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Author
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Topic: 'Starsky & Hutch' Torino
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 11-09-2002 10:11 PM
   
I have a 76 Starsky & Hutch Torino, equipped with the 460-4V. I think its a 'Police Interceptor', but I'm not sure. Is there a non-police 460 availible? Does it show up in the VIN code? What is the difference between the police and non-police engines, by the way?
Incedentally, for a 460, this car is amazingly gutless. Embarrasing almost. ------------------
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bfxcomet
Gearhead Posts: 677
From: Port Alberni, B.C. , Canada
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 11-09-2002 10:19 PM
Have you checked out www.starskytorino.com
I hope the link works.
Roger------------------
65 comet project
84 T-bird 302/C4 14sec street/strip
Made in CANADA built for speed
#1145
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 11-09-2002 10:29 PM
Yeah, I'm pretty familiar with that site, and the site-owner John as well. As a matter of fact, my car is listed there in the owners photo section. Kind of a boring site though...All the cars look alike! ------------------
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MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 3984
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-11-2002 10:07 PM
The 460 cars in 76 were all PI's. It will show in the serial#,fifth digit. I'm not sure,S or N? They were nutless,BUT you have huge potential to make a powerhouse easily. Lots of aftermarket for this engine.
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Maxwell_fax
Gearhead Posts: 221
From: Port Royal, PA, USA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 11-12-2002 02:07 AM
"The 460 cars in 76 were all PI's"Does this go for the Elite as well???
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dark7068
Gearhead Posts: 862
From: BC, Canada
Registered: May 2002
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posted 11-12-2002 02:44 AM
Humm, all the starsky & hutch cars look the same, I wonder why. They never did have any other color combos did they, they all have the same mags too that Ive seen. My brothers friend had one when I was kid. Kinda cool, but...... Rick
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SlowFord
Journeyman Posts: 31
From: So. Cal
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 11-12-2002 01:05 PM
My 1976 Elite with a 460 came with D3VE heads, with are the common post-1973 460 heads. Definitely not a police interceptor motor.
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 11-12-2002 04:16 PM
No, the 'Starsky & Hutch' models only came in bright red(2b) with a white stripe.
The TV show originally used 2 75 Gran Torinos for the pilot episode, and 4 75 Gran Torinos for the first season.They were all custom painted by the producers, seeing as bright red was not a regular production option for that year on Torinos. It is almost for certain that all the first season cars had 351 windsor 2-V's.
The first season cars were pretty well used up, so for the second season, some new cars were ordered from Ford.
These were 76's(probably four of them), but they were ordered through the fleet program, and they all came factory-painted in bright red(2b).The producers added the white stripe(s).These were also ordered with the 'beefiest' package availible, includidng the 460's. With a little help from Ford, who supplied some spare parts and such, these cars remained in use 'till the end of the show in 79.(76 was obviously the last year of Torino production).There are some obvious differences between the first season cars and the later ones.The most obvious differences are:
side view mirrors(first red, then chrome)
stripe painted differently on front fender.
bumper filler-panels(first red, then 'fleet' gray)
interior trim(first cloth, then leather, maybe vinyl)
In 76 ,Ford wanted to get a little boost, so they offered a limited edition 'Starsky & Hutch' Torino. These all had the white stripe painted considerably differently than the TV cars.And it is thought that they all came with Magnum 500's.The TV cars used after-market slotted-dish mags, and many owners of the LE's added them to thier cars. The TV cars were made in a different plant than the limited edition cars for the public. There were no special modifications made to the cars, but all regular options were presumably availible. They built 1,001 76 'Starsky & Hutch' LE's.
Other than mine being one of the thousand or so LE's, it ain't nothin' special.But with all the interest of late in Starsky & Hutch, I appreciate it a little more.
