The Torino Talladega was a one-year-only variant produced during the first few weeks of 1969 to meet NASCAR’s homologation rules, which required a minimum of 500 street-legal cars be sold to allow a race-ready version to compete. Ford exceeded this requirement, building approximately 750 units, including prototypes and pilot models. Engineered by Holman-Moody, the Talladega was based on the Fairlane “Sportsroof” (fastback) platform and featured a dramatically more aerodynamic front end. The nose was extended by about 5–6 inches and incorporated a flush-mounted grille. Even the bumper was repurposed—cut and reshaped from the rear bumper—to act as a subtle air dam.
Fitting within NASCAR’s clearance rules, the rocker panels were rolled to effectively lower the car by 1 inch—improving both aerodynamics and handling. Every production Talladega came with the 428 Cobra Jet V8. Rated at 335 hp (undercounted for insurance), it actually delivered closer to 400–450 hp and a stout 440 lb-ft of torque. Heavy-duty, column-shifted three-speed C6 Cruise-O-Matic automatic Transmission.
NASCAR required at least 500 units, but Ford went beyond that with production totaled about 750 cars (including prototypes, pilot cars, and production models). All were built at the Atlanta Assembly Plant between January and February 1969.
Ford powered cars have dominated the International performance and racing field for the past five years and 1969 is not to be an exception. Heading the pack to the Performance Corner in your dealership is the exotic new aerodynamic-design Torino Talladega … an exciting development of the 1968 NASCAR and USAC Champion Torino. The Talladega’s aerodynamic design features, developed after extensive high-speed wind tunnel and track testing, improve performance during high-speed operation by reducing drag and front end lift.
Available as a SportsRoof Hardtop in Wimbledon White, Royal Maroon or Presidential Blue, the Talladega’s “wind tunnel” design features unique front end styling with special fenders, hood, grille and bumper formed into a massive front end unit completely surrounding the grille. The solid front bumper wraps around the front fenders and extends outward from a point just below the headlights. Exterior trim features of the Torino Talladega are highlighted by a unique dual “flow” stripe extending the full length of the car at the beltline, a non-gloss “racing black” hood and rear deck panel, and specially-designed Talladega plaques on both doors and on the rear deck panel.
The car’s carpeted all-black interior is trimmed in rich cloth and vinyl and is identified by a “TALLADEGA” plate on each door panel. This exciting new Talladega will even more firmly establish Ford’s position of leadership in the Perform”Performance Corner” of your community.
TALLADEGA STANDARD FEATURES
The hot new Torino Talladega SportsRoof model includes unique aerodynamic features plus an impressive list of standard items such as: 335 Horsepower, 428 Cubic-Inch, Cobra Jet Engine with a Four-Barrel Carburetor and Cast Aluminum Rocker Covers ” An Engine Oil Cooler ” Extra-Cooling Package ” 55-Ampere Alternator ” 80 Ampere-Hour Battery ” SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic Transmission ” Power Steering ” Power Front Disc Brakes ” 3.25:1 Ratio Non-Locking Rear Axle ” F70 x 14 White Sidewall, Wide-Oval, Fiberglass Belted Tires ” Argent-Finish Styled Steel Wheels and Chrome Trim Rings ” Competition Suspension With Ultra-Heavy-Duty Front and Rear Springs and Shock Absorbers, Extra-Heavy-Duty Stabilizer Bar, and a Staggered Rear Shock Absorber Arrangement with One Rear Shock Ahead Of and the Other Behind the Rear Axle ” Special Aerodynamic Design Grille, Hood, Fender and Front Bumper Arrangement ” Non-Gloss “Racing Black” Hood and Lower Rear Deck Panel ” Unique Dual “Flow” Stripe at the Beltline ” AM Radio ” Unique Cast “T” Emblem on the Doors Just Above the Handles and on the Rear Deck Panel ” A “TALLADEGA” Identification Plate on the Door Interior Trim Panels ” All-Black Cloth Vinyl Interior Trim ” Long-Wearing Nylon/Rayon Carpeting.
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