Sure, Jeff Bridges’s acting is superb. But viewers shouldn’t forget about the car that Bridges’s character drives. All the funny trickery isn’t complete without the 1973 Ford Gran Torino.
According to Shear Comfort, the Coen brothers originally wanted to use a Chrysler LeBaron, but that car couldn’t fit actor John Goodman. Two Gran Torinos were used in the movie instead. This car was named after the city Turin or Torino in Italian. Turin is an automotive powerhouse, as Alfa Romeo and Fiat are all based in this city.
For a car named after such an important place in the automotive world, the Gran Torino’s run in North America was limited: Ford released Torino models in 1968 and ceased production in 1976. 1972 was a defining moment for Torino production, as Ford slashed the number of models. Haggerty reported that there were 11 Torino models in 1973. Ford also discontinued the convertible version of the Torino in 1972. That was the same year that the Torino 500 was redefined as the Gran Torino.
The company GreenLight Collectibles even noted how The Big Lebowski was a hit and decided to make a duplication of The Dude’s car. They produced a 1:43 scale edition of the Gran Torino.
The 1973 Ford Gran Torino’s Features
In terms of engine performance, the 250 CID inline-six engine wasn’t mediocre. The Gran Torino was acknowledged as one of the most popular mid-sized cars in the 1970s due to its remarkable design and reliable engine. It even enjoyed higher sales than its rival, the Chevrolet Chevelle.
The Torino’s Movie Appearances After The Big Lebowski
One of the Gran Torinos was ruined during a movie scene. The second car was used in the 1999 movie Blue Streak. This movie chronicled how Miles Logan stole $17 million worth in diamonds. The car also appeared in the television series The X-Files.
Overall, car enthusiasts will appreciate this movie. In addition to the enticing plot and superb acting, The Big Lebowski highlighted the best parts of a 1970s mid-sized car. The Gran Torino survived all of The Dude’s adventures, proving that this car is the ideal mix of dignity and dependability. It’s no surprise that other film crews chose to use one of the two Gran Torinos from The Big Lebowski.