------------------
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dark7068
Gearhead Posts: 862
From: BC, Canada
Registered: May 2002
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posted 11-12-2002 05:26 PM
Thanx for the history lesson of the car. I was never really a big fan of them, and looking thru the link that Roger gave was, well.... all the same as far as I was concerned  140 all the same color scheme (maybe a different shade of red and different grilles). I will read up on them and then maybe build a clone one year.Rick
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 11-12-2002 05:39 PM
Well, your'e right. It is kinda' boring because they are all the same. Of course, they are all supposed to represent not a line of cars, but one particular car!(about 8, actually) But those 'S&H'Torino fans are a different breed. They know EVERYTHING about "1976 Gran Torino 2-door hardtops with the Limited Edition'Starsky & Hutch'accent paint, special order #ps-122." And thats it! They don't know nuthin' about any other Fords! Even other Torinos! Kinda' myopic. But don't get me wrong- I know em', and they're pretty cool guys too. They just have a REAL limited focus! Takes all kinds!!( I can say these things, because I'm also a 'Starsky & Hutch' geek...I mean fan.) ------------------
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MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 3984
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-14-2002 10:48 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Maxwell_fax:
"The 460 cars in 76 were all PI's"Does this go for the Elite as well???
Not sure about the Elites. The S&H cars came with either the 400 2V or the 460 PI. I've read somewhere that the origional cars were white,with the red painted over! I saw an episode a while ago where Starsky was with a girlfriend in the car. When he shut the car off to wish her goodbye,the car sat there and dieseled!  [This message has been edited by MLariviere (edited 11-14-2002).]
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 11-15-2002 05:31 PM
You are somewhat correct. All of the 1,001 'Starsky & Hutch' Torinos produced for the public were made in the Chicago, Ill. factory, and the white was painted on first. then the stripe was masked off and the cars were sent to the 'two-tone' area, and the red was applied. this was to prevent the red paint from 'bleeding through' the white stripe if it was painted in the reverse.
All of the cars used in the actual TV show were built in the Lorain, Oh. factory. The cars used in the pilot and the first season were custom painted by the producers, and the cars used in the second through fourth seasons were 'fleet' ordered from Ford in Bright Red, which was not a regular production color for Torinos at the time. The white stripes were applied by the producers.
It is interesting to note that the car for 'Starsky' to drive was originally going to be a bright yellow 75' Camaro. The original pilot script stated this, and the producers went so far as to locate some cars to use. However, there were some cars in the production-company's 'fleet' that were already owned by them, so they just used them. The tie-in with Ford came much later. ------------------
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TomP
Gearhead Posts: 5761
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 11-16-2002 12:03 AM
there are a couple around here. I thought that would make a very cool Stock Eliminator car (fits M/SA with a 460!) it would be cheap to build, probably competitive , 1974 is the year to use for class advantage. Paint it Starsky red/white and use aluminum slots and slide across the hood in the staging lanes for effect! 
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fordnmerc
Gearhead Posts: 1001
From: Watkins Glen NY USA
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 11-16-2002 11:04 PM
Another thing worth noting is that for the tv show, the cars originally had a bench front seat, but they made a change to buckets, because David Soul kept sliding into Paul Michael Glaser during hard cornering. As of 1997, there was a guy in Ohio with two of the tv cars, both needing some restoring. Very interesting story, in 'Fairlaner' magazine. At the time that the tv show was on, some guy down here somewhere, who had a white Torino, painted on a red stripe, so that he had a sort of reverse effect of the Starsky color scheme. He also had the slotted mags. Wish I knew what ever became of that car. I always wanted one in Blue Glow, with an argent Starsky style stripe. Variety is the spice of life! Why just red and white? Dare to be different! ------------------
David I thought an Escort Service was a group of mechanics that only repaired small Fords. 1975 Elite 351M
1979 Ranchero GT 351W [This message has been edited by fordnmerc (edited 11-16-2002).] [This message has been edited by fordnmerc (edited 11-16-2002).]
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 11-17-2002 08:25 AM
Almost, but not quite. All the cars used on the TV show had split-bench front seats.
The cars used in the pilot and first season had the cloth seats, and the later cars had the leather(or vinyl) seats.The later seats were much more slippery than the ealier car's seats, causing the 'sliding around' issue.
A couple of the later cars were retro-fitted with the front seats left over from the earlier cars to help with this problem, which caused a mismatch with the rear seats.
