Stephen Willies owns this beautiful Big Block Ford powered 1970 Ford Torino. This vehicle has been a labour of love for Stephen for over 10 years now, from its initial purchase as a registered car in the USA to its current magnificent state. It was delivered to ARC as a complete but rather sad vehicle, less engine and gearbox, for us to perform our tasks. After extensive gutting, a full 'Chassisworks' box frame rail (which ARC keep in stock) was installed front to rear including a 'Chassisworks' double wishbone front suspension system, ARC rearend housing, ARC fourlink, cage, windows, panel hanging etc. and finished with an ARC quality tin job. Rob Napier added a bit of his composite magic, prior to the finishing touch being the magnificent panel and paint work. If you saw what the panel beaters started with body wise you would be in awe of their achievement. The engine made 720hp on Sid Moore's dyno, coupled with 700 ft/lbs of torque all achieved at only 6000 rpm. At the test and tune on the 6th August 2006, Stephen debut the 2520 lb beast with an off the trailer 9.57 secs @ 133 mph bouncing off the rev limiter. This performance was coupled with an impressive 1.300 short time and an equally impressive 0.005 reaction time. It's all down hill from here Stephen!
24.04.2007 - Photos 10 -14 inclusive in the series below show the unfortunate result of a dropped valve. Stephens Torino heavily impacted the wall at a recent bracket event, putting him out of action for a lengthy period. As well as the car damage, there is not a lot to salvage from the engine.
23.10.2008 - Photos 15 & 16 show the Torino in its rebuilt glory with new front panels and new engine. To date it has run 8.86 sec best.
24.03.2014 - Photos 17 & 18 have the Torino finally back after a long sabbatical to allow Stephen to re-group after loosing yet another engine, this time due to a brand new crank failing (snapped through a journal on the dyno no less). This time, no expense has been sparred to build a bullet proof piece. A C&C Motosport alloy block allows for 632 cu inch displacement and Trick Flow A460 heads, the Torino now sees 1100 hp. The Enderle hat is still used & power is now fed through a 2 speed transmission with 5500 stall. With 4.11 gears and 32" tyres, the Torino stormed to a new PB of 8.33 @ 163mph recently. The future looks bright for this very popular car.