This 1976 Ford Gran Torino, originally owned by Ray Anderson, has a new life as an award-winning replica of the Starsky and Hutch car. (Photo/Marylou Nagel)

Marylou Nagel | Writer

In 1976, little did the Anderson family of Hartford know that a big purchase of a 1976 Gran Torino would be a hit attraction forty years later.

Ray Anderson purchased the brand new vehicle, which was light green with a dark green interior and a dark green Landau top.

“My grandpa drove it for a few years, and when he was put in the home and eventually passed away, my Mom and Dad drove it for awhile,” explained Ray’s grandson, Daren.  When Daren’s father, Delmer passed away in 1991, his mother, Delores decided to sell it.

“I advertised it on Ebay and received many offers on it, but unfortunately, most of those offers were no shows or bad checks,” Anderson said.  As fate would have it, it came down to the sixth or seventh auction winner, who just happened to be a local Hartford man. 

After many hours of work and dedication, the car has now become a replica of the famous Starsky and Hutch car.  This Gran Torino has been entered into many local car shows, so look for the eye-catching entry at a car show near you.