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1971 Ford Torino GT: Past Saving?

right front

After sitting in a barn for 30 years, this Torino was rescued and a restoration begun only to be abandoned again. The vin shows this to be a 1971 Ford Torino GT SportsRoof 2 dr 8-cyl. 351cid/240hp 2bbl car. It’s listed here on craigslist in Kansas City for $2,000. That’s a very reasonable price if it’s not badly rusted, but it’s not looking too good. The owner says he is losing his storage space. Or did he just realize it needed too much metal work? At this stage, it would seem the only option is to complete the restoration. How bad is the bodywork and how much rust is there? Is there any hope for this Torino?

Comments

  1. Avatar grant

    k, I will be that guy. “PAST” saving, not “PASSED.” Okay with that said I wish I could save this car. Some of of you have heard me tell how my dad traded in a Torino for a Pinto station wagon. Well here it is! Not the same exact car obviously I was five and I don’t remember what the motor options was that I remember what it look like I know it made a nice rumbling noise when Dad hit the gas and it put you back in the seat. I remember wondering what was wrong with him when he traded in for that Pinto! I wish I could save this car but unfortunately it’s not in the cards

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  2. Avatar randy

    My favorite previous car was ’70 Ranchero GT, 351C 4v closed chamber heads, hide away lights, bucket seats etc etc. I like this body style but Ford was starting to cheap out on the metal. I think the price is good considering it is complete.

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  3. Avatar phoneman91

    Looks to be relatively straight. The Mopar wheels are a nice touch!

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  4. Avatar sparkster

    Those are Ford wheels , GM had the same type on a lot of Buick’s as well as Mopar.

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    • Avatar sixtiesmusclecarguy

      I’m with phoneman……FYI
      Mopar wheels
      Defintely never Ford or Gm

      Photo’s need to be of Cowl vent area’s,floorpans,Aprons under doors, and rear shackle area to really tell the rust story……Also inside of rear trunk and underside of hood and trunk area……anything Can be saved…429 CJ car yes..351-c 2bbl ….????? .But is it worth the efforet/money over buying a decent car up front….

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      • Avatar randy

        Another place to check is where the door latch is on the body, they like to crack there.

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  5. Avatar Ed P

    Not past restoring, but a LOT of body work is needed for this car.

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  6. Avatar Mike

    No Ford Wheels, I had a 72 with the same wheels on it. Loved that car, but a tree got it its way one day and the tree won the battle!!!!!

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  7. Avatar phoneman91

    Mopar wheels on this Ford. Both Mopar and Ford used the same wheel bolt size/pattern back in those days.

    Below are factory steel wheels that were originally installed–the way I remember it.

    http://www.azcarsandtrucks.com/rwintersgtlg7.jpg

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  8. Avatar OttoNobedder

    phoneman91 is correct-GT Rally wheels on his attachment-look great with the trim rings and “GT” center cap.The other wheel available was the Mustang GT type like this
    http://www.conceptcarz.com/images/Ford/71_Ford_Torino_GT_FN_AC_01.jpg

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  9. Avatar steve

    If you love it enough you will save almost anything. Restomod?

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  10. Avatar John

    If the frame is not too bad I will take it. I had the very same car with the same options except it was yellow back in 1984.

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  11. Avatar David Leland

    Great car! Definitely worth restoring. I have restored a few cars that were in far worst condition. I favor the magnum 500 rims. If the engine is not in too bad of shape, the 351 Cleveland can be rebuilt and produce some great power.

    Like 0

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