear fenders above the side marker lights. There were two chrome hash marks on the front fenders, behind the front wheel opening, and the Ford name, in block letters, was placed on the driver’s side of the hood and across the rear escutcheon panel.
Six and V-8 – The Torino was the intermediate trim level for the Falcon/Fairlane/Torino Series and included all the Fairlane 500 trim, plus a single horizontal chrome strip along the body side. “Torino” in script, appeared on the driver’s side of the hood and in block letters on the side of the front fenders, behind the front wheel opening.
V-8 – The Torino Brougham was the top trim level of the Torino Series for 1970 and included all the Torino trim, plus polished aluminum wheel well and rocker panel moldings; retractable headlights; wheel covers and the 220 horsepower, 302 cubic inch V-8 engine. The Squire station wagon version included all of the above features, plus simulated wood-grain appliques and power front disc brakes.
V-8 – The Torino GT was the sport version of the Torino Series and included all the Torino trim, plus outside color-keyed dual racing interior mirrors, hood scoop, trim rings with hub caps, courtesy lights, carpeting, padded seats, GT emblems. It received the 250 horsepower 351 CID V-8 engine and E70 x 15 fiberglass-belted white sidewall tires with F70 x 15 tires on convertibles versions.
The Torino Cobra was the high-performance version of the Torino Series and included all the Torino trim, plus the 360 horsepower, 429 cubic inch V-8 engine, four-speed manual transmission, competition suspension, seven-inch-wide wheels with hub caps, black center hood, hood locking pins, bright exterior moldings, courtesy lights, Cobra emblems and F70 x 15 fiberglass-belted black sidewall tires with raised white letters.
Two additional engines were available in the Cobra line the 370 HP Cobra Jet 429 CID V-8 and the 370 HP 429 CID Super Cobra Jet V-8.
1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts – Engines
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- 155 HP 250 CID I-6
- 220 HP 302 CID V-8
- 250 HP 351 CID V-8
- 300 HP 351 CID Cleveland V-8
- 360 HP 429 CID V-8
- 370 HP 429 CID CJ V-8
- 375 HP 429 CID SCJ V-8
Inline Six. (Code “L”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 200 CID. Bore and stroke: 3,682″ x 3.91″. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Horsepower: 155 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 240 @ 1600 RPM. Seven main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 252 degrees, Exhaust: 254 degrees, Lift: 0.368″. Overlap: 35 degrees. Carburetor: Carter one-barrel (Manual Transmission) Model D0ZF-9510-E; (Automatic Transmission) Model Model D0ZF-9510-F, (Automatic Transmission & air conditioning) Model Model D0ZF-9510-D.
Optional Two Barrel V-8. Standard on Torino GT and Brougham. Code “F” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 302 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Horsepower: 220 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 2600 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 266 degrees, Exhaust: 244 degrees, Lift: (intake) 0.368″, (exhaust) 0.380″. Overlap 36 degrees. Carburetor: (Manual Transmission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model D0AF-9510C; (Auto Transmission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model D0AF-9510-D; (Auto Transmission with air conditioning) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model D0AF-9510-U.
Optional 351 CID “Windsor” V-8. Code “H” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 351 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 inches. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 355 @ 2600 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 258 degrees, Exhaust: 260 degrees, Lift: (intake) 0.400″, (exhaust) 0.400″. Overlap 32 degrees. Carburetor: (Manual Transmission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model D00F-9510-K; (Auto Transmission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model D00F-9510-L; (Auto Transmission with air conditioning) D00F-9510-M.
Optional 4-barrel 351 CID “Cleveland” V-8. Code “M” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 351 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 inches. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 300 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 380 @ 3400 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 268 degrees, Exhaust: 280 degrees, Lift: (intake) 0.430″, (exhaust) 0.450″. Overlap 37 degrees. Carburetor: (Manual Transmission) Ford Autolite 4-barrel Model D00F-9510-AB; (Auto Transmission) Ford Autolite 4-barrel Model D00F-9510-AC; (Auto Transmission with air conditioning) 4-barrel Model D00F-9510-AD;.
NOTE: This was the canted valve version of the 351 CID V-8, and shared little with the standard “Windsor” V-8.
