The 1970 Ford Torino was one of those offerings that excelled in nearly every capacity, serving as a capable family car in its 4-door form, with a station wagon also available for those who needed additional room. For buyers who wanted something more sporty, the Torino GT filled the bill nicely, but the best of the bunch in terms of performance was the Torino Cobra, such as this one here on eBay in Jacksonville, Florida. While a complete restoration will be required, the pedigree here may justify all the hard work that’s in store for the next owner, and there are no auction hassles as the seller has set a buy-it-now price of $12,500. Offers are also being considered, so it might be worth trying to score this project for less.
Three variants of the 429 were among the possibilities for the Torino Cobra in 1970, with the minimum being the N-Code, also known as the Thunder Jet. In this case, minimal is just fine, as this one cranked a factory rating of 360 HP in stock form, just 10 and 15 less than the somewhat mightier CJ and SCJ versions. The seller confirms that the engine is the original component, and while he mentions that it needs a rebuild, it’s also stated to still turn freely. A C-6 automatic transmission and 9-inch rear-end complete the mechanical package here.
No specifics are provided about how long this one’s been sitting, but the seller says the previous owner had plans to restore this Cobra himself, with some health problems developing that prevented this from taking place. He had already sourced a one-piece floor pan plus both quarter panels, which are all included in the sale, but a few other metal repairs and straightening will also be needed before this one’s ready for some fresh Medium Ivy Green Metallic paint.
While it seems that most of the interior is still intact, it’s also apparent that much of the inside will need some sort of attention, and certainly installation of that new floor. This one’s got a front bench seat and a column shifter, which I always find intriguing on anything deemed as a muscle car, and I’m also a fan when a factory A/C system is included in the mix on a high-performance auto. Plenty of work awaits the next owner here, but hopefully, someone with the right skills will come along and see fit to save this 1970 Ford Torino Cobra. Is this one worth considering taking on as a project?
I had an N-code 1970 Cobra. They are more cruisers than street brawlers. The engine may be rated only 10-15 horsepower less the the CJ and SCJ alternatives, but in reality it was much less. Manufacturers routinely underrated their most powerful engine options for insurance purposes and to get more favorable class breaks by racing sanctioning bodies such as NHRA and AHRA.
This car is a mess, even though it’s a desirable car, I don’t see the value, even with the extra parts. Potential buyers would be wise to keep looking and find a better starting point.
Steve R
Steve R. I agree 100% with everything you said.
Wow the seller wrote a book for his description. I guess I shouldn’t complain with all the skimpy write-ups on-line, but no power brakes and four wheel drums? And yet it has AC and PS? Somebody had some strange priorities. Its intriguing car but at that price it still needs a lot of work. But if the engine and drivetrain are as solid as he claims a good body man could have this back on the road in short order.
What amazes me is that FORD didn’t require the purchase of at least a power brake booster with such a large engine.
When I see a vehicle with an unusual option list as on this car, I am reminded of a brand new 1969 Plymouth Fury, with GREEN paint and matching vinyl roof. However, when the door was opened, inside was a Dodge Monaco interior in BLUE, including the seats, door cards, interior panels, headlining and dashboard.
The car was parked at the back of the new car lot at the local Chrysler-Plymouth dealership [Maryland Motors in Rockville, MD.] I knew the sales manager, and we had a chat about that car. he said that a simple punch card change due to a typed mistake, would mean the system sent the wrong assembly order forms, resulting in the wrong parts being sent to the assembly line where they were assembled into the car. We both figured somewhere in the USA was a Blue Dodge Monaco with a Green Plymouth Fury interior!
So I suspect that this Torino was initially planned to have a smaller V8 installed, but when someone in the order office punched in the engine code, they entered the wrong engine code letter, resulting in this weird combination.
I am going to forget about ANY car between 1965 and 1974 with a bench seat and a auto on the column.
Joe, I know what you mean abt column shift and bench.
It grows on you – had a police Ford Custom with 428 as my very first car – no Buckets available on those ’67 models but I struggled through.
Same with my Torino ’69 with 428 – column shift and bench. Buckets are wants, but certain other things are needs.
I feel the same abt ashtrays – no ashtray no buy- and I do not even smoke.
I try not to pass onthe good in pursuit of the perfect but buckets would be nice …
My Dad bought a ‘68 Ford police special at auction in ‘71. 390 Intercepter and factory buckets. Don’t know if they were available in ‘67, but would have bolted right in. They were stationary (didn’t tip forward) as it was a 4 door.
Joe, I feel your pain, yet I could never forget about a 1969 Charger Daytona nor the 1970 Superbirds with a column shifter.
But the bench seats are sure good for parking that pretty lady, especially if you have a floor shifter.
Bunky – buckets would have been nice – good suggestion – in that big 2 door ’67 but I could put 6 high school pals (this was ’77) in it until college sent me out of state with it.
My focus was under the hood at that time so that is where funds went – and school of course. Best car I ever owned – still have the ’77 Ky. registration slip.
This Torino for sale needs an absolute pile of time and money – hate to see it in this shape.
Real highway flier back in the day I bet.
It’s a pass, just for the amount of time and money required to bring this back to it’s former glory. The seat isn’t a deal breaker as there are some great aftermarket seats available and putting a cable operated shifter isn’t tough at all.
i actually made and offer on this car and I really wanted a Torino but in the end it was not worth it to me. I ended buying a beautiful 69 ford xl convertible that is 80% restored with the 429 n code, auto, ac, power front disc brakes and power steering for $6500. i can drive it now while saving a ton of money and time. There is a couple nice 351 Torino’s at a dealer for 21k which still makes more sense
Huge 70-71 fan. This one would be a great car with lots of work and lots of money. I agree with others on here. Steve R said it best. I wholeheartedly agree with him….. keep looking.
This car has been so badly abused, there’s nothing that doesn’t need work… literally nothing! By the time you get finished bringing this dog back to life, you’ll have spent more money than the car is worth. I’ve been down this road before, and it’s nothing more than a heartbreaker!
Better have a “fat” wallet!
Bill McCoskeyMember, I had a. Customer that was driving a mini van that her husband ordered for her. It was gunmetal Grey with the most hideous green leather interior. You would open up the door and you thought you were going to barf. When it came time for a new vehicle , we were sitting at my desk discussing the type (van suv, pick-up, etc. ) and he said that she could have whatever she wanted, but he got to pick the colors. And like it was rehearsed, we both shouted NO! He was a little embarrassed at the time. But they were good friends also. So no major personal conflicts there. And it is funny now. He was ordering a new Corvette a couple of years ago and called me to ask my opinion on interior/exterior color combination!