A nice, 1976 station wagon. That doesn’t sound like a car that would appeal to many people in 2025, but Barn Finds readers are a different bunch of humans (in a good way). The seller has this nice 1976 Ford Gran Torino Wagon posted here on craigslist in Pasadena, California, and they’re asking $7,900. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Tony P. for the tip!
Having grown up a poor sharecropper… Just kidding, but not by much. We never had money, really, and a base model vehicle was what we always had. Even the used Olds Ninety-Eight that my dad bought had manual windows, not to mention some rust already showing up. Given the absolutely overwhelming brain-melting technology crammed into new vehicles, there’s something refreshing about a somewhat base model car like this Gran Torino wagon. The Torino was the base model, but this car isn’t exactly loaded with luxury features.
I would have preferred non-full-wheelcovers, but that’s an easy fix. Or, I think those are wheel covers? Hmm… Ford offered the third and last-generation Torino for 1972 through 1976, and a giveaway between the Torino and Gran Torino was the bright trim around the wheel wells, not to mention Gran Torino badges on the front fenders. The seller has provided a pretty nice array of photos, including showing the “3-Way Magic Doorgate” open and the optional seating in the back.
The only iffy photos are the one above, which is the only one showing any part of the dashboard at all. There are two other interior photos showing the front vinyl seat and the rear vinyl seat, but none showing the dash really. You can see some cracking on the steering wheel and the horn hub area, so you know the Pasadena heat got to the interior a bit.
The dusty engine is, I believe, a Ford 351-cu.in. OHV V8 with 152 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque when new for California cars. 20 minutes spent detailing the engine a bit would have made a world of difference. Power is sent through a three-speed automatic to the rear wheels, and the seller says the car is in good condition and has new tires. How much would you pay for this Gran Torino wagon?
I had a 76 Gran Torino wagon back in the day. Came with the 351M engine. Big bomber but I loved the car.
Doesn’t have the style/presence/collectability of the full-size Country Squire, but these Torino wagons do make for a representative mid-70’s car. This one doesn’t look bad at all. Scotty you are right, it has limited appeal, but perhaps there is a Barn Finds Type who wants it and will give it some love.
I believe those are the “turbine-type wheel covers:” I found them referenced in the 1975 Torino brochure for the Gran Torino Sport model.
Thanks Scotty.
You’re right, those were the Sport’s wheel covers, at least in ‘74, but by the end of the run they were offered on more trim levels, including a basic Limited Edition model. Not sure if they were optional on wagons though.
Beautiful shape considering the age, desirability, and the fact it’s a family truckster. Love Torinos and wagons. I wish I had the space.
Scotty, I’m scrolling up and down looking for a convertible rendering from you…… Just kidding. Considering that this was at that time a typical average everyday wagon, its pretty well preserved. I agree with Scotty and Bob, it may have limited appeal. But hopefully someone can scoop it up, spruce it up and enjoy it.
This wagon is a good price and condition to enjoy .
My folks had a yellow one like this for a few years back in the late 70’s
Lovely looking car. This has always been my favourite year for the Ford Gran Torino. I love the front end appearance of this car. I’m surprised that this version wasn’t used in the movie Gran Torino starring Clint Eastwood.
neat wagon looks pretty good in the pics. really needs w/w tires
223″ long 80″ wide, 118″ wheelbase, 4500lb, yet interior volume made it a mid-sized car. Amazing.
Nice clean wagon here just add some ford mag rims and dual exhaust.
My mother bought a 72 Gran Torino Squire new in 72. Equipped with the 302, it was dangerously underpowered and the severe understeer made it dangerous to drive in some circumstances. Well built, pretty car but it ate A/C compressors, 4 in 52k miles.
This one is really clean even with the few flaws I think the price is not bad. Needs some thin white walls maybe even some magnum 500 the painted ones with the stainless trim rings. If it were only closer but then again if it were it could be rotted out being in upstate New York