360 HP Thunder Jet Optional V-8. Engine Code “N” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 429 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.36 x 3.59 inches. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 360 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 480 @ 2800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 256 degrees, Exhaust: 270 degrees, Lift: (Intake) 0.442″ (Exhaust) 0.486″. Overlap 36 degrees. Carburetor: Ford Autolite 4-barrel (manual transmission) Model D0AF-9510-AL, (automatic transmission) Model D0AF-9510-AL.
370 HP Cobra Jet Optional V-8. Engine Code “C” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 429 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.36 x 3.59 inches. Compression ratio: 11.3:1. Horsepower: 370 @ 5400 RPM. Torque: 450 @ 3400 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 282 degrees, Exhaust: 296 degrees, Lift: (Intake) 0.500″ (Exhaust) 0.500″. Overlap 58 degrees. Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel (manual transmission) Model D00F-9510-A, (manual transmission with air conditioning) Model D00F-9510-F, (automatic transmission) Model D00F-9510-B; (automatic transmission with air conditioning) Model D00F-9510-E.
370 HP Super Cobra Jet (Drag Pack) Optional V-8. Engine Code “C” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 429 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.36 x 3.59 inches. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 375 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 450 @ 4000 RPM Five main bearings. Mechanical lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 300 degrees, Exhaust: 300 degrees, Lift: (Intake) 0.515″ (Exhaust) 0.515″. Overlap 72 degrees. Carburetor: Holley 4-barrel (manual transmission) Model D00F-9510-N, (automatic transmission) Model D00F-9510-R.
1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts – Power Train Options
- Transmissions
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- Three-Speed Manual Transmission Standard – not available w/429 CID
- Four-Speed Manual Transmission: Optional – not available w/I-6 and 302 CID V-8, Standard with 429 CID V-8.
- Automatic Transmission: Optional all engines.
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- Transmission Ratios
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- 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
– 351 V-8: First: 2.42:1, Second: 1.61:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.33:1 - Four-Speed Manual Transmission
– 351 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)
– 429 CID CID V-8: First: 2.32:1, Second: 1.69:1, Third: 1.29:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.32:1 - Three-Speed Automatic Transmission
– 250 I-6 & 302 V-8 Low: 2.46:1, Second: 1.46:1, Direct 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.02:1.
– 351 V-8 FMX-MX Low: 2.40:1, Second: 1.47:1, Direct 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.00:1.
– 351 V-8 C-4 Low: 2.46:1, Second: 1.46:1, Direct 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.20:1
– 429 V-8 C-4 Select-Shift 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)
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- Rear Axle
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- I-6 Transmissions:
– Three Speed Manual: 3.00:1
– Automatic: 2.79:1 Wagons 3.00:1 - 302 V-8 Transmissions:
– Three Speed Manual: 2.79:1 Wagons 3.25:1
– Automatic: 2.79:1 Wagons 3.00:1 - 351 2-barrel V-8 Transmissions:
– Three Speed: 3.00:1
– Four-speed: 3.00:1 (N/A) Wagons
– Automatic: 3.25:1 - 351 4-barrel V-8 Transmissions:
– Three Speed: 3.25:1
– Four-speed: 3.25:1 (N/A) Wagons
– Automatic: 3.00:1 Wagons 3.25:1 - 429 V-8 Transmissions:
– Four-speed: 3.50:1; SCJ 3.50:1 – 4.30:1
– Automatic: 3.50:1; SCJ 3.91:1 – 4.30:1 - Optional Rear Axle: See 1970 Fairlane AMA Specifications Sheet page 3-4 HERE
- I-6 Transmissions:
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1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1970 Fairlane-Torino
1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts –
Current Market Values
1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts – Significant Options
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- 302 cubic inch V-8 engine ($108 – standard on GTs and Broughams).
- 351 cubic inch 2-barrel V-8 engine ($45 on GTs and Broughams, other $84)
- 351 cubic inch 4-barrel “Cleveland V-8 engine ($194 optional all Fairlanes and Torinos).
- 429 cubic inch 360 HP 4-barrel V-8 engine ($295 optional all Fairlanes Torinos).
