Ford Torino had a power and torque increase, and the 460-4V had a power decrease. In an attempt to help improve fuel economy, the standard rear axle ratio for all models was now 2.75:1. 1975–1976 Gran Torinos were used in the popular Spelling-Goldberg Productions TV series "Starsky and Hutch". The producers needed a flashy specialty car for the main characters to drive. Since Ford was the lease supplier for on-screen cars through their Studio-TV Car Loan Program, eventually it was decided by the producers that a bright red 1975 Gran Torino two-door would be the vehicle of choice for the pilot episode.
Starsky & Hutch Short Dirt Road", featured country star Lynn Anderson as a singer being stalked by a deranged person; it was based upon a real-life incident involving country music legend Dolly Parton. The part was written with Parton in mind, but Anderson wound up playing the role. Season 1: "Starsky & Hutch" aired on Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. and aired against the long forgotten "Kate McShane" on CBS and the second season law drama "Petrocelli" on NBC. "Starsky & Hutch" had no trouble beating its competition and finished #16 with a 22.5 share in the A.C. Nielsen Ratings. Season 2: "Starsky