Reading the supplied Marti Report for this 1970 Ford Torino Cobra reveals that this car has more tricks in its bag than mere good looks. The owner has recently spent a considerable sum to return this Cobra to its stunning best. Not only does it present superbly, but its drivetrain combination is positively mouthwatering. It is a car that would suit potential buyers who seek a turnkey classic that they can enjoy immediately. Located in Ottawa, Kansas, you will find the Torino listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $57,000, and there are currently forty-six people watching the listing.
Finished in Candyapple Red, this Torino makes a bold visual statement. It is hard to find fault with its exterior presentation. The paint shines beautifully, and the panels are laser straight with tight and consistent gaps. The owner includes documentation with the car that confirms that it has undergone a restoration. He performed this in 2004, dropping a cool $11,000 to whip the panels and paint into their current state. Examining the supplied photos reveals that the car is completely rust-free. The underside shots are extremely impressive, showing no hint of surface corrosion, and a consistent coat of Red on the floors and frame. The trim shines as magnificently as the paint, while the original tinted glass is flawless. The car rolls on its original chrome Magnum 500 wheels, and the owner has chosen to wrap these in Firestone Wide Oval tires. For performance enthusiasts, this is merely the entree. It is now time to sit back and consider the main course.
Ford offered potential buyers a decent selection of engines to slot under the hood of their Torino in 1970. The original owner of this Cobra pushed out the boat when they got their hands on the Order Form. The engine bay is occupied by a 429 Ram Air-equipped Cobra Jet V8 that should be pumping out 370hp. That’s not an inconsiderable amount of power, and it finds its way through a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission to a 3.00 Traction-Lok rear end. At 3,939lbs, this Torino would be classed as an automotive middleweight. That makes its ¼-mile ET of 14.7 seconds look pretty good. If the driver is willing to keep the right foot buried, it should run out of breath at 139mph. For purists, the news with this Torino looks to be nothing but positive. The owner indicates that it is a numbers-matching vehicle, and it appears that he has done his utmost to ensure that it remains that way. It seems that in 2006 the carburetor was giving some trouble. Rather than bolt on a replacement, he spent $546, restoring the original to a high standard. Unfortunately, he provides no information on how well the car runs or drives. If its visual condition is any indication, the news should be nothing but positive.
The theme of spotless presentation continues when we turn our attention to this Torino’s interior. The original owner ordered it trimmed in red vinyl, and it presents superbly. The seller doesn’t indicate whether it has undergone any restoration work, but its overall condition suggests that it may have. The vinyl shows no evidence of wear or physical damage, while the same is true of the carpet. The dash and pad appear perfect, and there are no aftermarket additions. However, that also brings us to one aspect of the interior that jars on me. I expected the pad to match the rest of the interior, but the black looks out of place. That suggests that the owner has sourced a replacement, but hasn’t had it coated to match the original trim color. When you consider the presentation of the rest of this classic, that would seem to be an odd decision. While it isn’t dripping with luxury appointments, the car does feature its distinctive Hurst shifter, the factory tachometer, and an AM radio with twin rear speakers. The owner indicates that everything works as it should, except for the tachometer and the radio. It sounds like these will require further investigation, but given the lack of work needed across other aspects of this classic, it will give the buyer something to do while they wait for the weather to improve.
Combining its stunning good looks with its highly desirable drivetrain makes it easy to see why this 1970 Torino Cobra has attracted attention since the owner listed it for sale. It is a car that seems to need little beyond a few minor details and is ready to be driven and enjoyed as the warmer weather approaches. That makes me wonder whether one of those people who are watching will be tempted to hit the BIN button to take this classic home. Of course, you may have other ideas and will hit the button first. If you do, I could hardly blame you. It seems that whoever does make that first move will be driving away in a classic that is guaranteed to turn heads.
The shakles on the rear take away from the look of the car. Sagging springs or some other issue? A Torino Cobra is on my want list.
What’s up with the rear leaf spring hangers?
to do it right the leaf springs need rebuilding ,and the use regular hangers.
I read the invoice for the paint and body work…they used one gallon of bondo on the car…I could be wrong, as I am not a body man, but isn’t that a lot of bondo? Pretty car, but I would bring a magnet if I were to inspect the car…
Not really out of the norm. Under every good paint and body job, there is some Bondo. If used correctly, it is absolutely fine and expected, if you want a perfect end result. I’m sure that they charged him for a gallon, but may not have used anywhere close to that. From the looks of this car, it is no Bondo Buggy.
A gallon is nothing. 75% gets sanded off again in the prep process.
I understand the temptation to call these a Torino, but it’s a Cobra…plain and simple
EXACTLY! It started life as a Falcon….
Actually, Mike Cobras are based on the Fairlane 500, as I mentioned earlier. Ford did sell a few of this body style in the last half of the model year identified as “Falcons”. Mostly rubber floor mat specials sold to the government.
I correct you Mike the torino originally started on the fairlane badge in 1962 and changed over to the torino badge in mid 1968 although there were a few falcon badged in this body style in 1970 rare muscle I know some guys will argue these facts we can argue all day lol
The GN and GNX of 2022 on Barn Finds.
The rear leaf spring extenders are a big no-no to any vehicle with leaf springs. If you have a good shop that does leaf springs. All you have to do is re-arch the springs or add a leaf. Did that on my Challenger. It’s a beautiful car no doubt. But if I bought this car that’s the first thing that will go. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
First thing that I would change, without a doubt. New springs are no big deal.
Get Rid Of The Shackle Bars.
Another big Ford perfect for some hi-speed hwy blasts with those tall gears and 4spd.
This is, without a doubt, the most true and honest car I’ve seen in a while and it’s priced extremely fair. This is a great deal if you are looking for one of these…and it’s optioned very well. If I did not have three numbers-matching, four-speed cars in my garage right now, I would have already been in negotiations to buy this car last week when I first saw it on the ‘Bay.
Very nice, the sellers other items are all travel trailers.
I’m thinking the dash pad was red originally.
Is that the correct steering wheel or a one off hybrid mix?
as far as the filler i was body man for 50+ years a gallon was a gallon now cans are filled by weight most are only 3/4 full it was 4.50 a gallon when they were full a good filler today is upwards 40.00 to 50.00 and not close to full
Blue Oval Power….Gotta Love It.
So, what’ll it be, the fearsome red warrior here or the ’69 Cobra posted earlier. I absolutely love the looks of these ’70-71 high performance middleweight Fords, but that ’69 has the 428, which I’ve had a little expierence with. Both are Fords best attempt at battling the other guys SS 396 Chevelles, GTO’S, 442’s, and of course the entry level Road Runner. Solid cars, awesome power, and not seen in any great numbers…..at least anymore.
Drove one of these back in the early 80s, a fellow who had been in the service was selling it. Gray primer, black steel wheels, a true sleeper. I was all of 21 or so. I remember rolling through town in third gear and stepping down quickly thinking it would take a while to catch up. Lit up the tires, almost got sideways, scared the bejesus out of me. That was my introduction to the 429 and the ‘crooked’ Hurst shifter, a BIG change from the MGB 4 banger I’d been driving!
Wow! A sharp Cobra! Even has a close ratio Toploader with the locking rear. I’ll bet there’s some drag racing history here.