This is one of those deals where you didn’t wake up this morning thinking you’d buy a car like this, but where, as you head to sleep tonight, you’re fully invested in the idea. What car could be this magic? The 1970 Torino Fastback found for us by clever tipster Curvette. You can see it here on ebay, and take note of the price: $500. But that’s just the opening bid. The real number may well approach the buy-it-now number of $29,501. If you’re the one who wins, head to Morgantown, PA and jump in.
Provided, that is, that you can drive a three-on-the-tree. Say what? Let’s just note that there are very few valets who will know what to do with that set-up, so if you’re the fancy type, you should choose very carefully who you let jump in and move your Torino. Maybe you yourself have never driven the toward-you-and-down, up-and-away, then straight-down set-up. Once you practice a bit, it should be no problem, if not as fun as a four-speed with a floor shifter. (And let’s note as an aside, the younger set can’t drive those, either.) No matter how you change the gears, this car backs them up with a 302-V8. The odometer has an indicated 102,000 miles, though the ad states that this number can’t be verified. Also concerning is that the engine is described as “a” 302. That and the unconfirmed status of the miles on the clock look like a way of saying this is an engine from another car. You need to verify if originality is your thing.
Slight other “tells” suggest that this isn’t the creampuff it looks to be. The paint is seven years old. There is slight wear on the interior. The horn and reverse lights don’t work. More worrying is some blistering on the front fenders, rough surface in the lower seams, and filler on the front panel. Uh-oh—but good on the seller to be honest about these matters.
The description of the car is that it is a “time capsule and fairly uncommon car,” and that’s a good way to label it. It’s not mainstream muscle, but looking at the body shape and features like the vestigial rear spoiler and beautiful tail panel, it doesn’t have to be. There’s a charm in the styling that is compelling. But rust is rust and filler goes south at some point, and nearly 30 grand for a car with filler and blistering is way too much. If you disagree, bid away. But have an in-person look first, lest the day it rolls off the trailer in your driveway is one of doubt rather than joy.
“(And let’s note as an aside, the younger set can’t drive those, either.)” Be careful of stereotypes, Brian, it might cost you a case of Guinness if you make that wager with some 30someting year olds..My daughter works for a renowned western tire/automotive chain and won that bet, as she was the only one in the otherwise all male shop that successfully knew how to drive a very original 1968 Nova “3 on the tree” into the work bay..
Another one of your most intriguing write ups, Brian-way to go! Many of us have never seen a Torino with a 3 speed, and your insights about the car should make a prospective buyer think about it.
Keep ‘em coming, Curvette!
Interesting. This generation of Torinos were good-looking cars, especially in fastback form. Too bad about the substandard bodywork and the emerging rust, because otherwise this is an attractive and cool car.
If I was in the market for this car, the three-on-the-tree would be icing on the cake. I haven’t driven one in decades but I’m pretty sure the muscle memory would come right back.
Good job Curvette and Brian.
They were good looking, but I especially like the Ranchero version especially if it has a 351 in it.. You never see one anymore, no matter what it’s equipped with.
Gotta soft spot for the ’70 Torino’s as it was my first car, but as you’ve astutely noted poor body prep cast a big shadow. Too bad.
Rare configuration. Good looking year for the Torino. Love the front end.
Another awesome find and writeup Curvette and Brian! Agree with everyone here about the good looks of these years. My uncle had a metallic blue one with the same engine and automatic. The 302 always looked very small in these compared to the amount of room under that hood.
I like the 1970-1971 Torino fastbacks. Unfortunately, this car is more of a pig with lipstick than a quality restoration. Even if it was a 302 powered GT in pristine condition it would have a hard time pulling the asking price if $29,501. With the sketchy bodywork I’d pass at nearly any price.
Steve R
I hate valet parking! I don’t trust them, no clue what they do or how they drive your vehicle. It’s like leaving your wife with a strange guy for awhile!
I have never driven a 3 on the tree but I have driven a 4 on the floor. And I am aware with a three on the tree you pull the lever forward and up for reverse, forward and down for first, second is up half way, over towards the dash and up, and third is all the way down.
On the American three on the tree, toward you and down is low, out and straight up is second, straight down is third. In the middle is neutral. Reverse is toward you and up.
I have a 74 Barracuda that I put a 440 in and a few years ago itook it to get new tires After about 1 hour I look out the window and the guys are taking turns driving it around the parking lot
On youngsters and manuals neither of my boys have any issues with that. But when my older was in high school and had a 6-speed Volvo C30 he did say it was perfect because no one was ever asking to borrow it.
On column shifters I have had quite many such cars. For 4-speeds one had to keep track of the shift pattern as it wasn’t very standardized. Not as confusing as the reversed pattern of Glas’ floor shift but still. I have even owned one car with a column shifted 5-speed which is really rare. I only know of two cars so equipped, so perhaps something for a Sunday quiz to see who knows the answer?
When I was a kid, the next door neighbor sold his 1956 Chevy wagon, and bought a used 1970 Torino wagon, with the 302 and three on the tree. Talk about a strippo car! I think the only option on the car was his pipe holder, that he put on the dash. When we moved in the late 70’s, he was still driving the thing.
That thing brings back memories. In 1973 there was a guy in my high school who had a 70 Torino Brougham in the same color as this car, except his was a 429 Cobra Jet with a column shift automatic. If it weren’t for the black shaker scoop in the middle of the hood and the 12 slot Ford rally wheels on the car, it would have been a heck of a sleeper. I transferred to that school in my junior year and he was a senior, so I never really knew the guy with the Brougham. I always wondered what became of that car, it would be a rare beast to own today.
Even as a life long Chevrolet and Pontiac fan, I always liked the look of the 70 Torino’s.
No disrespect to the ’72 but these are my favorite Torino. Great looking 40 foot car. The column shift 3-speed was so common when I grew up that you couldn’t have not seen one. As for being able to drive one reminds me of my stepson. He was working at a garage service station in ’98. Told me that he was the only one his age who knew how to start a car with a choke. Old cars rule.
good looking color but the workmanship here is very mediocre. she is hiding alot
Motor Trend’s Car of the year in 70. But all the silly putty & play-doh for $29g’s? Nah.
Motor Trend’s Car of the year in 70. But all the silly putty & play-doh for $29g’s? Nah.
For the asking price it needs to be a GT with a 4sp and 351 Cleveland. Miles are ok but body needs to better condition. Has to have 8 track player. Clean interior. Just Saying.. Stock wide ovals in reasonable condition.
Why does the rear look off? The panel and taillight assemblies don’t seem correct. Thought they were more of a honeycomb look.
I like these