Ford Elite
The mid-size personal luxury coupe in the Thunderbird tradition.
- Power
- 163 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 13.0 s
- Top speed
- 109 mph
- Est. value
- $5k–$24k
About the Ford Elite
Introduced mid-year in 1974 as the Gran Torino Elite, this model was Ford's direct response to the booming personal luxury market dominated by the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. It was essentially a restyled Mercury Cougar XR-7, featuring a unique front fascia with single headlamps and a Thunderbird-inspired eggcrate grille to distinguish it from the standard Torino. The Elite prioritised a quiet, smooth ride over performance, coming standard with a 351 cubic-inch V8 and a plush interior featuring woodgrain accents and thick carpeting. Its success led Ford to drop the Torino prefix for 1975, eventually replacing the model with a downsized Thunderbird in 1977.
Ford Elite specs
The Ford Elite produces 163 bhp (122 kW) and 377 Nm (278 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 13.0 seconds and has a top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h).
| Make | Ford |
|---|---|
| Model | Elite |
| Trim | 5.8 V8 |
| Years | 1974–1976 |
| Type | Luxury |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 96,604 built |
| Original price | About $4,400 when new |
| Engine | 5.8-litre V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,752 cc (5.8 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 163 bhp (122 kW) at 4,200 rpm |
| Torque | 377 Nm (278 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,800 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 13.0 s |
| Top speed | 109 mph (175 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,887 kg (4,160 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 86 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Ford Elite worth?
A typical Ford Elite is estimated to be worth $5,100 – $24,000 (about £3,800 – £18,000).
Its original price when new was about $4,400.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Ford Elite rarity in CarSpot
The Ford Elite is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 34 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Ford Elite fun facts
- For its first year only, the car was officially titled and badged as the 'Gran Torino Elite' before becoming a standalone model simply called the Ford Elite.
- The Elite was so successful that it outsold the contemporary full-size Thunderbird by more than two-to-one during its short three-year production run.
- Early pre-production photos show that Ford originally intended to name the car the 'Gran Torino XL' before settling on the Elite nameplate.
