A Formal-Roof 1969 SCJ 428 Torino Cobra With A Vinyl Top? Believe It!
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at a rare 1969 Ford Torino Cobra with a formal roof, black glossy paint, and vinyl top. We’ll dive into the car’s unique features, the history behind it, and the story of its restoration. This car is a true treasure, and we’ll explore why it’s so special.
Introduction
- Eye-catching Fairlane Torino
- Black glossy paint and vinyl top
- Curiosity ignited
While attending the “Bakers of Milford” Sunday car show in Milford, Michigan, a unique car caught the eye of many attendees. This black glossy car with a sleek hood and a black vinyl top was making its way up the paved access road, and as it came closer, it became apparent that it was a 1969 Ford Fairlane formal-roof hardtop. The rectangular “428” fender badge and snake emblem on the driver’s-side fender added to the car’s unique look.
Seeking the Truth
- Uncommon model
- Seeking the truth
- Discovering the car’s unique features
As the car made its way up to the show field, it was apparent that it was not an ordinary Fairlane Torino. The car’s exceptionally detailed undercarriage, suspension, oil pan, and high-performance-exhaust added to the curiosity. The car was eventually parked in an elevated area overlooking the main show field. The car’s unique features prompted many attendees to approach the owner to learn more about it.
Meeting the Owner
- Owner Larry Slevin
- The story of the car’s restoration
- The car’s unique features
The car’s owner, Larry Slevin, and his wife, Lynn, purchased the car earlier in the year from a seller in Wisconsin. Larry and Lynn had been on a mission to restore a formal-roof 1969 Ford Torino Cobra – a rare car as most Fairlane Torinos given the Cobra treatment were SportsRoof fastback models. Jim Plimpton, who owned a blue 1969 Torino Talladega, introduced himself to Larry and Lynn during the 2007 Woodward Dream Cruise. Jim told Larry and Lynn that he had just the car for them – an original, 20,000-mile triple-black 1969 formal-roof Cobra that had been sitting in his shop for nearly a decade.
Larry and Lynn purchased the car and discovered it was a real 1969 Ford Torino Cobra formal-roof two-door hardtop. The car’s engine bay had a pristine appearance with a chrome air cleaner, a red “428” engine sticker, and aluminum valve covers.
Restoring the Car
- Rust damage
- The decision to restore the car
- The restoration process
Larry and Lynn discovered that the car they had purchased had rust damage that had destroyed the car’s critical structural parts. Restoring the car was out of the question. However, after a few years, they made the decision to restore the car with the help of some trusted mechanics. They replaced the damaged parts and restored the car to its original state, including the black glossy paint and black vinyl top.
Conclusion
- A rare treasure
- Unique features
- A true work of art
The 1969 Ford Torino Cobra with a formal roof, black glossy paint, and vinyl top is a rare treasure. Larry and Lynn Slevin discovered a true work of art, and through their restoration, they have brought it back to life. The car’s unique features, including the engine bay, suspension, and undercarriage, add to its appeal.
Larry received the phone call he had been hoping for, but never expected to get. Jim offered to sell Larry the original triple-black 1969 Ford Torino Cobra formal-roof two-door hardtop that he had mentioned at the Woodward Dream Cruise. After several phone conversations and emails, Larry and Lynn purchased the car and had it shipped from Jim’s shop in Northville, Michigan to their home in southeastern Michigan.
After a thorough inspection of the car, it was discovered that the Torino Cobra was one of only 14 built with the combination of options it had, including the 428 Super Cobra Jet engine, Ram Air induction, C-6 automatic transmission, 3.91 Traction-Lok differential, power steering, power front disc brakes, AM radio, tinted glass and black vinyl roof. It was also one of only 116 Torino Cobras built with the formal roof option.
Larry and Lynn took their time restoring the Torino Cobra, with Larry handling the mechanical restoration and Lynn overseeing the upholstery and vinyl roof replacement. The car was completed in 2010 and made its debut at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago, Illinois, where it received a Concours Gold award in the Torino/Cyclone class.
The Torino Cobra has since made appearances at numerous car shows and events, including the 2012 Ford Nationals at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where it was awarded the Boss 429 Best of Show Award. Larry and Lynn also participated in the Woodward Dream Cruise in 2015, where they had the opportunity to reconnect with Jim Plimpton and show him the finished product of their hard work and dedication.
In conclusion, Larry and Lynn Slevin’s 1969 Ford Torino Cobra formal-roof two-door hardtop is a true gem in the world of muscle cars. Its rarity, exceptional restoration, and captivating history make it a must-see for any automotive enthusiast. The Torino Cobra is a prime example of how passion, dedication, and a little bit of luck can result in a masterpiece that will be admired for generations to come.