In some episodes, this mis-match is clearly visible. ------------------
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fordnmerc
Gearhead Posts: 1001
From: Watkins Glen NY USA
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 11-17-2002 12:33 PM
Hmmm....Well, I dug out that issue of the 'Fairlaner' magazine again. It's the March-April, 1998 issue. The owner of the two cars in Ohio is Doug Stevenson. They are both 1976 cars and they have consecutive unit numbers, being assembled one right behind the other on February 16, 1976. He has reports from Ford that give all of the details on them. They both came identically equipped. They had the chrome outside mirrors, silver bumper filler panels, and 460 engines. They were both delivered to the studio from the factory with standard vinyl bench seats, non-split. The first car still retains that seat and the second car was changed by the studio to vinyl bucket seats and it still has them. There are quite a lot of photos that accompany the story in the magazine.Venom, did you know about the 2 factory Mercury Montego Starsky cars? They were ordered special with the Starsky shade of red, by dealership owners, and then the dealers added the white stripes. One of them is not too far from here, in Utica, NY. It has 20,100 original miles on it. It's a 1976 with 460 engine, dual sport mirrors in red, silver bumper filler panels, no bodyside molding. It had the thin black stripe at the edge of the white originally, but that was left off when the paint was redone recently. But I talked to the owner and he said he may have that put back on, so that it is fully like original again. Terry Kehrli. Nice guy. Photos of that car are in the July-August, 2002 issue of 'Fairlaner'. A numbers-matching and documented rarity. One of two!  ------------------
David I thought an Escort Service was a group of mechanics that only repaired small Fords. 1975 Elite 351M
1979 Ranchero GT 351W
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 11-17-2002 07:39 PM
David, you are correct. The 76 cars had regular bench seats, not split-bench.(thats what I meant, but sometimes my fingers type faster than my brain thinks.)
Doug Stevensons cars are two of the four (maybe six) cars used for regular production during the second thru fourth( and last)seasons. This does not include any specially-acquired cars for extra-special hazardous duty, like when Starsky smashed it up in a chase, giving Hutch amnesia. That car was a 74' Sport, identified by the round grill-emblem, red side mirrors and the short chrome rocker molding in front of the front wheels.(For some reason, that piece of trim was deleted from 75 and 76 Torinos that otherwise had the remaining pieces of the rocker-moldings.)
During the obligatory 'evil-twin' episode, the bad guys drove a car just like Starsky's. Obviously, it was just another one of the regular production cars, but in one drive-by scene the car was obviously not the TV car. It had Keystone mags, white letter tires, sat lower on the suspension than the 'jacked-up' TV cars, and the stripe was painted like the 76 factory-produced 'Starsky & Hutch' LE's, and not like the TV cars stripe. It probably was a factory LE. Plus, this scene was filmed in the rain, and no rain was in the immediate preceding or following scenes. This one or two second piece of footage was not used in any other episode.
Another oddity in that episode is that one of the cars has a grey painted steel rim on the front drivers side, instead of the usual mag. The odd part is that sometimes it is on 'Starsky's' car, and then magically 'jumps' to the bad-guys car. Kinda' strange. ------------------
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 11-17-2002 07:49 PM
Dave, I forgot to reply to the second part of your post. If the Montegos were fleet ordered by the dealer, and then the dealer painted on the stripes, is that still considered a factory-produced car?
I have seen other sister-cars to the Torino painted like 'S&H'(Montegos,Elites,Cougars and LTD-II's), but none of them have the same distinctive, bulging character-line that runs thru the 1/4 panel. That particular feature gives the rear of the car a somewhat 'muscular' look, and the stripe accents that.The other cars with the same paint job look kinda goofy to me. But thats just my opinion, so what does it matter anyway? ------------------
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MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 3984
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-17-2002 08:18 PM
When i fixed up my car last year,lots of people told me I should paint it like S&H. Sorry,but wrong year car.
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fordnmerc
Gearhead Posts: 1001
From: Watkins Glen NY USA
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 11-17-2002 10:42 PM
Well, the two Montegos are the only ones that were ordered from the factory with the special Starsky shade of red. That's what makes them special. And so then it follows that they were the only ones with the special paint plus the dealer added stripe. So they are a definite rarity. Other cars can only copy them, without the benefit of being original.Terry said that the person with the second Montego is having it restored. Nice to know that they have both survived. It is interesting that the two Montegos were ordered with that special paint by two different dealers who evidently knew nothing about what the other was doing. Sort of amazing that 2 dealers in the whole country thought to put in a special order like that, but no other ones did.
