1969 Ford Torino Talladega 428 Cobra Jet ... (SOLD)

Magnificent genuine 1969 Ford Torino Talladega now for sale. The 428 Cobra Jet powered NASCAR homologation special built by Ford to beat Chrysler in the legendary aero wars of the NASCAR superspeedways of the late '60s.

The 1969 season was won by David Pearson in the #17 Talladega against the Charger 500s with top speeds well in excess of 200mph. The Talladega was so successful even Richard Petty jumped into one for the 1969 season in his signature Petty Blue #43. 1970 saw the homologation of the 426 Hemi Dodge Daytonas and Plymouth Superbirds to wrestle the title back from Ford but that's another story!

Only 745 Talladegas were built to reach the NASCAR minimum number required of 500 units, all built in January and February of 1969, and in just three colours; Royal Maroon, Wimbledon White and Presidential Blue.

Although the NASCAR race Talladegas were equipped with the legendary 427 FE side-oiler (and later the homologated BOSS 429 engine from the '69 Mustang) all road cars received the 428 Cobra Jet Q-code engine rated at 335hp and 10.5:1 compression, and only with the heavy duty C6 automatic and 3.25:1 9 inch rear end.

The Talladega was built using the '69 Torino SportRoof Hardtop body, adding its unique wind-tunnel designed front end styling to the already slippery fastback with special guards, bonnet, grill and bumper. Interestingly the bumpers needed to be narrower than standard so were shipped to Holman & Moody where they were cut in the middle, narrowed then welded back together filling the upper corners at the same time.

The road cars also included front power disc brakes and special staggered shocks on the rear, and sneaky re-rolled sills to allow the race cars to sit lower to the track by an inch.

This particular example came to Australia just a few years ago imported by its current owner from the Classic Cars & Garage Museum in Alabama. It has been in careful collector hands for decades and is showing a genuine 75,098 miles from new with Log books, warranty card, build sheet, brochures and considerable ownership history.

It is completely original matching numbers engine and transmission. It still has the original smog pump installed which is rare as these were often removed. Even the original oil cooler is intact as it left the factory.

It has had an external paint only of its classic Royal Maroon, and only a seat re-trim otherwise all the interior including dash, carpet, belts etc remains original.

All servicing has been carried out to the highest order with recent brake reconditioning including the original master cylinder, brake calipers and booster. The engine and transmission are running perfect. Also new tyres fitted last year - Maxxis 205/75/14.

This is an outstanding collectible muscle Ford, worthy of any inspection. Located in Western Sydney. (Ref. 5189)