“When I last started it – 2.5 years ago – it just needed a transmission to be driven,” so states the seller of this 1971 Ford Torino GT. And so it goes with this project. As we delve into this at one time, stylish Ford intermediate, I think we’ll find a lot of other things it needs besides a transmission. Hans H. gets cred for this Chicago, Illinois, domiciled barn find, and it’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,500.

The Torino GT was Ford’s “sporty” midsize; not necessarily a performance model, but it could certainly be ordered that way. Available has a two-door hardtop, a “Sportsroof” in Ford-speak, as well as a convertible; the total Sportsroof production, such as our subject car, reached 31K units in ’71. GT equipment meant an integrated hood scoop, color-keyed exterior mirrors, specific GT badging and trim, 70 series white stripe tires, and a 302 CI V8 engine. Of course, a Torino GT could be optioned to the hilt depending upon one’s wants or needs. Well, a picture is worth a thousand words, and this Torino, as it sits, speaks for itself. The primer obfuscates the real condition of the body. It’s sorta straight, at least that’s how it looks in the included images, but a deep dig, underside in particular, may paint a more deleterious picture. On an obvious note, the grille is missing, but that’s likely the least of this car’s worries.

The seller claims a 351 CI V8 is on duty under the hood, but the VIN says otherwise, with the “F” code denoting a 210 gross HP 302 CI V8. The installed engine is of a “Windsor” architecture, and I believe the 351 powerplants used in ’71 Torinos were “Clevelands,” so I’m not certain about the motor’s true identity. If it is a 351 Windsor, it’s a swap from the original. Regardless, it hasn’t run in two and a half years, so there’s a lot here to consider. The missing transmission was a three-speed automatic.

Open the door, throw in a bomb, close the door, and what you see here is the result. We’ve got tan plaid upholstered bucket seats, a half-missing center console, and red everything else. The dash is trashed, the headliner is gravity-bound, and on and on. The bomb didn’t do a thorough enough job… assume the entire environment will need a complete makeover.

So, what’s here? I don’t think enough to give this Torino serious consideration. If one really wants a project challenge, here you go, but even a $4,500 ask seems a bit out of line for what you’d be getting. This one’s not a vaunted model in terms of its equipment, or a rare convertible (only 1,600 produced), so I’d recommend those in the market for a ’70-’71 Torino GT keep looking. That’s my advice, what’s yours?