If you're an automotive enthusiast, the name James May should sound familiar. As one of the three hosts of the legendary BBC TV series "Top Gear" and later "The Grand Tour" on Amazon Prime, he has driven and reviewed a greater variety of vehicles than almost anyone. He's also well known as someone who has a deep appreciation for the classics, with a collection that has included vintage vehicles from Rolls Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, Triumph, Porsche, and Ferrari. In a recent episode on his YouTube channel, he drives and reminisces about a uniquely American classic: the 1969 Ford Torino convertible.
"Brought to You By the People Who Put Us on the Moon"
May, who grew up in Britain, doesn't always have the same perspective on cars as those of us who grew up in the US. He's open about this fact, remarking that the cars of his childhood were mostly 4-cylinders with displacements around 1 liter — the polar opposite of our massive American V8s. He also notes the differing topography between the UK's close-knit towns and America's wide-open highways stretching from coast to coast. But despite this alternative perspective, May's appreciation for classic Americana is clear.
After remarking how simple the Torino is by modern standards, May said, "This was the state of manufacturing art when the Apollo spacecraft and Saturn V rocket were built... [it was] brought to you by the same people who put us on the moon — in the same year!"
May pointed out the relaxed feel, vague steering, and slow acceleration of this Torino, but rather than using these points for criticism, he understands them in context. "It's not a car for pressing on, it's a car for sitting back and enjoying... it's pleasant."
In order to properly experience the Torino, May decided to take it for a drive to pick up another iconic American staple: a cheeseburger at the oldest surviving McDonald's location in Downey, California. Along the way, he enjoys the deep rumble of the 351ci V8, which he calls "one of the sounds that made America."
As the episode closes, May recalls a conversation he had with his close friend Jay Leno: "No matter what you eat, there will always be the burger, and there will always be a V8 somewhere." May remarks with a nod, "Good."
Watch the whole video below on James May's YouTube channel, and if you want to learn more about the Torino, be sure to check out our article on 1968-76 Ford Torino History.
Looking for Classic Ford Torino Parts?
Classic Industries offers a wide range of restoration parts for classic Ford vehicles, including a growing selection of parts for the 1968-76 Ford Torino. You can check out our Torino parts listings by following this link: Parts & Accessories for 1968-1976 Ford Torino.
