The racing and performance-oriented Ford Talledega is based on the Ford Torino Cobra two-door SportsRoof. According to Ford advertising of the period, "Heading the pack to the Performance Corner in your dealership is the exotic new aerodynamic-design Torino Talledega...an exciting development of the 1968 NASCAR and USAC Champion Torino. The Talledega's aerodynamic design features, developed after extensive high-speed wind tunnel and track testing, improve performance during high-speed operation by reducing drag and front end lift."

Included in the impressive lineup of factory standard features is a 428-cid, 335-hp Cobra Jet engine (non-Ram Air) that is mated to a SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic transmission. Further standards on the Talledega consists of cast aluminum valve covers, engine oil cooler, extra-cooling package, 55-ampere alternator, heavy-duty battery, power steering, power front disc brakes, Argent Styled Steel Wheels with chrome trim rings, competition suspension with ultra-heavy-duty front and rear springs and shock absorbers, extra-heavy-duty stabilizer bar, staggered rear shock absorber arrangement with one rear shock ahead of and the other behind the rear axle, special aerodynamic-design grille, hood, fender and front bumper layout, non-gloss “racing black” hood and lower rear deck panel, AM radio, 3.25:1 ratio non-locking rear axle and special Talledega badging as seen on the interior door trim panels.