Craigslist Find: 1976 Ford Gran Torino “Starsky And Hutch” Replica

While Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul, as Starsky and Hutch, do some police-work, the Ford Gran Torino steals the show. Photo taken from outdoorsmenforum.com.

If you were alive in the late 1970s, chances are, you know the name, “Starsky and Hutch.” For everyone else, Starsky and Hutch was an extremely popular American television program that followed two undercover police officers tasked with cleaning up the streets of Bay City, a fictional place set in Southern California that suspiciously looked similar to Los Angeles. 

Among the highlights of the show were; a buddy-cop dynamic, great supporting characters, excellent writing, gunfights, and of course, a gratuitous amount of car chases. After watching the show for any period of time, It’s easy to see why the characters spent so much time behind the wheel. They were piloting what would become one of American television’s most iconic set of wheels. None other than David Starsky’s 1974-76 Ford Gran Torino. 

The car featured on the show was actually several cars ranging in year from 1974 through 1976. They were able to do this because the model remained the same throughout. What gave the car iconic status was due in part to several factors, the foremost being the car’s styling. The show’s star, Paul Michael Glaser, is credited with giving the car it’s on and off-screen nickname, when he supposedly said the car looked like a, “striped tomato.” 

It was that bold white vector stripe down the side, raked front end, and Ansen slot mag wheels that set the car apart – and made it the envy of men everywhere. Just don’t ask the question, “Why would two undercover police officers drive such a noticeable car?” It’s Hollywood, it doesn’t have to make sense, and this car’s a star. 

What would make sense, if you’re a fan of the show, or even just the car, would be buying one. So, if you’ve always dreamed of jumping out of your very own Gran Torino, sliding across the hood, drawing your Colt 1911, and making quick work of some bad guys. —You’re in luck…Well, at least you can get the first part down. A quick craigslist search will yield an overwhelming amount of Torinos, but you can purchase this replica of Starsky’s Gran Torino right now. 

The seller purports their 1976 Gran Torino to have 42,000 original miles and absolutely zero rust. Everything is there, from the white stripe, down to the period correct slot mags. This particular car features a 400 cubic inch V8 and C6 transmission. The 400 has been warmed over with a mild cam, upgraded Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, and carburetor of the same make. The seller claims to have had the car appraised at 18,000 dollars, with an asking price of 15,000. 

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This is your chance to own a piece of automotive history, and Hollywood memorabilia at the same time. Now all you need is some long sideburns, maybe a mustache, and a wool knit sweater, and you’ll be ready to take down any would-be ne’er-do-wells in your own town. 

Here is the ad, which you can find on craigslist.org/sfv

 

About the author

Vinny Costa

Fast cars, motorcycles, and loud music are what get Vinny’s blood pumping. Catch him behind the wheel of his ’68 Firebird. Chances are, Black Sabbath will be playing in the background.
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