A production version of the flashy red Ford Gran Torino used
by television detectives Starsky and Hutch as a chase car in the popular Wednesday night television series is going
to be offered by U.S. Ford dealers.
"The Starsky/Hutch vehicle has that performance car look, and it's exciting a lot of young people," said
Douglas T. McClure, Ford Division merchandising manager. "We're delighted that we can make the car available
to the general public, even on a limited production basis. It's a colorful addition to our dealerships' showrooms,
and a lot of youths are going to have a lot of fun owning and driving it."
The Starsky/Hutch Gran Torino is a bright red two-door hardtop with a white vector paint stripe on each side. A
351 CID V-8 engine is standard with the special production model. Dual racing mirrors and a duluxe bumper group
are required as optional equipment.
Ford will produce only about 1,000 of the special versions of the mid- sized car. All of them will be built at
Ford's Chicago (Ill.) Assembly Plant. Orders are being accepted now at Ford dealerships. Production begins in March.
The Starsky/Hutch car will be one of Ford Division's spotlight vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show, February 20-29.
The division also will display it's new customized vans and many of its regular production cars and trucks at the
auto show. |