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 11-18-2002 09:03 AM
When you say special shade of 'Starsky' red, I'm not really sure how special that may be. The red used on the Starsky cars from ford was '2B Bright Red', which was a common passenger car color Ford used at the time. If it wasn't an RPO-color for Montego's at the time, it could easily have been fleet ordered.
If you have never seen a fleet-color book of Fords, you would be impressed. There are literally hundreds of colors in just about every shade you can think of.
However, there are 'regular' fleet colors, and special order 'fleet' colors.
A regular fleet color is any color that Ford is offering as an RPO color on any of thier products, but not necessarily on the particular vehicle 'line'(specific model)that is being ordered. since that color of paint is being used on some other Ford product, it is far easier for them to paint another vehicle with the same color.
On the other hand, a special-order fleet color is one that is not an RPO color for ANY currently sold product.These colors are tremendously more difficult and involve a lot more 'work' to set up for assembly-line painting. Special order fleet colors are much more expensive than regular fleet colors, and they will usually only use a special order fleet color if several vehicles are being ordered at a time, like cop cars, taxis, company cars, etc...
So, 2B isn't really all that odd, even if it wasn't an RPO color for Montegos.
Which brings me to my second question: Are you sure 2B wasn't availible on Montegos? A friend of mine in Boise, Idaho has a 2-door Montego MX in bright red(2B) with a black vinyl roof, black interior. ------------------
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fordnmerc
Gearhead Posts: 1001
From: Watkins Glen NY USA
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 11-19-2002 02:08 PM
The two Montegos are the only two documented examples of ones ordered with that shade of red PLUS dealer applied white Starsky stripe.I guess that's what it all boils down to. ------------------
David I thought an Escort Service was a group of mechanics that only repaired small Fords. 1975 Elite 351M
1979 Ranchero GT 351W
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old fart
Journeyman Posts: 34
From: ORLANDO, FLA. ORANGE CTY
Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 03-19-2003 12:49 PM
Hey there coberavenom71 ever take the car to friday nite cruise at OLD TOWN?
we used to go every saturday night with the WINDBREAKER 69.Will have the car finished next month ecept for race cage and new paint and decals. hope to see you there
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 03-19-2003 05:23 PM
Yeah, I take my 71 429 Mach there frequently. I don't take the S&H Torino for a few of reasons: Saturday nights are 72 and older only(I can't go on fridays, the 73 and newer night), The car is all original, so not really in 'showing' condition, and it is in storage and unregistered, so I would have to do all that just to drive it. I already have 5 cars 'on the road, so I can't afford any more 'drivers' right now.
I go almost every saturday, though. Look me up!------------------
1971 'J' code 429 Mach 1
1976 'Starsky & Hutch' Torino (460)
1973 Grande
1973 Mach
1973 Convertible
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 03-20-2003 09:51 PM
How does a 351 windsor stuffed full of Edlebrock parts, a Holley carb and putting out 436 horses at the flywheel sound?
Hooked up to a C-6, with a 10", 3500 stall-speed converter spinning a 4.11, 9" limited slip diff?
This is the setup being put together for the 2 'hero' cars going to be used in the new 'Starsky & Hutch' movie. It's starting filming on April 3rd.
There are 2 'heroes' built, and a third 'hero' is planned immediately. The cars used for the first 2 had 18,000 miles (a 1976 model)and 1872 (a 1974 model)miles on them, respectively.
That's right! 1,872 miles! Amazingly low original mileage for a 1974 car.
Both of these cars were taken completely apart, and modified to look identical to each other in every way.
No 2B red though. No, these cars are painted 'Viper' red. Much 'redder' than 2B. And much better looking on camera, too.
Black vinyl interior with bucket seats, floor shifter and console, 15x8.5 rims(Appliance/American Racing),60 series all around, station wagon springs in back to give it that 'rake', and beefy sway bars.
The drivetrains alone are costing around $10,000 each. The cars are probably going to cost about $30,000 each.
Unlike the TV cars, thesecars are actually going to PERFORM!
