What’s the best thing about this 1971 Ford Torino? It’s green! Yes, that’s my favorite hue, but I know that’s not the case with many BF commenters. No worries, this sharp-looking Cobra has a lot of other notable features, and I’ll get to them post haste. Found in Long Beach, California, by Jack M., this midsize performance entry from Dearborn’s FoMoCo is available here on craigslist for $41,000.
If you’re a performance car enthusiast, you may consider 1971 to be the beginning of the end. Cars endowed with years of ever increasing cubic inches and asphalt-melting capability first stubbed their toe in the late sixties with insurance premium surcharges on cars with outsized powerplants or HP-to-weight ratios that were considered “concerning”. The next, and biggest blow, however, arrived in late 1970 with the passage of the Clean Air Act and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency as an enforcer. The target was mobile sources of air pollution, and the cannons were trained directly on the automotive biz. GM got on the bandwagon immediately with reduced compression ratios across its five divisions, as mandated by CEO Ed Cole, and AMC followed a similar suit. Ford and ChryCo started in that direction but didn’t really turn up the squelch until ’72. Fortunately, cars like this Torino Cobra still had some 1971 “go” under their hoods.
A 1971 Torino Cobra is a fairly rare beast; only about 3,000 were assembled that year, and that’s out of a total of 326K Torinos of all stripes. Cobras were about performance and appearance, and the subtlety of this car’s visuals (lack of glaring stripes) is appreciated. The rear panel is blacked out, and model-specific badges are in place, but it’s hardly over the top in terms of eyeball effects. Said to have only 67K miles of experience, the beautiful green finish is still deep with plenty of sheen, while the blacked-out hood gives no indication of fade or white wax residue – the seller adds, “absolutely no rust!” The only deviation from stock is the swap to American Racing Torque-Thrust-style wheels at all four corners.
The “go” factor is supplied by a 285 gross HP, 351 CI V8 engine, and in this case, it’s mated to a four-speed manual transmission. This version of the 351 registered 300 gross HP in ’70, so we are starting to see the early impact of emission controls, though this particular motor still claims a 10.7:1 compression ratio. No, it’s not the big 429, but I imagine this Cleveland V8 will move this Torino with alacrity. The seller claims, “Runs and drives perfect!”
The interior with its bench seat and horizontal speedometer doesn’t project much of a muscle car vibe, but the floor-mounted Hurst shifter certainly does. Beyond that, auxiliary gauges have been dash-inserted, and that’s it for modifications. The black vinyl upholstery, dash pad, and carpet are all in fine nick – the interior needs nothing!
While I gravitate, firstly, to the ’68-’69 Torino/Fairlane, I really appreciate these follow-on ’70-’71 models. The styling is svelte, and they certainly proved their mettle on the high banks of Daytona and Talladega so many years ago as they waged NASCAR war with the Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Superbird. Clean and green is how I’d rate this Torino Cobra, how about you?
Merry Christmas to All!
Now thats what Im talking about. Oldschool nice and clean with a 4 speed!!!!
Nice Torino, great motor/trans combo for the Ford fans. 👍🏁 Thanks J.O.
I agree Stan, 351 4 speed is a great all around combo.
Sweet!! In CA with Arizona plates, what is with all the trunk photos?
Nice
You say carpet is good, but looks faded from my vantage point??
Well, not much of a muscle car, but still has creds. Many years ago I owned a full-house ’70 429 CJ 4 speed. If it were in Canada, I’d seriously think about this one.
I owned this very car 25 years ago. One of the best I had ever driven.
A lot of interesting history
Interesting history? Please elaborate, don’t leave us hanging!
This snake could hibernate in my garage for sure. I really like the color. The four speed is icing on the cake. What would Clint think? GLWTS.
nice ford and it has the roller tach too and it’s not red
Buddy of mine had 1970 428 cj 4 spd nice car was blue and fast
The 1970 Torino was not available with a 428 from the factory, but only had the 429 engine available, in 3 different horse power ratings, as well as a 351, 302, and 250 engines.
I like this Torino. Bench seat with a 4 speed is one of my favorites. I like the color and the choice of wheels. $40k might be a bit high, but where will you find another as clean and cheaper? I wouldn’t mind finding this in my garage.
My 2nd favorite behind Mustangs. What’s not to like about this? And Jim, my preferred color as well just like 💰. Btw guys, the 70 Torino a year earlier was Motor Trends car of the year.
Beautiful car, and JO I love the green as well. How much fun could be had in this car?
Again, Merry Christmas all you BarnFinders. I really appreciate all your knowledge, experience, and stories that make this site special. I look forward to hitting it every day. Even on Christmas day with grandkids looking over my shoulder!
Loves these years 70-71. Always like the Ribbon Tach. (Probably hard too see) but cool option. Wish it had Hide aways. Lower front chin spoiler. New attitude.
The Hide Away Headlight option wasn’t available on the Torino Cobra, only on the Torino GT,s. The GT models also had a very long one piece Taillight, also different than the 70-71 Torino Cobra models with the 2 much smaller Taillights.
My first new car was a ’70 Torino GT, 351 4V, auto, PS, disc PB, A/C hide-away-headlights, 3.25 Posi rear, blue W laser stripe, black bench, trailer tow package. It also also had an AM/FM 8 track radio. I wanted a 3.50 rear, but N/A. It wasn’t the fastest around, but it would cruise at 120 with no problem. I couldn’t afford the insurance with the 429 in it. I always loved the look of hide-away-headlights, though! It cost me just over $3300. Ah, those were the days!!!
I had a 1970 Maverick with paint like this – Grabber Green with black accents. Sharp looking but not very good mechanical-wise.
Nice clean Torino with a 4 speed and the price is good.