Crafted in 1969 to meet NASCAR’s stringent homologation requirements, the Talladega stands as a pinnacle of the esteemed Torino lineage, steeped in Ford’s storied history. Despite its exclusivity, with only 754 units ever produced, the Talladega’s market value has yet to soar to the s of certain Mustangs, some of which command prices exceeding $1 million.
As of 2024, the Talladega continues to be revered as a six-figure classic. Recently, a meticulously documented prototype made waves by achieving a new record, selling for $132,000 at auction. However, in March 2024, during Mecum‘s Glendale event, the GPT Special stole the spotlight, commanding an impressive $400,000 ($440,000 including fees).
While not a factory-original Talladega, the GPT Special commands attention for all the right reasons. Unveiled at the 2013 Detroit Autorama, this striking coupe garnered accolades at the SEMA Show and even made a memorable appearance in the film “Furious 7.”
Crafted by Rad Rides by Troy in Illinois, this custom Talladega represents a departure from Ford’s original NASCAR blueprint, boasting an aggressive redesign that incorporates cutting-edge technology and meticulous craftsmanship.
Gone is the original 427-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) V8 engine that powered the standard Talladega, replaced instead by a heavily modified Boss 429 powerplant. This deliberate choice harkens back to the NASCAR days when the Talladega sported a similar engine, albeit in a more raw form.
The upgraded Boss 429 in the GPT Special pushes boundaries with enhancements like Kaase aluminum heads, an experimental intake setup, and Precision Turbo injectors, culminating in a staggering 750 horsepower output—an unprecedented figure in the realm of Talladega performance.
The genesis of the GPT Special revolves around Troy Trepanier’s vision to pay homage to Holman-Moody’s legendary Ford stock cars of the late 1960s. Holman-Moody, renowned for its NASCAR dominance and innovations such as fuel cells and quick-change disc brakes, left an indelible mark on racing history.
Despite setting a new price record for a Talladega at auction, the GPT Special falls short of claiming the title of the most expensive Torino ever sold. That honor belongs to the 1970 Torino King Cobra, a more aerodynamic variant that never raced professionally but fetched a staggering $525,000 at auction in 2016.
Nevertheless, the GPT Special remains a testament to automotive artistry and engineering, blending heritage with contemporary performance to redefine what’s possible in the world of classic car customization.
