Gran Torino – 1972 Gran Torino Sport

How many movies do you know that the title of the film is the same as the feature car? Unless the film title is completely about the car, it’s pretty rare. But Gran Torino is entitled well for the premise of the movie. Because, to main characterWalt Kowalski, played by Clint Eastwood this 1972 Gran Torino Sport is his most prized possession.

After returning from the war in Korea, Walt worked for Ford Motor, where he built hisGran Torino alongside fellowassembly line workers. As you can see the car is in perfect shape, just as the day it was built. Unfortunately, Walt, now widowed and much older, is not in perfect shape. He is frustrated that his neighborhood is now populated almost entirely with people who remind him on the war. His health is failing and his mind is more troubled than ever. Gangs are causing trouble for the rest of the neighborhood and safety is a major concern.

The Gran Torino is nearly stolen by one of the neighborhood kids, Hmong who is trying to become member of a gang. Hmong’s family insists that he repay for the damage he’s caused Walt. After doing chores and helping Walt out, Hmong and Walt become friends. For those who have not seen the movie, I want to stop there. Let’s talk about the car a little bit.

Car Specs

As I’ve pointed out before, the car is 1972 Gran Torino Sport. There were 496,645 Torinos produced by Ford in 1972. However only 92,033 were Gran Torino Sport models, like the one featured in the movie. What makes the Gran Torino Sport special? At first glance, one would notice integrated hood scoop. All of the Sport models had the scoop, however they’re only functional with the rare Ram Air Induction package. Some of the Sport models also had the “Magnum 500″ wheels as this one does. The laser stripe on the side is an optional piece for the Sport models, and ’72 was the first year the stripe ran down the full length of the car.

The base power plant for the Grand Torino sport is the 302 C.U. Windsor V8 2 barrel. However 351W, 351 Cleveland, 400 and 429 were all available as well. These motors will built for low compression (8.5:1) for better fuel economy, thus reducing horsepower as well. 1972 was the beginning of the end for muscle car era. That’s part of what makes it a perfect fit for the movie. Both the car and the main character were part of a time that was challenging and difficult for some people to accept. Frozen in time, the car and character struggle to move on in a new changing world.