What engine was in Starsky and Hutch, Torino?
The iconic red and white Ford Gran Torino from the 1970s TV series "Starsky and Hutch" is one of the most recognizable cars in television history. Known for its sleek design and thrilling car chases, the Torino wasn't just a visual star—it also packed some serious power under the hood. In this article, we’ll explore the engines that powered this legendary vehicle and what made them special.
The Ford Gran Torino: A Muscle Car Icon
The Ford Gran Torino, produced by Ford from 1968 to 1976, was a popular muscle car of its era. The version featured in "Starsky and Hutch" was a 1975 model, painted in its signature bright red with a white vector stripe. While the car's appearance was heavily customized for the show, the engines available for the Gran Torino were standard options offered by Ford at the time.
Engine Options for the Starsky and Hutch Torino
The Ford Gran Torino came with several engine options, and the specific engine used in the TV series varied depending on the car used for filming. Here are the most common engines available for the 1975 Gran Torino:
- 351 Windsor V8: A 5.8-liter engine known for its reliability and decent performance. This was one of the base engine options for the Torino.
- 351 Cleveland V8: Another 5.8-liter engine, but with a different design and higher performance capabilities compared to the Windsor.
- 400 V8: A 6.6-liter engine that offered more power and torque, making it a popular choice for muscle car enthusiasts.
- 460 V8: The largest engine available for the Torino, this 7.5-liter powerhouse delivered impressive performance and was often used in high-performance models.
For the TV series, the production team used multiple Gran Torinos, and it is believed that most of them were equipped with the 351 Windsor or 400 V8 engines. These engines provided a balance of power and reliability, which was essential for the demanding stunts and high-speed chases featured in the show.
Why the Engine Choice Mattered
The engine choice for the Starsky and Hutch Torino was crucial for several reasons:
- Performance: The car needed to perform well during action scenes, including high-speed chases and sharp turns.
- Durability: Filming a TV series involves repeated use of vehicles, so the engines had to withstand significant wear and tear.
- Authenticity: The Gran Torino was a muscle car, and its engine needed to reflect the power and performance associated with this class of vehicles.
Conclusion
The Ford Gran Torino from "Starsky and Hutch" remains a symbol of 1970s muscle car culture. While the exact engine varied depending on the specific car used for filming, the 351 Windsor and 400 V8 were among the most common options. These engines provided the power and reliability needed to make the Torino a star both on and off the screen. Whether you're a fan of classic cars or just love the nostalgia of the show, the Starsky and Hutch Torino is a true automotive legend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 1971 Ford Torino worth?
The value of a 1971 Ford Torino can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $13,450 for a 1971 Ford Torino in good condition with average spec.
What was the fastest Gran Torino?
Undoubtedly, the fastest of the Torino was the 1970 Ford Torino Cobra. The standard engine that came in this beast was a 429 Cobra Jet that could propel the car down the ¼ mile track in under 14 seconds, reaching speeds over 100 mph.
How much horsepower does a 1972 Ford Torino have?
Summary. Ford Torino's 351 Cobra Jet V8 engine is a standout, offering 248 horsepower and 299 lb-ft of torque for a thrilling ride. The 1972 Gran Torino Sport with the Cobra Jet engine is the car to aim for, boasting a 6.9 second 0-60 time and a top speed of 140 mph.
How much horsepower does a 1970 Ford Torino 429 Cobra jet have?
370 horsepower
From the factory, this Torino Cobra's 429-cubic-inch V-8 was good for 370 horsepower, and it has been rebuilt to largely original specification.
What engine did the Starsky and Hutch Torino have?
1976 Ford Torino "Starsky & Hutch" With 409 V8 Is Not Your Regular Cop Movie Car. Introduced in 1968 as an upscale version of the Ford Fairlane, the Torino evolved into a series of its own and a potent intermediate muscle car by 1970.
How much horsepower does a 1970 Ford Torino GT 429 have?
370 hp
Technical Specifications:
Model: Torino GT 429 Super Cobra Jet. Engine: 429 ci/370 hp SCJ. Transmission: 4-Speed Manual.
How many cars did they use in Starsky and Hutch 2004?
All of which made the 2004 movie remake with actors Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller a natural. The film's production required nine Torinos to handle the chase scenes and peel-outs for the script. Over the years on the show, the Torino's appearance changed, but the movie version was an amalgam of all models.
What engine did the Ford Torino have?
Torino GT models came standard with a 302 cu in (4.9 L)-2V small block V8 and this was also the base V8 engine optional on other models. Other available engines included a 390 cu in (6.4 L)-2V FE engine, 390 cu in (6.4 L)-4V FE engine and a 427 cu in (7.0 L)-4V FE engine.
How much horsepower does a 76 Gran Torino have?
1976 Ford Gran Torino with the 460 385 series V8 (226 hp and 371 ft.lb torque)
How many Ford Torinos were used in Starsky and Hutch?
Being an action show, Starsky & Hutch definitely had stunt driving sequences, but nothing on the destructive scale of The Dukes of Hazzard, and thus didn't go through as many vehicles. Nobody can say for sure, but the best estimates are that for the entire production run, a total of 10 1976 Ford Gran Torinos were used.
