A brilliant stoppage-time save by veteran Torquay keeper Kevin Dearden clinched victory in a tense West Country derby at Plainmoor.
Bristol Rovers' 2000 travelling fans were on their feet ready to acclaim the equaliser as substitute Justin Richards met Mark McKeever's free-kick at point-blank range.
But Dearden somehow parried Richards' header and then hacked the rebound clear in a crowded goalmouth.
Torquay, rated 100-1 outsiders for the Third Division title, had to come from behind after Giuliano Grazioli, one of six debutants for new Rovers boss Ray Graydon, scored in the fourth minute.
Grazioli lashed home a right-foot shot from 16 yards after Torquay failed to clear a long free-kick by Adam Barrett.
But Torquay roared back, Rovers' keeper Scott Howie only just denying Tony Bedeau on the half hour.
Torquay skipper David Woozley hit the post with a diving header in the 42nd minute and on the stroke of half time the Gulls equalised.
Left-winger Neil Prince crossed from Alex Russell's short corner and Martin Gritton, on loan from Plymouth, headed in under the bar.
Danny Boxall hit the bar for Rovers in the 66th minute, but just when it looked as if Rovers were taking over, Torquay scored the winner.
From a flowing move down the left, Kevin Hill crossed, and Bedeau was about to shoot when Trevor Challis pulled him over. Russell drilled home the penalty.
Gritton hit the post for Torquay in the 87th minute, Dearden pulled off his wonder save and just before the final whistle Rovers had loud penalty appeals turned down when Grazioli went down under a challenge from Torquay defender Reuban Hazell.
Graydon said afterwards: "You have to take these things on the chin. I've learned a lot about my squad today."
New Torquay boss Leroy Rosenior said: "I'm very pleased, most of all with the attitude of the players, but that will only last until they're in for training in the morning.
"It's a good start, but that's all it is."