We have seen many stalled projects over the years here at Barn Finds, and some manage to stall before they can start. That is the case with this 1970 Ford Torino Cobra. The owner had high hopes but admits that he would never get to this classic. Therefore, he has decided that it needs to go to someone who will have more success than he. Adding to the temptation is the drivetrain combination that features a 429ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. Located in Mexia, Texas, you will find the Torino listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has rocketed beyond the reserve to $12,600.
While it might be dusty, it appears that this Calypso Coral Cobra isn’t rusty. It seems that it has spread its life between Texas and New Mexico. Both climates are conducive to preserving classic steel, and that appears to be the case here. The owner supplies no underside shots, but the exterior looks pretty clean. The interior photos show that the carpet is long gone. That isn’t necessarily bad news because it gives us a clear look at the floors. Once again, these look remarkably clean. The panels look pretty straight, with no significant issues for the buyer to tackle. I’m not sure if the Shaker and hood are original, but I suspect that the buyer may need to invest in a Marti Report to confirm this. The glass looks good, and the trim seems restorable, so the overall impression is that refreshing the panels and paint should not be a difficult or expensive process.
We’ve reached the point with this Torino where the water gets slightly muddy. The owner is unsure whether the car is numbers-matching, and that’s something that I can’t confirm. The VIN indicates that the Torino rolled off the line in Atlanta, Georgia, sporting a 429ci “Thunder Jet” V8 that produced 360hp. Those horses found their way to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Pointed at a ¼ mile, it would have blitzed it in 14.6 seconds. The owner doesn’t indicate whether the V8 runs or turns freely. I believe that the “Cobra Jet” Shaker is little more than a cosmetic addition and that it serves no practical function. If that is the case, an in-person inspection may confirm the motor as the original. If this is the case, it will only help the car’s potential value once work is complete.
While the interior may be complete, there’s no hiding the fact that it needs nothing less than a total restoration. The original owner ordered this classic trimmed in Black vinyl, and it remains essentially intact. However, it will likely consume a few dollars before it sparkles like a new penny once again. We can see that it will need new carpet and seat upholstery, but the state of the door trims and headliner is a lucky dip. If either is beyond help, the most cost-effective solution would be for the buyer to invest $1,700 in a trim kit. That’s not the end of the story because the dash pad sports a large crack. I believe that it is irreparable, so we can add a further $400 to the costs. The console is missing its lid and has a piece broken out of the side. If it is also past its best, we’ve just lightened the buyer’s wallet by a further $700 for a reproduction console. That brings the total to $2,800, and we haven’t discussed items like the wheel or other components that we can’t see clearly in the supplied photos. This aspect of the restoration won’t be cheap, but it will add a sense of pride once the owner downs his tools for the final time.
For potential buyers, this 1970 Torino Cobra looks like a promising project. The photos suggest no significant rust, and its drivetrain combination should make it entertaining when the driver stamps on the right pedal. Restored to a high standard, it could generate a value well over $30,000. On a good day, that storming V8 could help it to nudge $40,000. If it sells for somewhere around the current bid range, it could be a project that makes sound financial sense. Would you take on this project?
Restored it would probably do 50k or better. I’ve seen them from 25k-125k.
This is a great car to start with out rust.
The four speed and engine makes it very cool and fun to run the ponies on weekends 😎
I can see a extremely good start to putting this classic back on the road with some TLC, looks like there’s very little to do to make it come to life.
Nice start and not a bad starting price. JUST wanna know what the deal with the Air Cleaner and the patch above the MISSING left rear window. The trunk lid looks to be dented in the middle up by the window. Need to see the bottom but looks worth the money.
Thinking that patch is a strip of tape that held up a piece of plastic to cover missing window. Seems to be another piece on floor below window.
I would rather have the auto transmission. Had several as demos when selling them. Rapid motorscooters.
I can see someone paying big bucks for this car. Just imagine in fully restored condition driving around with that 429 talking to you as you wind through those four gears, people smiling and waving as you pass by. Even at most car shows it would be a stand out car, drawing crowds of people asking questions and taking pictures. This car is so absolutely pure Americana muscle with beautiful sculptured lines. Talk about a chick magnet, a young person riding in this car then and now, people begging for a ride.
Yeah, drive this baby to the max or just cruise it has great sex appeal.
God bless America
$14,100 now, two other projects listed.
Unlikely a “numbers matching” 4 speed 429 TJ brings more than 40K.
The heads are from a 1972 429/460 ……
There’s a nice ’69 or ’70 Torino Talladega around the corner from me, same color Calypso Coral combo, hood/scoop/eng, etc., guy’s had at least the last 21 years since I 1st spotted it relocating here. Still sitting under a car port.
Know of the same deal with a 69 Mach 1,except 30 plus yrs, can’t tell the color for the dust, dirt & grime
I don’t think the more potent 429CJ and SCJ were available in 70, or if the 70 Torino cobra had other engine cid options, but the 360hpTJ is a capable engine.
David.. i read 450ft/lbs torque. Good enough , add the 4sp , and your pretending to be David Pearson
Both were definitely available.
First seen in 1970 the 429 Cobra jet and solid lifter mayhem Super cobra jet available in the restyled mid sized Fords. The Thunderjet was the civilized version and no 14 second car. Not without a lot of help.
It is questionable that it is the original engine. Two clues, first the emissions sticker on the valve cover has a D1 part number. That is a 1971 sticker. Second the close up photo of what appears to be the head shows a D2V part number, that is for a 1972 Lincoln. Only a very close inspection of all the engine components would confirm whether any of it is original to this car.
A guy on our street a little older than me was told by his father that if he started for our high school football team he’d buy him a brand new vette. He didn’t even go out for the team but he did get this car in a automatic but same color, etc.
Know of the same deal with a 69 Mach 1,except 30 plus yrs, can’t tell the color for the dust, dirt & grime