And these are only the 'hero' cars! Not to be used for anything other than close-ups and drive-bys with the actors.
The stunt cars are not nearly as 'well-groomed', but are going to be set up for specific duties, like 4-wheel drifts, spins, J-turns and stuff like that.
The 'Torino' is getting starring billing in the movie, (really. A screen credit and everything!) and is a major element in the film.
It is scheduled to be released in 2004.
I can't hardly wait! ------------------
1971 'J' code 429 Mach 1
1976 'Starsky & Hutch' Torino (460)
1973 Grande
1973 Mach
1973 Convertible
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MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 3984
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 03-23-2003 06:25 PM
It's about time we get some respect.
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 03-23-2003 06:56 PM
Well, 'hero' #1 is finished! The director of the movie, Todd Philips has to give his approval, but there is almost no doubt he will approve.
Mike, the builder of these cars is FAR MORE meticulous when it comes to making Hollywood cars than his competition.
And that includes CVS, the builder of the 'Eleanors' for the 'Gone in 60 secs...' movie. Basically, those were all clapped out 68 fastbacks that were fixed-up quick and dirty, just to be used for filming.
Mikes cars are all completely restored and driveable creations. He is a real craftsman.
Can't wait to see them in action! ------------------
1971 'J' code 429 Mach 1
1976 'Starsky & Hutch' Torino (460)
1973 Grande
1973 Mach
1973 Convertible
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MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 3984
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 03-25-2003 10:30 PM
cool! I can't wait to see them too. I've watched several S&H clones on Ebay in the last few months. These cars are in mediocre condition,and they all got stupid money for them.  Some were even the wrong year car! [This message has been edited by MLariviere (edited 03-25-2003).]
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 03-26-2003 07:46 AM
Yeah, the price on these has gone way up. If you'll notice, Mike (the builder of the movie cars) is buying up everything he can related to Torinos. If the cars get bashed up or something during filming, they need to be able to fix them as quick as possible.
The value of these will probably peak when the movie comes out.------------------
1971 'J' code 429 Mach 1
1976 'Starsky & Hutch' Torino (460)
1973 Grande
1973 Mach
1973 Convertible
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 03-26-2003 05:34 PM
Well, 'hero' #1 is finished and it looks awesome!
That 'Viper' red paint looks too cool! Don't get upset, but I never did like the '2B' red that Ford used on them.
Mike has taken this thing out for a 'run' and this power combo really seems to work! It's got big 50's in the back, and it will leave a big fat pair of smoky, black 'racing stripes' on the pavement for at least 100 feet or more!
That doesn't necessarily mean that it's fast, but at least it will look 'authentic' in the movie, instead of relying on sound effects alone!
I'm gettin' itchy!... ------------------
1971 'J' code 429 Mach 1
1976 'Starsky & Hutch' Torino (460)
1973 Grande
1973 Mach
1973 Convertible
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 04-03-2003 08:14 AM
Well, today is the day! The new 'Starsky & Hutch' movie starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson is scheduled to begin principal (filming) today!
The two 'hero' cars are finished and ready as well as a few 'stunt' cars...all red and white Torinos, of course!
Don't have much info on the story-line, but the cars theyr'e using are top-notch.
Cool!------------------
1971 'J' code 429 Mach 1
1976 'Starsky & Hutch' Torino (460)
1973 Grande
1973 Mach
1973 Convertible
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 04-11-2003 08:16 AM
The two 'Hero' cars for the movie have been out getting a 'workout' so the stunt drivers as well as the actors and stand-ins can get used to the way they perform and handle. These things really move! MUCH more impressive than the 'sound effects' only style of high -performance from the TV show. This may be great!------------------
1971 'J' code 429 Mach 1
1976 'Starsky & Hutch' Torino (460)
1973 Grande
1973 Mach
1973 Convertible
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 43151
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 04-11-2003 08:47 AM
Boy, you are closely involved in this, huh? What is your role, may I ask?------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150 Please remember our sponsors,
Mustangs Plus, NPD, Osborn Reproductions, MyFordPerformance.com, and FordRamAir.com
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 04-11-2003 08:59 AM
Not really a 'role' actually, just a big fan of the show since it aired. I have a lot of S&H memoribilia, as well as a 76 S&H Torino. I talk to Mike Walsh frequently about the cars( he is the builder of the movie cars), and I have given some input and ideas for the movie which the producers have graciously listened to. Who knows if thier even considering anything that I say, but at least they listen. They seem to have the 'right idea' for how to make this movie, so I hope it is A GOOD ONE!
