The Ford Elite is a personal luxury car produced by Ford and marketed in North American from February 1974 to 1976, using the name Gran Torino Elite for its first model year only then simplified to just Elite for the following two model years. History Introduced February 18th, 1974 as the Gran Torino Elite, it was initially the top-of-the-line model of the Torino series. Although advertised separately, it was titled and registered as a Gran Torino. For 1975 and 1976, the Gran Torino prefix was dropped and Elite became a stand-alone model nameplate. Early pre-production publicity photos for the 1974 model show the use of Gran Torino XL nameplates. Sales Competition Based on the Torino, the mid-size two-door coupe was intended to be a junior model to the Thunderbird designed to compete with the increasingly popular intermediate personal luxury class of vehicles such as the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Pontiac Grand Prix, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Buick Regal, Dodge Charger, Chrysler Cordoba and Mercury Cougar. While the Elite was a newcomer on the market for only three model years, sales performance placed it solidly in third for each of those years (respective to the other personal luxury vehicles) with a combined sales of approximately 366,000. Design The Elite was a low investment design derived from the concurrent Mercury Cougar XR-7 (both based on Mercury Montego 2-door bodies which originated for 1972) with a mild front end restyling to resemble the Thunderbird with single round headlamps, eggcrate grille, different taillamps with a center reflector, unique twin opera windows and large color-keyed vinyl moldings placed higher on the bodysides. The interiors were identical save for upholstery styles and minor trim. Discontinuation The Elite name was dropped after 1976 as the Ford mid-size range was restructured for the 1977 model year. The Thunderbird was dramatically reduced in size and price for 1977 by moving its nameplate to the Torino-based LTD II platform which was the restyled replacement for the Torino. In effect, the Elite continued restyled and marketed under the more-recognized Thunderbird name, and the previous full-sized Thunderbird was discontinued. Standard equipment 351W or 351M V8 engine, both of 351 CID (5.8 L) 3-speed automatic transmission Power brakes (front disc brakes, rear drum brakes). Power steering Cloth bench seats Vinyl roof with twin opera windows, Landau (partial) vinyl top for 1976 model year. Protective padded body side moldings Options 351C V8 engine 351 CID (5.8L),