Swansea City's ever-optimistic fans were kept waiting for the new dawn of success that Brian Flynn's arrival had promised as their side succumbed to their fourth consecutive defeat.
Dave Graham's 31st minute strike - his seventh in seven games - was enough to secure the win for Torquay.
Despite only being at the Vetch for two days, Flynn still made four changes from the team that hit rock bottom at Boston, with Steve Watkin, John Williams and James Thomas featuring in a three-pronged attack which had Flynn's influence stamped all over it.
However, it was travelling Torquay who found themselves in front against the run of play.
Tony Bedeau raced from his own area as Swansea toiled in attack and earned a free-kick thanks to Lee Jenkins' challenge and a spot of amateur dramatics.
Alex Russell laid the resulting dead ball to Graham who, from 30 yards out, shot low past the Swansea wall and the wrong-footed Roger Freestone.
What was to follow was a display of football that the home fans will not want to see on a regular basis as the ball was lost in a cluttered and careless midfield battle.
To their credit, Jenkins, Gareth Phillips and Damien Lacey all attempted to free James Thomas but the Swans' top scorer had a particularly sluggish run out as the Swans failed to score for the third consecutive game.
A combination of luck, poor shooting and sterling defensive work from Reuben Hazell in particular, ensured Torquay kept their first clean sheet of the season and took home all three points.
The win pushes the Gulls closer to the top and keeps the Swans stuck firmly at the foot of the table