This is not a Talladega but it is a Torino with racing connections that I have never heard of before. This 1968 Parnelli Jones Torino IS NOT a factory produced vehicle; it is a dealership special. So, is it valuable? It appears that in 1968 famous racer Parnelli Jones was in partnership on a Ford dealership in Southern California. He and his partner wanted to do something special and thus was built the Parnelli Jones Torino.
This car was found on eBay and its seller does not mention any performance modifications, only cosmetic. Since the selling price for this Special Edition was the same as a regular Torino without these modifications it is highly unlikely that any performance upgrades were included. On the other hand, Parnelli was well known for his racing in Indy Car, Nascar, Trans Am and Off Road so performance options would certainly have been expected. Were there more options or different versions that might have included performance upgrades? Ford has done some Parnelli Jones tribute specials over the years but they were all Mustangs as I recall.
One thing I find especially interesting is the vinyl roof. First off, it is the first time I have ever seen a vinyl trunk! Usually when we see a fastback with a vinyl treatment it stops at the leading edge of the trunk. What I like about this car is it pays tribute to the race car paint schemes used on the Fords and Mercurys. This Presidential Blue with white vinyl top must have really stood out from the crowd on the street.
Does anyone have more information or insight on these cars? How many did the dealership build? Were there any 428 CJ cars? Did they come in other colors? Who has actually seen one of these and do you have photos? I would love to know more about these. Since Parnelli is still alive and active could he have any more info for us?
There are a number of items on the car that seem like they would have added a significant cost to the car. How about this hood. I don’t ever recall seeing anything like this on any Fords. Was this a custom piece just for this car or was it an over the counter hot rod piece from some aftermarket firm?
The interior in this version has the bucket seats. Did others have a console or bench seat? Was there ever a convertible version. There are a lot of questions but a very cool car.
Man that car is cool.I remember the dealership.It is in Torrance California right on pacific coast hwy or PCH as its known.I agree that it looks better with the Torques on it.
Cool car. Notice it is a 1968 with headrests
Marty, would the headrests indicate a late 68 production car?
Carl
I would say yes! I sure would like to see more documentation
On this car. It is so cool
Marty
I’m guessing it was a 4 barrel 390 car; but, it is really tough to make that call from just these photos. The hood appears to be an all fiberglass aftermarket piece to me. (I think that most metal hoods would have been showing rust and paint loss equal to, or in excess of, what would show on the car’s fenders.) I don’t think Ford made any ram air cars in 68; but, I could be wrong. However, it would not have taken much to make the hood scoop on this car functional. A slight change in the air cleaner… Regardless, a very cool example of what appears to be a very limited production Torino. I’m guessing that with the automatic on the floor and the white vinyl top/trunk, this was a lot more show than go. Although, with Parnelli Jones’s name on the fender, I wouldn’t be surprised if they had done some performance work on the car.
Regarding the hood, is it just me, or does this hood design remind you of the hood scoop on the 66 427 Fairlane?
I sent Rick a copy of an Advertisement I have in my garage regarding Parnelli Jones joining up with Vel Meltich of Vels Ford in Torrance Ca.
Jones had driven Vel’s sponsored cars for sometime and the two were great friends, Vel even helped Jones get set up with his first Firestone Franchise in SoCal and that grew and grew into not only more stores but a Distributorship of the brand.
Vel’s Parnelli Jones racing had lots of success in various forms of Motorsports.
The car pictured in this Article is indeed a 1968 model…The 4 Chrome Hashmarks on the C-Pillar is standard 1968 Torino/Fairlane 500 issue.
Being a floor shift automatic wouldnt it come with a console?I cant imagine the shifter perched up through the carpet without it.