The third generation of the Ford Torino arrived in 1972 and ran through 1976, after which the mid-size cars were rebranded. The 1975 editions would be little changed and gained catalytic converters like every other production American-built automobile. The seller’s nice example is a 4-door hardtop, a one-family-owned vehicle with just 28,000 miles. It has recently emerged from long-term storage and runs “like a dream.” Located in Great Bend, Kansas, this nifty family Ford is available here on craigslist for $8,500.
These mid-1970s cars were bulkier in appearance (to me) than the larger, full-size Galaxies and LTDs. And the addition of rear fender skirts on some of the models didn’t help with that illusion. The 4-door hardtop was only offered in the fancier Gran Torino series, as either a “regular” GT or a GT Brougham. The former version found 53,000 buyers vs. 6,000 for the Brougham. Given the addition of the skirts, should we assume this car is a Brougham?
We’re told this Ford has been off the road for ages, which makes the 28,000 miles seem more plausible. It’s been in the same family since new, so it meant something to someone for more than 50 years. To get it going again, the seller changed out the fluids, replaced the gas tank, and put in a new brake master cylinder. The seller says the car runs great now and even the factory air conditioning works, though it could stand a recharge.
The body looks solid, as does the dark blue paint and white vinyl top. The passenger cabin is most inviting with fabrics that remind you of how cars were built back in the day. We don’t know what engine is under the hood, but a 351 cubic inch V8 would be a good guess, along with an automatic transmission. While 4-door vintage cars don’t often fall into the “cool” category, this one kind of does.
More serious bumpers than pickup trucks these days.