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 06-07-2003 09:53 AM
I got some pics yesterday of the #1 hero car used for the new movie, and it was all smashed up in the front end!
Apparantly, Ben 'Starsky' Stiller ( or maybe the stunt-driver) can't drive so well. Front bumper, grille, drivers door, passenger fender and hood were all mangled!
No worries, though! It has been repaired and is back in 'filming' action!------------------
1971 'J' code 429 Mach 1
1976 'Starsky & Hutch' Torino (460)
1973 Grande
1973 Mach
1973 Convertible
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 43151
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-08-2003 07:58 PM
They must have quite a stockpile of parts. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150 Please remember our sponsors,
Mustangs Plus, NPD, Osborn Reproductions, MyFordPerformance.com, and FordRamAir.com
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 06-08-2003 09:31 PM
Actually, Mike Walsh, the builder of the cars spent a considerable amount of time on E-bay buying up all the parts he could use before the filming started.
He is selling the crashed parts as collectors items on E-=bay now!
He built 2 'hero' cars ( #'s 1 & 2)which were used when filming began in April, and since then he has built another 'hero'( #3).
The 'hero' cars are intended for first-unit, close up work only and are taken care of extremely well.
Mike's company, 'Premier Studio Rentals', is the builder and owner of the hero cars, and they are being rented to the production company. They will probably go out on car-show duty and tours after the film premiers.
Another lesser-known company was assigned the task of buiding the several stunt-cars for the film, but thier work was nowhere near as nice as the cars from Mike.
Consequently, a couple of the stunt cars have been sent to Mike to 'redo' for the film.
Mike's cars are so nice that they could easily be represented as restored cars at any car show, and this level of detail is almost never used when a vehicle is prepared for film duty.
He personally owns them ,not the production company, so he spends whatever he feels is necessary on them.
#'s 1 & 2 have each had easily over $30,000 spent on them so far.
They have brand-new 351 Windsors stuffed with Edlebrock parts. Both engines were dyno'd at over 415 horses.( #1=418, #2=426)
Built C-6 tranny's, and 4.11 9-inch rear-ends.
These 2 cars can definately turn the tires.
Hero #3 will be the same.
Hero #4 has been started, but it came with a pretty good drivetrain already , so he will leave it. It has a newly built 351 Cleveland, and all the other usual good stuff.
The stunt cars are nothing special as far as the drivetrains go, just whatever they came with, treated to a good 'ol fat tune-up.
I asked if the engine bays were going to be featured in the movie, or if any dialogue was in the movie concerning the supposed engine in Starsky's car. The actual engine bays are definately not period correct looking for a 1976-era car.( Aluminum Edlebrock valve-covers, MSD ignition, Blue Ford FRPP wires and cap, etc...).
There is a chance they may show a stock engine bay in the close ups, but if not, there is a scene in the movie where Starsky is under the open hood, and someone comes around to see what he's got. He slams the hood and say's " Nobody looks under there except me!". This is to kinda' keep the '351 vs. 460' mystique alive.
Since the cars used on the original TV show had both 351 Windsors and 460s, there is no definitave answer as to 'what did they have under the hood."
Hopefully, this will all make mine worth a few more bucks.
As it is now, I don't drive it much because most people have no clue as to what it is. It looks like a hot rod, but it runs like a stock 76 Torino. Translation=DOG!( stock 460 P.I.-210 horses. At least that what is claimed for them. At any rate, I think they are pretty lazy horses, because a brisk trot is about all it can muster.)
I think the movie will give it some renewed noteriety.
Here's some more news: Carmen Electra has been signed to play Hutch's ( Owen Wilson) girlfriend.
------------------
1971 'J' code 429 Mach 1
1976 'Starsky & Hutch' Torino (460)
1973 Grande
1973 Mach
1973 Convertible
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MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 3984
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-08-2003 10:22 PM
I did see a bent up door,and fender listed on Ebay.
