Yes—as a television star, the red-and-white Ford Gran Torino was more than worthy of the screen. Its bold paint scheme, unmistakable shape and repeated chase scenes made it part of Starsky & Hutch’s identity. That is a different claim from saying it was a top-performing car: the available sources do not establish a period performance comparison that would prove that.
What car did Starsky and Hutch drive?
The familiar car was a Ford Torino or Gran Torino dressed in the show’s red-and-white scheme, often associated with the nickname “Striped Tomato.” The series ran from 1975 to 1979 and, according to Revell’s kit instructions, featured more than 92 episodes. Revell also notes that a chase appeared in almost every episode, helping make the car a recurring part of the show’s visual language. Revell’s kit instructions
There was not one mechanically identical Torino used throughout the series. Revell says the production used more than one car and that details and equipment changed from year to year. Cars assigned to camera work, exterior shots and stunt driving could have different equipment or condition, so a detail seen on one screen car should not automatically be treated as a feature of every production Torino.
How the production Torinos were prepared
The Ford Torino Project, a specialist enthusiast source, attributes the car’s selection and appearance to ideas involving producer Aaron Spelling and production transportation manager George Grenier, followed by access to Ford’s studio-TV car-loan program. It describes stunt-oriented changes including special wheels, wider tires, air shocks and “hijackers,” and names stunt coordinator Chuck Picerni as a driver for stunts and pursuits. These are details reported by that specialist account, rather than specifications established here by a Ford production archive. Ford Torino Project’s account of the Starsky & Hutch Torino
#1 Best Overall
- 1/43 scale car
- Metal
- Detailed and faithful reproduction of the original vehicle
- Car screwed to base and presented in a display box
The same page describes two cars used for filming, including a camera-equipped car and one filmed externally. That account does not establish the total fleet used across every season and filming role; Revell’s broader description is that the production used multiple cars.
Was the Torino a factory Starsky & Hutch model?
Yes, but the factory car was a separate 1976 special edition, not simply another name for the production vehicles seen in every episode. Ford sold the edition after the show’s car had become popular. The Ford Torino Project reports that the special edition was based on the 1976 Gran Torino and came standard with a 351-cubic-inch (CID) two-barrel engine, with 400- and 460-CID options. It also lists a C6 automatic transmission, front disc brakes and power steering. These specifications and its identification guidance—including the PS-122 designation and DSO/build-sheet clues—come from that specialist source, so buyers should verify a car’s documentation with a qualified marque expert rather than rely on appearance alone. Ford Torino Project’s factory-edition details
Rank #2
- Revell Model Kit #14534, Skill Level 4, Contains 128-Parts, Recommended for ages 12 and up
- Big-block 429 Cobra Jet V-8 engine. High-back front bucket seats. Shaker hood scoop.
- Optional rear-window louvers. All-new expanded decal sheet with factory-stock markings and Twister Special stripe option.
- Molded in white, transparent red and clear with chrome plated parts and soft black tires. Paint and glue required(not included).
The production-car fleet and the factory edition should not be assumed to share the same engine or equipment. The sources describe the show cars as varying by year and role; the factory-edition specifications above apply to the replica model as reported by the Ford Torino Project.
How many 1976 factory editions did Ford make?
The published totals conflict, and the available sources do not settle the number:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
![Hot Wheels Torque 5 Pack ['72 Ford Gran Torino Sport, Riveted, '69 Dodge Charger 500, Custom '67 Pontiac Firebird, Muscle Bound] 1:64 Scale Diecast Toy Vehicles](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sJa3P1ICL._SL160_.jpg)
- Hot Wheels Torque 5 Pack
- Includes: '72 Ford Gran Torino Sport, Riveted, '69 Dodge Charger 500, Custom '67 Pontiac Firebird, Muscle Bound
- 1:64 Scale Diecast Toy Cars
| Reported total | Source and qualification |
|---|---|
| 1,001 | Revell’s manufacturer-hosted kit instructions; publication year not stated. Revell |
| 1,000 | The Ford Torino Project, a specialist enthusiast page whose publication or update year is not stated. It also reports that 100 cars were allocated to Canada. Ford Torino Project |
A 2023 PBS segment features owner Greg Korfe, who says he was told the total was 1,000 while discussing his own car and showing documents he identifies as its bill of sale and build sheet. That is Korfe’s account, not an independent record of Ford’s full production total. In the segment, he says, “I own a 76 Gran Torino ‘Starsky and Hutch’ edition.” PBS/Pioneer PBS segment and transcript, April 8, 2023
What made it worthy of the screen?
Presence and character fit
The red-and-white paint, recognizable profile and frequent pursuit scenes gave the car an immediate identity on screen. It worked as more than transportation: viewers could recognize the visual shorthand of the show whenever it appeared. On that measure—screen presence and its fit with the series—the Gran Torino was an effective choice.
Rank #4
- Scale: 1/64
- Material: Die-cast
- Warning! Not suitable for children under 14 years
- Brand: Greenlight
- Material: Metal
Performance is a separate question
The production used multiple cars with changing equipment, and the available sources do not provide comparable period road tests, lap times or controlled handling data. The stunt modifications reported by the Ford Torino Project speak to filming needs, not proof that the Torino was a superior performance car by contemporary standards. Its screen success is well supported; a definitive mechanical ranking is not.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A model-kit version for fans
Revell’s Starsky & Hutch Ford Torino model kit offers a buildable version of the familiar car. Its instructions also note the production’s use of multiple vehicles and changing details, a useful reminder that a scale model represents a particular interpretation rather than every Torino used on the show. Starsky & Hutch Ford Torino model kit
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A CLASSIC KIT FOR EXPERIENCED MODELERS: AMT’s 1/25 scale 1969 Cobra Fastback is a great project for any experienced classic-ride modeler who likes options. Add it to your collection today!
- FEATURE PACKED: This 1969 Cobra Fastback kit is ready to roll! Fully paintable, it features a NEW colorful sheet of detailed water-slide decals. Build it 1 of 3 ways: stock, custom or racing. Includes: multiple engine builds, hood scoop, pad printed Goodyear tires, wheel options, bucket seats, and more. Wrapped up nicely in vintage-styled packaging!
- QUICK SPECS: 1/25 Scale, 126 Parts, built size: 8 x 3 inches. Parts molded in white, clear and clear red with black vinyl tires. Some parts chrome plated. Plastic model kit paint and cement required (Testors or Tamiya brands recommended). Paint guide included in kit. Skill Level 2. For ages 10+
- PERFECT PRESENT: Don't know what to get dad for his birthday? Or maybe you have an avid hobbyist or collector in your life. This model kit makes an ideal gift for any occasion!
- TRUST AMT: We at AMT are modelers ourselves and we sweat the details, to make sure every kit produced is top quality in every way! Product Description
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
