(Courtesy of Ford Motor Company , the color promotional photo represented to dealerships the available PS-122 S&H package. Note, the placement of the grille emblem on the prototype versus the production units. According to sources, the first few S&H Gran Torinos built for the auto shows, (such as those shows held in Chicago or Detroit) were destroyed by Ford after the 1976 new car show season ended. The B&W diagram was sent to dealerships to use for consistency when making S&H replicas from new, in-stock Torinos and Gran Torinos. It is believed that these were sent out to dealers prior to the actual production of Ford's version of the S&H Gran Torino).

My Gran Torino is one of the 1,000 Limited Production units (PS-122) produced in early 1976 at the Chicago Ford Assembly Plant .

Opened in 1924, the Chicago plant's assembly history includes the Model T, Model A, T-Bird, Granada, LTD, Galaxie 500, Cougar, Marquis, and armored and reconnaissance vehicles. Currently, the Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle, and Mercury Montego are assembled there.

33 years after production, according to StarskyTorino.com less than 100 Limited Production models are accounted for out of the original 1,000 units. 1973-76 replicas far out number the ultra-rare factory built units.

According to Anthony Whittaker, Research Unit Rep. from Ford's Customer Assistance Center, this car's original production date was March 30, 1976 and the factory installed options were: 351W/2bbl. 8 cylinder, Bright Red exterior, cloth & vinyl black bench interior, automatic C-4 transmission, standard ratio 2.75 non-locking rear axle, HR78x14 tires, bumper protection group, manual air conditioning, tinted glass, right and left remote racing mirrors, Magnum 500 styled steel wheels .

Ordering the PS-122 S&H package netted a person the 2B Bright Red finish with Ford's version of the white stripe, Magnum 500 styled steel wheels , bumper protection trim, and color keyed sport racing mirrors. The standard engine was a 351W or 351M which could be upgraded to a 400M or 460 cid. Most of Ford's other options were made available for an additional cost, as well.

This car was shipped to Hamilton, Ohio where it was sold new. The window sticker, build sheets, owners manual and various sales literature are still intact in the original manual bag. Even the original BF Goodrich literature and BFG spare tire are still in the car!

By the way, the S&H paint treatment was a whopping $164.20 option in 1976!

Using an official Detective Brent Stripe Kit , 7 months were spent restoring the Torino to closely resemble the 1975 Gran Torinos (see the one above parked in front of the theater) used in the 1st season of ABC’s “Starsky & Hutch.” Look closely at those episodes and you will see the same cloth bench interior!

At the 2002 Woodward Dream Cruise , the authenticity of this Limited Production was confirmed by Mr. Bill Maynard Jr. , (that's proud Papa Bill in the above left photo beside his recently purchased, first ever S&H Limited Production) . Bill was THE Ford employee who mixed the 2B red paint for all of the factory production PS-122 units. Bill's signature is now inside the hood beside the production line markings.
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BUSINESS INQUIRIES:
Between film, theater, and music recording projects, Antonio "Huggy Bear" Fargas makes personal appearances or product endorsements. If you are interested in working with him on your next special event or business venture, please contact his publicist, Judith Hoffmann at fargas-info@AntonioFargas.com or by phone at 574/288-4052. Let her know Officer Terry sent you!

To join Antonio's fan club, visit Antonio's Official Website .

The real Huggy Bear with my buddy, Scott L. Schwartz THE ULTIMATE BAD GUY who starred as "Fat Ron" in the "Starsky & Hutch" movie with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson.  You can also see him as Bruiser in Ocean's 11, 12, & 13 and other films such as Spiderman, Fun With Dick & Jane, Epic Movie, and so, so much more.  Check out his filmography at The Internet Movie Database  

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