Rarity is always going to be a subject that ignites debate in the classic car world. Take this 1971 Torino GT Convertible as an example. It presents superbly, and while it might not be perfect, it is a turn-key vehicle waiting for a new owner. Its claim to fame is its paint and trim, with documentary evidence indicating that it is a mere 1-of-12 finished in this combination. If that isn’t enough to tempt you to examine this car more closely, perhaps the fact that the owner has listed it for sale here on eBay with No Reserve could tip you over the edge. It is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the bidding has already rocketed to $27,100. It seems that a few people like what they see with this Convertible.
This Torino presents beautifully in a shade called Light Pewter Metallic, and its stunning appearance has been helped by the owner treating it to a repaint about three years ago. You can’t fault the shine, and you have to look pretty closely to spot any flaws. They don’t show in the supplied photos, but the owner does point them out in this YouTube video that he provides as part of the listing. With such a recent cosmetic refresh, it is no surprise that the distinctive graphics look crisp and sharp. The original owner ordered the Convertible with a Black power top and glass rear window, and not only do these appear to be perfect, but they operate exactly as they are supposed to. The tinted glass seems flawless, and while the Magnum 500 wheels aren’t original, they suit the character of the vehicle extremely well. The trim and chrome are as impressive as the rest of the exterior, and the doors for the concealed headlamps work with no apparent issues or problems.
Buyers in 1971 had a choice of several engines to slot under the hood of their new Torino GT, and the original owner of this one chose the 351-2V V8 that produced 240hp. Rounding out the package are a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. This combination should allow the Torino to cover the ¼ mile in 16.8 seconds before winding its way to 120mph. The engine bay presents well for a survivor of this age, with no evidence of long-term fluid leaks or other problems. The YouTube clip that I previously mentioned provides an opportunity to hear this classic run and drive. I can’t spot any issues that could cause concern. The 351 starts and runs well, there are no signs of smoke or odd noises, and the transmission shifts smoothly. However, it is the lack of creaks and groans that caught my attention. Cars of this age, especially convertibles, can be prone to developing the odd rattle or squeak from the body or suspension as the years unfold. This car seems to be remarkably tight and free from those problems.
If considered purely as an original survivor, this Torino’s interior presents well. It is upholstered in a combination of Black Vilon Knit and Black vinyl, and when teamed with the exterior paint shade, it is what makes this car a genuine 1-of-12 vehicle. There are no glaring issues for the buyer to address immediately, but they could tackle a few items over the upcoming colder months so that the GT is at its best when next Summer hits. From a functional perspective, all of the gauges and the factory tach work as they should, although the needle has snapped off the speedometer. This doesn’t affect the odometer, but it means that the driver has to guess their speed. As much as I support our law enforcement agencies, I’m not in a hurry to contribute extra to their funding via unplanned speeding fines. Therefore, I would address this problem as a matter of priority. The original owner ordered this Torino with air conditioning, but it doesn’t blow cold. It may be something as simple as a service and recharge, making it worth pursuing further. The dash pad has developed a couple of cracks, and while they aren’t bad, they detract from the rest of the interior. The buyer could find a company to repair the damage or choose to replace the pad entirely. These are readily available and will lighten the wallet by less than $500. The upholstery on the bucket seats is slightly stretched, but it hasn’t reached the point where replacement would be essential. The rear seat is in as-new condition, as are the console and carpet. For purists, it is a plus that nobody has added any aftermarket items like a stereo. The factory AM radio is intact, and it works as it should.
With Summer fast drawing to a close, logic says that now would not be the right time to splash the cash on a classic convertible. However, this 1971 Torino GT could be the right car at the right time, which would explain why the bidding has been spirited. It is a turn-key classic that is in excellent condition, meaning that a buyer could enjoy the car immediately. They might also decide to address its few shortcomings over the cooler months so that everything is in tip-top order when the weather turns pleasant once again. There have already been thirty bids submitted on this classic, but are you tempted to make the thirty-first?
Wow. That’s one good looking Ford.
Based on what I can see, I like it.
You can’t beat covered headlights on a convertible.
