One of the fascinating “what-ifs” of American automotive styling is what direction the all-new-for-1972 Torino would had taken if five-mile-per-hour bumper regulations not taken effect in 1973. With its bold grille and intricate front bumper, the ’72 model was a bit of a one-off, and it’s certainly (in my opinion) the best of the big 1972-76 generation of Ford’s intermediate. The Gran Torino Sport, especially the SportsRoof (and that’s a mouthful to say at the same time) has become a fairly hot collector car, perhaps as a result of some movie car cachet. It played an important part in Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino and was one of the baddies’ cars in Fast & Furious, the fourth installment of that increasingly outlandish film franchise. This ’72 model is, sad to say, likely to need a full restoration, but in the words of the seller, it has “one of the cleanest bodies” he’s seen in a long time. It’s currently on eBay in Pompano Beach, Florida, with an asking price of $12,900, but the seller is “ready to deal.”
I’ve never been a fan of “Hot Rod Black,” the flat black paint that this car currently wears (it also could be plain old black primer, but let’s hope it’s epoxy if that’s the case). There is hope for a brighter future, however, because the inside of the trunk and door jambs shows what is certainly the original color, and it appears to be Code 6E “Medium Bright Yellow,” a great-looking color on Gran Torino Sports.
Although a 140-horsepower 302 two-barrel was standard in the Sport (which wouldn’t have been very sporting), there were several upgrades, including the 172-horsepower 400 two-barrel found in this example. Whoever ordered this car new was more interested in a sporty look and luxurious appointments, as they specified air conditioning on the option sheet; the seller says all the components for the system are still there but it does not blow cold. The 400 runs well with “no knocks, ticks, or smoke,” but it will need a carburetor rebuild (easy work on an Autolite/Motorcraft two-barrel), and the car will need brake work before you can drive it. Front disc brakes were standard on Sport models, and this car has the optional power brakes.
The interior is, by the seller’s admission, “rough.” He’s removed some old seat covers to uncover the original Houndstooth upholstery, but considering the cracked dashboard, worn carpet, and ripped seats, it’s going to need a lot.
On the other hand, the body is missing the gaping holes found in so many early 1970s Fords; it has “just a couple rust spots and that’s it.” The frame is good (but there are no pictures in the ad), the wheelwells are good, the floors are good, and the trunk is good. This is a minor point, but the wheelcovers don’t match any of the 1972 Torino options in the sales material. Are they aftermarket? If they look familiar, please give us something to go on in the comments.
Yes, this car will be a project: I’m usually a proponent of getting a car running and driving and enjoying it as it sits, but that flat black paint just cannot stand. With its swoopy new styling and fastback roofline, however, this will be a project worth doing, especially when you see it in that nice yellow paint.
I enjoyed your write up! My family’s 1972 Gran Torino had more rust by 1975 than this one has now. The rear bumper appears to be from a ‘73 which is when the bumper covering between the bumper guards was incorporated.
US Federal Safety Standard FMVSS-215 went into effect on September 1, 1972 (a Friday, in case you were curious). This standard mandated that all vehicles be able to take an impact from a 5 mph crash barrier on the front (2.5 mph on the rear) without sustaining any damage to safety, lighting, or fuel system components. In 1974, this standard was further amended to raise the rear impact requirement to 5 mph. So began the era of 5 mph bumpers.
Curbside Capsule: 1974 Ford Maverick – Peak Bumper – Curbside Classic https://share.google/luG7pnXYHmOYMlhsr
You’re right, GC19, that is a 1973 rear bumper. Looks even better with the little verticle bumper guards just inside the taillights.
GC19, we too had a family 1972 Gran Torino. By far the nicest family car we had– everything else (before and after I was around) was a stripper. I’ve always liked them. Even though the styling is somewhat “bulbous,” they still come across as attractive. This one obviously needs a full restoration, but if the seller is correct, it is a worthwhile candidate. I particularly like the bucket seat/ sports instrumentation interior and the laser stripes, unfortunately this example doesn’t have these. I hope it goes back to the striking period-correct original color.
Good job Aaron.
I’m with all the above on the ’72 having the nicest nose design. The grill and front bumper is my favorite design of all the Gran Torinos. I think the yellow, along with the black houndstooth must’ve looked really great together back when it was new. The 400 is very welcome under the hood as well. It would be really nice to see this one get restored.
These are under appreciated and appears like it will make for great project. Not sure if there is enough interest in these to get the $12,900 asking price. That’s a lot of money for a project, many cars in a similar condition with stronger followings would have a hard time selling for that price.
Steve R
While you’re at it. GET RID OF THAT GODAWFUL VINY TOP. IT NO MORE BELONGS ON THIS BEAUTY THAN IT DOES ON A ’66 TORONADO.
Steve, Thanks I don’t have anything to add.
pretty rough for the money. good 6500.00 ford
Finding a 72 Gran torino sport that is not rusted or beat up is tough. When nicely done they go for big money. I stumbled across a one owner 72 GTS last year. It is a true survivor car with original paint, interior and the 351 cobra jet. Zero rust or damage. Yes, I bought it! These are really great cars!
No such thing as a GTS Torino.
I like Torinos a lot! I’d enjoy having one. Personally if that were my car, I’d paint it red and drop something respectable under the hood 🤔 I’m not a guy who changes colors on rare cars but this one would be a good candidate for my red obsession and I don’t think I’d be committing a sin in this one
Without seeing a Marti or VIN tag, it’s my impression that this would be considered a dealer “stock” item when new: outside bling, but just the bare necessities inside. Instant “gotcha!” for the salesman. The dash binnacle around the radio and instruments suggests a lot of boogering with the openings.
Autolite 4 barrel install, some gears ⚙️ w Trac-lok. 🏁
My brother bought a 1973 Torino. Wasnt a fastback sport roof, just the formal roof. His was blue with a white vinyl top. That new God awful grill and front bumper. He keep it for like 35 years. Three engin replacements and two paint jobs and new interior. Then one day he just sold it. Boom! Gone
The 1972 is so much prettier. The huge gaping grill.
Here it is in its original yellow form.
I’m a 70-71 Torino fan, more than any others but the 72 is a good looking car. This one will definitely make a decent project, if the owner comes off the asking price a bit. I’d say 6-7k max, in the state it’s in. I agree with others, ditch the vinyl top.
The Ebay ad says US $17,900.00 or Best Offer. That’s crazy!!