- 429 cubic inch 370 HP 4-barrel V-8 engine ($504)
- 429 cubic inch 375 HP 4-barrel V-8 engine ($754)
- Air conditioning ($389).
- AM radio ($61).
- AM/FM stereo radio ($181).
- 8-track stereo tape player ($139)
- Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission ($201 with I-6 and 302 V-8; $222 with 351 and 429 V-8).
- Four-speed manual transmission ($194 – standard on Cobras).
- Luggage rack on station wagons ($47).
- Power disc brakes ($65).
- Power steering ($100).
- Power tailgate on station wagons ($35)
- Power windows ($100).
- Tinted windshield ($44).
- Two-tone paint ($27).
- Vinyl roof on two-door hardtops ($74) on four-door hardtops ($90).
- Wheel covers ($45).
- White sidewall tires ($34).
1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 117.00″ – Wagons 114.0″
- Overall length: 206.2″ – Wagons 209.0″
- Height: 2-Door 52.3″ 4-Door 53.1″ – Fastback 51.1″ – Convertible 52.7″ – Wagons 55.7″
- Weight: Varies – See 1970 Fairlane AMA Specifications Sheet pg 24 and 24A HERE
- Front tread: 60.5″
- Rear tread: 60.0″
- Tires:
- Base: 7.35 x 14 four-ply tubeless black wall
- Wagons 7.75 x 14 four-ply tubeless black wall
- GTs w/ 302/351 CID V-8 E70 x 14; w/429 V-8 F70 x 14, w/Air Conditioning G70 x 14
- Details: See 1969 Fairlane AMA Specifications Sheet pg 18 HERE
1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts – Related Document Downloads
Downloadable files directly related to the 1970 Ford Fairlane and Torino will appear below. Click to Download:
1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino Brochure
1970 Ford Performance Buyer’s Guide Version 2
1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino Print Advertisements
1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino AMA Specifications Sheets
1970 Fairlane-Torino All Models Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1970 Torino Cobra 429 CJ Road Test with 2 others – Motor Trend Magazine
1970 Ford Fairlane-Torino Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1970 Ford Fairlane & Torino Line will appear below
1970 Ford Torino Cobra
The 1970 Ford Torino Cobra was a solid seller as a big CID V-8 muscle car with 7,675 produced.
1970 Ford Torino GT Convertible
The 1970 Ford Torino GT Convertible sales increased over the previous year to 3,939. The new styling encouraged purchases.
1970 Ford Torino Brougham 4-door Hardtop
Also new to mid-size luxury, the 1970 Ford Torino Brougham 4-door Hardtop had 14,543 buyers step up.
1970 Ford Torino Brougham 2-door Hardtop
The 1970 Ford Torino Brougham 2-door Hardtop was a new entry in the mid-size luxury field. even so 16,911 were delivered.
1970 Ford Torino 4-door Hardtop
The 1970 Ford Torino 4-door Hardtop was a moderate seller with 14,312 produced.
1970 Ford Torino 4-door Sedan
The 1970 Ford Torino 4-door Sedan sold well and 30,117 found customers.
1970 Ford Torino 2-door Sportsroof
The 1970 Ford Torino 2-door Sportsroof sold well with 12,490 produced.
1970 Ford Torino 2-door Hardtop
The 1970 Ford Torino 2-door Hardtop was very popular with 49,826 delivered.
1970 Ford Fairlane 500 2-door Hardtop
The 1970 Ford Fairlane 500 2-door Hardtop was very popular with 49,826 sold.
1970 Ford Torino Squire Wagon
The 1970 Ford Torino Squire Wagon was now part of the Brougham line, and sported all the high end trim and features. 13,166 were produced.
1970 Ford Torino Wagon
The 1970 Ford Torino Wagon sat between the Squire and Falcon Wagon in price and amenities. It was popular with 13,613 delivered.
1970 Ford Fairlane 500 4-door Sedan
Always a good seller, the 1970 Ford Fairlane 500 4-door Sedan had 25,780 delivered in this year.
1970 Ford Falcon 4-door Sedan
The 1970 Ford Falcon 4-door Sedan was essentially the old plain Jane Fairlane. Its sales were combined with that of the Fairlane 500 version statistically, as part of the 30,443 number.