1969 Ford Talledega

Price: US $34,900.00 Item location: Nokomis, Florida, United States
Description:

1969 Ford Talladega

1969 Ford Talladega


Here we have a 1969 Ford Talladega. This car is offered for sale today as a solid driver quality car. This auction offers you a way of obtaining a piece of Ford history at a very reasonable price.

The parts that make this car a Talladega are all there. Breaking down the vehicle into major sections, the interior is nice, with newer upholstery. In the pictures below you will see a slight tear in the driver’s side front bench seat.

The drivetrain runs strong. The engine and automatic trans have both completed a rebuild in the recent past. It starts and runs good shifting strong with a very positive feel. The engine compartment could use some detailing to freshen up the appearance under the hood.

The underside and suspension are in nice shape. Many new suspension components have been installed as well as a detailing job that make the underneath of the vehicle look good. Please look at the pictures.

The body and paint are just driver quality and not at all pristine. There appears to be some filler in the rear quarters but how much is unknown.

This car has good bones and could be the basis for a complete concours restoration or it could be driven and shown as is with a whole lot of pride. We encourage you to see the car in person. Who doesn’t want to come to Florida in February or March!!!! If you can’t make it, please send your representative to look over the vehicle in detail. If not inspected, we can not be responsible for your expectations.

This car is number 529 on the Talladega Registry. To date there are approximately 176 vehicles still known to exist.

Please read the “What is a Talladega” section below for more detailed information about the car and its history. Thanks, you for viewing our vehicle.

Finally, this car is not a concours 95-point vehicle. If you are looking for that type of car, please see our other auction for a 1969 Ford Fairlane Cobra SCJ. This car is pristine and worth a look. Thanks

What is a Talladega?

So, what do you think of when you hear the word “Talladega”? Obviously for fans of NASCAR the track in Alabama comes to mind. For those that remember a certain factory modified 1969 Ford Fairlane, Talladega is a rare car that brings back many memories.

Ford Motor Company was racing in NASCAR and wanted to win more races. Unlike today, in 1969, NASCAR meant race cars were Stock Cars! They were all built from cars straight off the show room floor. Ford went back to the drawing board with its 1969 Torino fastback. They brought in outside help from factory backed race shop Holman and Moody. They came up with some aerodynamic tricks for the already slippery fastbacks. This resulted in the Ford Talladega and the Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II. NASCAR mandated that at least 500 of each car be manufactured to qualify for racing.

Among the changes, the most obvious included the longer front fenders that extended the snout and had an angled front that connected the now flush mounted grill opening back into the hood area. Special bracing was required to support the “drooped” nose”. Holman and Moody also took 1969 Fairlane/Torino rear bumpers, and by sectioning them in the middle, made them tuck in closer to the body to catch less passing air and act as an old school spoiler for the front end.

In another well-kept secret design move, the rocker panels of the Talladega were reshaped and rolled to allow Ford teams to run their racing cars about an inch closer to the ground while staying within NASCAR rules; this also greatly enhanced the top speed of the car by lowering its center of gravity, and further reducing its wind resistance.

In January and February of 1969, Ford produced 750 Talladegas. The production cars were available in three colors: Royal Maroon, Wimbledon White and Presidential Blue. Of the 750 cars produced, 258 were maroon, 286 were white, and 199 were blue. Maroon and blue cars received white pinstripes that ran along the tops of the fenders, doors and quarter panels, while the white cars received a black stripe. The interiors were all black vinyl, with cloth bench seats, no tach or clock, and just an AM radio. Talladegas were given special “T” plates on the doors just above the handles, a “T” in a circle on the rear, and “Talladega” nameplates inside on the door panels.

Every Talladega received the 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet engine with a 10.5:1 compression ratio rated at 335hp, backed by a C6 automatic transmission. Staggered rear shocks were also used, along with a non-posi 3.25:1 rear end. Talladegas are the only automatic equipped Ford product to receive the Drag Pac staggered shocks.

The only other options offered on the production vehicles, were power steering, power brakes, color keyed racing mirrors, AM radio and argent styled steel wheels with F70 X 14 wide oval tires. All production Talladegas received the same options with no substitutions.

Ford won the Manufactures Cup in 1969. David Pearson won the season championship, and Richard Petty finished second, both driving a Talladega. Also, Richard Petty won his 100th race behind the wheel of his blue T.