1969 Ford Torino Cobra

Buzz

For the 1970 model year, the Ford Torino expanded by five inches in length and two inches in track width, enhancing its design and accommodating a more powerful engine.

The 1970 lineup of Detroit's intermediate cars appeared bulkier, signaling a shift toward a more mature design. This was especially evident in the 1970 Ford Torino Cobra, which grew an inch in wheelbase and five inches in length, positioning it as one of the largest vehicles in its class. The redesigned bodywork featured aerodynamic elements, and the widened track allowed Ford to introduce a high-performance engine suitable for a muscle car.

The outdated 428-cid V-8 was replaced by a modern 429-cid engine. Unlike the semi-hemi Boss 429, this new design featured thin-wall construction and canted-valve heads. Ford revived a classic name for its top-tier models, creating the Torino Cobra as a dedicated muscle car.

Essentially a performance-tuned SportsRoof Torino GT, the Cobra boasted exposed headlights, a blacked-out hood, and optional muscle-car features such as rear-window louvers and wide Polyglas F60x15 tires mounted on seven-inch Magnum 500 wheels. Standard features included a Hurst shifter, a competition-tuned suspension with staggered rear shocks, and Cobra branding.

The Cobra variant of the 429-cid engine, featuring a high-rise manifold, offered an optional shaker scoop for enhanced performance.

The base engine was a 360-bhp 429-cid unit with a 10.5:1 compression ratio. The Cobra version, however, upped the ante with 370 bhp, an 11.3:1 compression ratio, upgraded cylinder heads, a high-lift camshaft, and a 700-cfm Holley four-barrel carburetor mounted on a high-rise manifold. When equipped with the optional shaker scoop, it was marketed as the 429 Cobra Jet Ram-Air, though its output remained at 370 bhp.

One of the advantages of this muscle car's increased size was its improved comfort and quieter ride.

Opting for the Drag Pack alongside the Cobra engine included features like Traction-Lok 3.91:1 or Detroit Locker 4.30:1 gears, a mechanical-lifter cam, an oil cooler, forged aluminum pistons, four-bolt main bearings, and a 780-cfm four-barrel carburetor, boosting the output to 375 bhp. (Early 1970 advertisements also mentioned the Boss 429 as an option for the Torino Cobra, though very few were actually installed.)

Thanks to its rear-heavy design, the 1970 Ford Torino Cobra delivered excellent traction, allowing its rear wheels to grip firmly for rapid acceleration.

While Torino Cobras didn't match the raw power of some competing big-block engines, they delivered impressive street performance. Their substantial weight, particularly in the rear, enhanced traction, enabling quick launches and competitive 0-60 mph times. The car's handling was unexpectedly refined, offering a comfortable and quiet ride, especially in models without solid lifters. It seems that maturity has its advantages.

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The 1970 Ford Torino Cobra

Specifications

Wheelbase, inches: 117.0

Weight, lbs: 3,774

Number built: 7,675

Base price: $3,270

Top Available Engine

Type: ohv V-8

Displacement, cid: 429

Fuel system: 1 x 4bbl.

Compression ratio: 11.3:1

Horsepower @ rpm: 370 @ 5400