There aren’t many classic enthusiasts who have ever uttered the words, “My car has more power than I need.” Most of us long for that bit of extra mumbo under the hood, and that has been the case with the two people who have owned this 1970 Ford Torino GT. The original owner performed an engine upgrade, but the current owner took that to another level. After sixteen years in his care, he has decided that the time is right for it to find a new home. If this Torino tweaks your interest, you will find it located in North Bend, Washington, and listed for sale here on Craigslist. The seller has set the price at $34,900, but he is willing to consider fair offers. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder MattR for spotting this fantastic classic for us.

This Torino probably doesn’t tick the boxes for a purist seeking spotless originality, but if you are attracted to tastefully upgraded classics that are in excellent condition and present superbly, this could be the car for you. The vehicle has received a single repaint in its original shade of Calypso Coral, and while the owner says it isn’t perfect, it is more than acceptable for a driver-grade car. The paint shines beautifully, and any flaws or defects seem to be little more than the occasional chip or scratch. This paint has been applied to steel that is in excellent condition, with no visible dings or dents. One thing that this GT lacks is rust. The panels look spotless, and the owner indicates that the underside has no issues. The original owner fitted the Torino with a sunroof, while the current owner added the Magnum 500 wheels. The trim and chrome are in excellent condition, while the glass looks flawless.

While the Torino’s interior presents well for a survivor, it doesn’t quite meet the same standards that we find with the rest of the car. The dash pad has developed cracks, and there is a seam separation on the passenger seat. The wheel also has several cracks, so there will be a few items for the buyer to address if they seek perfection. The owner has replaced the carpet and headliner, and he has saved the removed factory AM radio for the buyer when he installed the aftermarket stereo. Beyond that, the interior looks pretty tidy. Apart from the single seam separation, the remaining upholstery is in good order. The console adds a classy touch, while the factory ribbon tach helps monitor what is happening with the monster under the hood.

The mechanical history of this Torino seems to be one of the owners seeking improved performance. When the original owner purchased the vehicle, its engine bay was occupied by a 302ci V8 that produced 220hp. He drove the car in that form for a while but decided that its weight justified more power. He swapped out the original engine and transmission, substituting a 429 backed by a C6 automatic transmission. It was in this guise when the current owner purchased the car, but then he had the good fortune to stumble across a genuine 1969 date-coded 429 Cobra Jet. After treating that to a rebuild that included a .030 overbore and new pistons, the Cobra Jet took up residence in the engine bay. In original form, this brute would have pumped out 370hp. Thanks to the TLC that it has received, that figure could be slightly higher. Getting the power to the pavement effectively is a significant consideration, so the C6 received a rebuild in 2017, which included the installation of a TCI Breakaway 2600 Torque Converter. He completed the process by slotting a 3.50 Eaton Traction-Lok 9″ rear end into the Torino. In 1970, a Cobra Jet-equipped Torino GT could have stormed the ¼ mile in 14.7 seconds. I would be willing to bet that this car can wipe a few tenths off that figure. It might have performance to burn, but the inclusion of power steering and power front disc brakes means that the driving experience is unlikely to be hard work. With the rest of the mechanical components like the brakes and suspension receiving a recent refresh, there is nothing for the buyer to do but slip behind the wheel and revel in the driving experience.

While it may not be perfect, this 1970 Torino GT would still turn heads wherever it goes. It is a car that demonstrates the lengths that some owners will go to in their pursuit of a car with serious performance credentials in a relatively unassuming package. It is effectively a steel fist in a velvet glove, and I can’t help but think that life behind the wheel would be hugely entertaining. If that sounds hard to resist, it might be worth pursuing this classic further. If you do, I could hardly blame you.