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 06-28-2003 08:19 AM
Oh well, WB got a little annoyed with all the info about the new movie-Torino being passed around, so they 'pulled the plug' on all outgoing information.
Mike has told me he can send no more pictures of the car(s) until the movie premieres.
That's OK. I got enuff to fill a book already.
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MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 3984
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
|
posted 06-28-2003 09:20 PM
I'm suprised he got as far as he did. Don't they usually have strict limitations on their contracts?
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Dubz
Gearhead Posts: 1718
From: Manitoba Canada
Registered: Oct 2002
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posted 07-20-2003 01:24 PM
I have a 74 Torino which i had thought of restoring as a S&H car. There is also a car in town here that is blue with the starsky white stripe, don't know what year of torino it is, as it's in the backyard of an old "Bike Gang" house...
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 07-26-2003 10:31 AM
'secret' update: In the new movie, during a sea-side chase, Starsky's car is smashed up horribly and launched into the ocean.(maybe)
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MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 3984
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 07-28-2003 10:55 PM
Damn! One less for me to part out! 
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
|
posted 07-29-2003 02:26 PM
Well, the car was 'relieved' of its entire drivetrain and all fluids prior to the launching of it into the ocean. Something about enviromental issues and all that, you know?
The smashed up hulk was retrieved and is being used for parts for the remaining stunt cars.
For some reason the roof was completely cut off! I assume so that the water would drain out of the body quickly allowing them to remove it from the 'drink' easier.
Or, it could have a 'jaws of life' type rescue to get the stunt drivers out in a hurry. All I know is that this car is definately NOT salvageable------------------
1971 'J' code 429 Mach 1
1976 'Starsky & Hutch' Torino (460)
1973 Grande
1973 Mach
1973 Convertible
IP: Logged |
MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 3984
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
|
posted 07-29-2003 10:34 PM
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
|
posted 07-30-2003 12:01 PM
I don't mind them smashing up an old Torino. The ones they used for the movie were nothing special before they converted them anyway.
The movie is scheduled to be released in March, 2004. This should introduce the famed 'Striped Tomato' to a whole new, younger audience. Which will hopefully allow me to drive mine around and not get sneered and snickered at. ------------------
1971 'J' code 429 Mach 1
1976 'Starsky & Hutch' Torino (460)
1973 Grande
1973 Mach
1973 Convertible
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MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 3984
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
|
posted 07-31-2003 12:01 PM
You have no idea how many people say that I should paint my car in that scheme. I think it would look all wrong,with the wrong year car.
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 07-31-2003 01:59 PM
Yeah, you are right. If the TV show had not become so popular, then maybe that 'look' would be ok on different year models, and in different colors.
But as it is, if it is not the exact same car and color scheme, it looks like an ametureish effort.------------------
1971 'J' code 429 Mach 1
1976 'Starsky & Hutch' Torino (460)
1973 Grande
1973 Mach
1973 Convertible
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
|
posted 01-14-2004 06:53 AM
OK, its been a while since a post on this topic.
The new 'Starsky & Hutch' movie will be released on March 5th, and the classic 'Striped Tomato' is in it in all its glory!
(I can't hardly wait!)
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MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 3984
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
|
posted 01-14-2004 08:23 PM
Yeah! It will have Ben Stiller,a good actor to go see.
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
|
posted 01-15-2004 05:04 AM
Yeah, Ben Stiller as Starsky,
Owen Wilson as Hutch,
Snoop Dog as Huggy Bear,
Fred Williamson as Dobey,(new spelling)
Carmen Electra, Vince Vaughn, Justin Bateman,Will Ferrell,Juliette Lewis, and...
Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul in cameos.
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cobravenom71
Gearhead Posts: 901
From: Kissimee, Fl USA
Registered: Aug 2002
|
posted 02-22-2004 07:46 AM
I saw the movie last night at a 'sneak preview', and it was pretty funny, and cool to see the 'old girl' (the Torino) sliding and fishtailing around in all her glory!
Not nearly enough car action for my tastes, but pretty cool nonetheless.Go see it!
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