It’s a Ford, it’s a convertible, and it had hidden headlights, what’s not to like? Wish it had a little larger motor, but it presents well. I love the color, it really accents the stripes, and the rims and tires look great. One of the nicest Torino’s of this age I have seen in awhile. Pretty steep price, but nobody could ignore this ride. Very sharp car, love the color.
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Add dual exhaust and a 4 barrel
It has dual exhaust
The more I look at that stripe, the more I hate it.
Isn’t that a 70 grille? The 71 was 2 pieces with an emblem separating them.
My ’71 had a split grille, but it was not a GT and didn’t have hidden lights.
The Torino and Montego always were a special, almost Italian design. This is the best looking US convertible in the period IMHO. I agree the decal is wrong ( it hides the side shapes) .
“This is the best looking convertible in the time” I agree it’s a really nice looking car the the BOP cars of its day, Buick, Olds and Pontiac had great looking convertibles that all out sold this.
Recently I saw a convertible 1969 Ford LTD body mounted up on a 2000 Ford four wheel drive pickup running gear. It was lifted some and was running a turbo Diesel engine. Unusual vehicle but also eye catching.
I owned one of these with the M code 4 barrel engine and it was an amazing rare car for which I paid $150. Still want that one back. Big difference from the 2V engine though.
Nice car, but I consider “unrestored” to be primarily original paint and sheet metal.
Sweet ride!! $29k now, ends tonight.
That was the “Spring Promotional color” for 1971. I owned one, but mine was a Torino 500 hardtop with the formal roof and a 302. Still plenty quick, though.
I worked for Jackson-Goldie Ford in Oakland and then for Coletto Ford in San Pedro and have had a soft spot for Fords ever since. This one is a beauty indeed. the 289 and 351 V8´s were superb engines especially id paired with the Ford 3-speed automatic.
Vance, what more could you ask for? Power windows and locks. That’s always a deal breaker for me.
Gotta be honest, in all my 68 years, I have never seen a Torino GT convertible. And here one sits right in my own backyard, so to speak.
Angel, pl and pw were a real pain back in the day, when you had to start hitting them like a telegraph, it was a PIA. Oh by the way, I owned a 1969 Marauder back in the late 90’s, and I loved it.
I always liked the looks of these, especially the rear tali light treatment with the honeycomb design. I like the “laser stripe”, but I’m not so sure about the stripe color working with the paint. Brown/yellow or the Green/yellow may have been a better choice, but still an awesome looking car. Maybe put a Holley 500 CFM 2 barrel on it for fun, the result can be rather surprising!
Vance, my first car when I got my driver’s license at age 17 was a 1962 Lincoln Continental 4-dr convertible. Everything on that car was power. Plus, as a 6 year old, I was always playing with the power windows on my aunt’s 1959 Cadiilac. Which is probably why I have a thing for pw.
I’m a spoiled bi*ch and I know it.
Adam,
The original AM radio is not still in place. This car has an earlier Fairlane marked AM/FM radio.
If anyone’s interested there’s a 73 Torino hardtop for sale in Adelaide, Sth. Australia. Yellow paint job with the laser stripe, ground up resto has been done last year and for sale at about $46,000aus, you do the maths, (the owner died recently), price may be negotiable, his wife doesn’t want it. I’ve been in the car and driven it, like brand new condition inside and out, shipping to LA would run at about $5,000aus, Anyone interested?
Has it been sold?
Always love the 70/71 Torino owned 4 of them. Now as for the convertible version this would be the ultimate in my mind, love the looks of this one. Years ago I read about a 70 gt SCJ in, I think, Muscle Car Review mag. It was red ,4 speed, very rare car, have the laser stripe, I’d give just about anything to own that one.
Yes I have that mag, and it was indeed a convertible super cobra jet, red with side stripe, looked fantastic ! I’ve owned 4 70,71 Torinos in my day but all were 351, wish I had known about the scj option. For about 150$ you a got a 4 bolt block , solid lifters cam ,bigger carb, 3.90 or 4.30 gears with Detroit locker. and had the where abouts to buy one.
Hi
I have it’s twin in celery green. 351 4V C6 Transmission
Factory Air.
Jeff