Ford’s mid-size Torino got a sleeker body in 1970, which included additional wheelbase and length. It was more aero-looking than the competition and appealed to muscle car enthusiasts by adding the Cobra version to the mix. With a standard 429 cubic inch V8, the Cobra was on par with the Chevelle SS 396 and Pontiac GTO. This example, with the Cobra Jet engine, looks rough but we’re told it’s solid underneath. It will also need some mechanical tinkering, but important stuff like the Shaker hood is there. Located in Floyd, Virginia, this once-hot car is available here on eBay where $18,500 is the current bid.
In 1970, if you wanted your Torino to look fast, you ordered the GT version. But if you want to go fast, the Cobra was the solution, and Ford offered three versions of it. Standard in the Cobra was the Thunder Jet 429 which was good for 360 hp. Next up was the Cobra Jet 429 with some extra hardware and optional Ram Air that was rated at 370 hp (likely the set-up in the seller’s car). And, finally, you had the Super Cobra Jet that added five more horses when you selected the Drag Pack option.
For whatever reason, the Torino Cobra was not a huge seller compared to others in the market. Just 7,675 copies went out the door in 1970 and less than half that many the following year (the 1971 Torino was mostly unchanged in appearance). The VIN on the seller’s car identifies it as a real-deal Cobra rather than an imitator (we haven’t read much about Torino’s being cloned as CJs like the Chevelle Malibu have been turned into SS lookalikes). Also, a Marti Report is provided to indicate how many Cobra’s were built with this option or that.
This ’70 Cobra was once dark green in color which can be seen in the door jambs and floorboards. The seller says this auto has 38,000 miles on the odometer, but by the looks of things, we’d guess it may have turned over. Though it runs, it needs an exhaust and new brakes to be any sort of a driver. No history of the car is given, but like a lot of muscle cars back in the day, it probably saw its share of traffic light standoffs. This project will require an investment of time and wallet, but when completed it would be a performance entry of the less-often-seen variety,
Is that moss growing in the engine compartment? Guess it’s not even as fast as a rolling stone at this point.
A buddy had a Gran Torino with a 351W back in the 80’s and 90’s. We did alot of cruising in it before the government and cops shut down the cruising the local cities. Street racing, hanging out at the mall parking lots and park in the summer. The car had a stripe down the side that lit up like a police car stripe when headlights hit it at night. Good times. The car is heavy and being that this is a big block 4 speed, might be fun to drive. Probably be a good project for a Ford fan,
The 1970 Torino may have looked more aerodynamic, but it wasn’t. Blame the scooped rear window. It created lift and made the cars unsteady on the track.
The 1971 Torino King Cobra and maybe the Cyclone Spoiler NASCAR prototypes used convex rear windows to tame the wind, before teams threw in the towel and used the two door post sedan body style; and when that didn’t work either, the 1968-9 Torino GT fastbacks were back in service.
Did Ford change the rear window in 1971 to fix that for NASCAR?
For whatever reason, these never were the big dog back in the day. And today, aren’t necessarily high on the muscle car popularity list. But when restored, they are cool and attractive, and now do bring healthy prices. I hope this one gets some restoration love, including a return to its Medium Ivy Glow paint.
Like i said in a previous post, big ticket cars all mopars and chevelles camaro’s are becoming out of reach for most of us. stay under the radar with stuff like this. Big motor cool looks and you can have a good era muscle car for less.. this would be the direction I would go when im set up for a purchase…
I like the mercury cyclone better
Ah yes….another Motor Trend Car of the Year for 1970 on BF. You’re right Russ. It will take some time & wallet. But don’t most classic muscle cars? Floyd, Virginia btw, where this is located, is a beautiful place y’all.
Looks to be a flood car or sat outdoors,but would be nice restoration project (parts car) with big block 429 and manual transmission. Don’t forget to look around the cowl area for rust…
These were b-i-i-g cars. I read somewhere they have similar wheelbase dimensions to a ’64 Galaxie. They were too heavy to be serious competition on the street or strip, despite 429 SCJ power. It was amazing they still made mid-13 second times, back in the day. We can imagine in a somewhat lighter car, performance would have been on par with A-team muscle of the day.
There’s a guy running a 70 Cyclone Spoiler in the FAST series and that car runs mid elevens – 11.36 best et. Pretty damn impressive for a car without headers on street tires with no external modifications that would deviate from how the car looked when it rolled off the assembly line. The Torino/Cyclone don’t get as much respect as their cousin Mustang but they most certainly can be competitive given the right combination of engine parts/suspension.
A few years ago there was a ’71 SCJ Mustang running in the TENS.
Of course, other than appearance the cars that run in this series are anything but stock, let’s face it.
Apparently you never heard of a 64 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt.
Knew a guy in the 80s who had one. Crazy fast beast. Weight is relative. These cars are mostly hollow. No added side or roof protection. All styling mean to be kept going straight and right side up.
Funny…..didn’t see a mention of matching #’s or did I miss that ?
Noticed that this is located in Floyd,VA,about 45 minutes from me.
I think this is just west of there,& may have seen it on one of my many
drives in my MGB GT.Bad thing is that it appears to need a complete
restoration (lots of $$$$).
When I moved here I’d take a lot of drives to see where the roads
go,& was surprised at just how many cars you see along the way that
are like this.
Ford guy here. The Good: 429 CJ, Ram Air hood, three pedals! The Bad: Color, unibody construction. The Ugly: Interior, exterior. Lots of dollars to get that body straight and painted, more dollars to bring back the interior. They used to be relatively anonymous compared to the GM and Chrysler products, but I have seen an uptick in both interest and values on these, so get it before the price inflates into “crazy, stupid money” territory!
I got your back. Total Ford guy.
I use to be a die hard Holden guy (GM Australia). I’ve killed every Holden I’ve ever owned. But failed to kill any Ford when I was desperately trying to (needed to convince the wife I needed a bigger motor
I’ve also owned a VC Brook commodore, google it.
Ahhh,,
much better, and for all that effort and time to have it all erased
see how much better things go when we play nice ;)
Heck, even my ‘clean’ comment got deleted
Anyway, this is a rare relic of a breif moment in muscle car history.
Has all the makings of ground pounding, heart racing, smiles for miles machine.
I had a black GT with a 351, they look even better in person, like a stealth bomber with wheels instead of wings..
Floyd is only about 25 miles from the Wood Brothers NASCAR Museum in Stuart. Did you give up on Idaho, Kevin? Miss you on the forum.
I love these cars. I remember my next door neighbour Melvin had one when I was 17. 1974 probably. It was Grabber Blue and had the 351 but even with that engine it pulled strong, I guess it was a Cleveland? They weigh 3700 lbs so not that heavy by todays standards for a largish car. Such a cool car. I want one.This one!
Had a ’70 Ragtop GT with the 302. Bought it as my first car in ’79 for $1k. Body had lots of rust, but most didn’t show through.
It wasn’t super quick, but for me it was super cool. Bright yellow with black interior and a pair of low profile hood scoops just for show.
Great memories.
Also, let’s not forget. Ford severely underrated the 429 CJ power output.
I owned one. Very fast car. Anyone who says different has never been near one. Top end was rated at 149+.