Cars > Challenges > “GT” Vs “Burt (3)”
1975 Ford Gran Torino 2 Door Coupe
“GT”
1963 Volkswagen Type 2 Single Cab
“Burt (3)”
No longer owned
Head to Head
About “GT”
We purchased this car new in February of 1976. It had 60 miles on the odometer and had sat one year one the dealers lot. The dealer had just installed the white vinyl top when we came looking for a new car. The dealer was motivated to sell and we were motivated to buy.
I used to love cruising in this car with the window down and my left hand resting on the sport mirror.
I drove this car until 1993 when it had 155K on the odemeter. At 145K I had the engine checked over to see how much life was left in it. Compression was higher than factory specs. I had 2 mechanics that wanted it, but I had plans to restore it, someday.
It was put away in the garage but soon came out again. A young family just totalled out their uninsured car and they could not afford another. They needed transportation to get to work.
My wife volunteered the Torino as we really did not need it. I still miss it but it was the right thing to do.
About “Burt (3)”
1963 Volkswagen Single Cab truck. Built off the Type 2 Bus (station wagon) chassis, these little trucks were rated 3/4 ton and intended for work. With a 9' bed and under belly storage, this truck can carry quite a bit of cargo. Though it mainly sees light duty hauling today (notice the go kart in the bed).
Specs for “GT”
This car came with a 351 Cu. In. Windsor V-8 engine with a 2 barrel carb. producing 143 HP at 3600 rpm. Wheel Base was 114 in. This was the same body style as the Starsky and Hutch car minus the cool paint job and High performance engine.
Specs for “Burt (3)”
Extensive work has been done to the truck's drivetrain. Extensive photos and comments can be found on my website (Single Cab page) at www.wardvwracer.com.
Engine now displaces 2332cc's and features the following:
- 84mm 4340 Forged crankshaft
- 12 lbs 200mm flywheel, 8-dowelled
- 5.500" 4340 Forged H-Beam connecting rods
- 94mm slipper-skirt pistons
- Cast iron cylinders
- Ported & Polished heads with 40x35.5 valves
- Engle FK8 camshaft with steel on steel straight cut gears
- CB Performance light weight lifters
- Berg (Schedek) 26mm HD oil pump
- Berg 3.5 quart wide racing oil sump
- Berg 1 5/8 merged header and custom Flowmaster muffler
- Dual Italian Weber 48 IDF carbs with 40mm venturis
- Berg Linkage
- German Bosch 009 Distributor with Pertronix Ignitor
- MSD 6A box, MSD Blaster coil, Taylor wires
- Genuine 73 VW Thing fan housing
Transmission is now an IRS unit and features the following:
- Weddle Super DIff
- Dual HD Aluminum side covers
- 3.80 / 2.06 / 1.32 / .93 gear ratios
- 4.125 ring/pinion
- Custom fabricated Datsun 510 half-shaft axles
The rear suspension was converted to IRS using 1972 Super Beetle swing arms and custom made spring plates.
Factory Options for “GT”
The Gran Torino came with the intermediate trim level.
Air Conditioning
Power Brakes
Power Steering
Cloth Seats
Cruise Control
AM Radio
Clock
Right and Left Sport Mirrors with remote controls
Factory Options for “Burt (3)”
None - very basic. Not even a radio.
Mods for “GT”
Padded Vinyl Top - Dealership Option
Mods for “Burt (3)”
Extensive engine work and transmission (see above). Other modifications include:
- Gene Berg Bus Shifter
- Autometer 10,000 rpm 3 3/8" tach
- Autometer pro light
- Original Mangel (sp?) 15x5.5 rims "chromies" with "nipple" hub caps.
- Dunlop 195 and 205 radials
Future plans include:
- Sea Blue and White 2-tone paint
- Wood slats in the rear bed
- Possibly a new set of Sprintstar rims from Flat 4
Vote This challenge has ended!
| Points for GT | Total Votes | Points for Burt (3) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 8 | 24 |
Cars > Challenges > “GT” Vs “Burt (3)”
