The Ford Torino received a redesign in 1970, nearly replacing the Fairlane that had been the company’s mid-size offering since 1962. The GT was the sportier version, yet the slippery shape of the car didn’t catch on, and the machines were redone again for 1972. Less than 4,000 GT convertibles were built in 1970, and the seller’s Marti Report indicates this car is a 1 of 1 the way it was ordered. A one-owner machine needing restoration, this drop-top is in Riner, Virginia, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $10,000.
According to the seller, you get to a 1 of 1 with this car by ordering the GT convertible with a 351 cubic inch V8 (4-barrel), automatic transmission (column-shifted), finished in black with a matching bench seat interior, and styled steel wheels. Does this add to the car’s rarity? Sure, but does it mean people will pay a premium for the car, which has plenty of wear and tear for the past 55 years?
Some work was done on the Ford last year to bring it to life. That included a tune-up, fuel pump, gas tank, rebuilt carburetor, some brake work, and the steering column (?). That adds up to a running car but doesn’t mean you can head out to the interstate right away. The odometer reads 85,000 miles, and we’re guessing the car hasn’t seen much action in recent years.
Rust can be found in a variety of places, and at least one new primed fender is part of the deal. The interior is largely okay from what we can tell, except for the front seat bottom. No mention is made of the status of the convertible top and whether it is electrically operated. The listing was placed by the seller’s wife, as we assume Facebook Marketplace is not in his wheelhouse. A tip of the hat to “Zappenduster” for the tip.
I can’t speak to the viability or do-ability or financial needs to do a restoration, but I am able to visualize what this would look like if restored. And, being black/black with some bright trim, it would look stunning.
Bob, time to stroke your ego. Lol. I’ve been a daily reader for several years. I always read your comments because they are interesting in a positive way. I always check for comments from a certain Steve that comments regularly. I know he rubs some people the wrong way because he speaks his mind but typically I tend to agree with most of his. I miss some that used to be regular commenters here but time goes on but people don’t. We all have an expiration date. Bob, live long. Hopefully stay reasonably healthy and keep the comments coming!
Thank you for the kind words SD Ulrey. I try to keep most of my comments on the interesting and positive side.
Back to the car…. we had a low option1970 Torino four-door as a family car. This one is way cooler. I hope it gets some attention.
No hidden headlights, no thank you. There were some pretty slick hidden headlight setups in the 1960s
1965 Riviera with clamshell doors
1966 Charger with rotating drums with grille on both sides
1966 Riviera with headlights tucked under the leading edge of the hood
1969 Caprice with doors that opened to reveal lights integrated into the grille underneath
Ford did them one better in 1970, with a full-width taillight out back to match the full-width grille out front. Pity this one wasn’t built with them. That uninterrupted, blackout grille would look amazing on a black car.
At least the 70 Torino got some love. It was Motor Trends car of the Year.
To think MT went from Road Runner to these to…. Vega… What!?
Rixx56 not only poor choice in 71 for Vega but 74 for Mustang as well. 🤣 Just sayin!
At least the 70 Torino got some love. Motor Trend named it as its Car of the Year. Lookin at the rusted floor pans makes me wonder about rest of car. $10g’s seems reasonable when seeing the work done list.
The “Flintstone Floors” are a big red flag, as they will be expensive to fix! This car can and should be saved, but it will take more money than I have available to do it! Can you say “rotisserie restoration”? Sure you can! The level of rust, with the big gaping holes in the floors, is an area of large concern, as these were unibody cars, so a close inspection of the “frame” rails would be mandatory before purchase. A complete disassembly, followed by either a chemical stripping or media blasting of the body, prior to all of the required metal work, would be mandatory, IMHO. I hope whoever buys this either has deep pockets for the cost of the work, or mad skills and tools to do the work themselves, or both!
I like the styling of these better than the later (1972-79) models, but the later models had full frames under them, so there’s that. If I were spending the big bucks for the full restoration that this car desparately needs, I’d strongly consider putting an aftermarket frame under it from the usual suspects (Art Morrison, Schwartz Performance or The Roadster Shop), to stiffen the body up, especially since it’s a convertible. GLWTS in any case.
🎶I’m dreaming of a black/black Torino with a black convertible top to park in my garage🎶. Well anyway I like this car, Ten grand plus shipping to Houston another forty grand to restore; only 50 grand and no one else has one exactly like it. You say that’s a lot of money, but I say try to find a new convertible for under fifty grand and you’ll see them pop up everywhere you go.
God Bless America
Good potential