Mike's first car was a 1972 stripper 302 4door Torino, that his Dad bought for him when he was 15. Mike spent the next 2 years fixing it up. It was 23,00 miles and a dream, but, sadly, Mike cracked it up. He always said he would get another Torino, and when Mike got his first good paying job back in 98' he bought his 1972 Gran Torino Sport from a guy in Bridgeport, CT. His wife was making him get rid of the car and Mike drove it home.
Originally it was a 351c car but already had a 72 429(stroked to 460) in it but was quite tame.
Since then Mike added Aluminum heads, Hooker Headers, a Demon 850 Carb and a nice lumpy cam, and a stout race kit c6 tranny with 3.55's and a posi unit. And for the record, Mike had Clint Eastwood beat on this car for over a decade! Mike does plan on doing more in the future. Such as a T56 6speed swap or a tailshaft OD. The other is a set of drag radials. He has plenty of Horsepower, but not enough traction.
Mike always loved the coke bottle styling and the 70's NASCAR look. To Mike, they just don't make curves like that anymore. He drives the Torino often, and in the summer his regular "daily driver" doesn't get much use. Mike's motto, "drive it like you stole it." No trailer queens here!
Mike has had plenty of cars, and this Torino is not his only. He also currently owns a 1967 Ford Mustang GT Fastback, a 2005 Ford Mustang GT and a 1973 Mercury Cougar Convertible. It's safe to say any day he is driving a muscle car. Tough life, eh? So don't get used to seeing him in the same car for too long. But it's safe to say Mike is usually driving around in his Torino. And if you can't see it, you'll certainly be able to hear it!
Mike is one of the ultimate car guys, not just for having several, but he knows a lot about a lot and always has something going on. He also takes great camera shots! To speak to Mike today, go to our Members Section - MikeC.
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