“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?
Too many zeros at this price in every sense of the meaning. Very much appreciate these but this guy is really out of line.
In reality it’s a parts car!
Mark
Bonus Pic included loading on/off the hook 🪝
He wouldn’t touch it with his stick!
This car is a mess. I’ve had a couple of 1970-1971 Torino GT’s, when option properly they are fun to drive. Unfortunately, the GT package, on its own was basically an appearance package with a specific hood and some trim, most had bench seats, column shifters, no special gauges, often coming with a 302 2bbl and highway gearing. As mentioned above, this is pricey as it sits.
Steve R
I have one of those rare 71 gt conv ertible’s needs restored 351c 4spd . Rick 207-266 4835
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Oooo, it’s got a Holly 4bbl. Must be fast! (lol) I’m sorry but the valve covers are too close to the Holly to be a 351 of any variety. This is a plain old 302. Also, if the transmission is missing, how did he start it? The starter bolts to the transmission and not the engine. Did he put a rope around the crank pulley and give a tug like an old lawnmower? PLUS! This is an Illinois car. More likely than not has a bad tin worm infection. I will pass.
This would truly be a labor of love. My first car was a 71 Torino 500 with a 302. In hindsight (isn’t hindsight 20-20?). Man, I should have kept it! This one, no thank you.
I love these, but this one is too far gone. Maybe for half the asking price.
I’m not sure where he got those seats and that console, but it’s definitely not 1971 Ford issued. And most likely started life as a bench seat car like the majority of them.
Looks like AMC seats from a Matador!
s/b car that’s a total mess. 1000.00 at the most its hurt and needs everything
Man that things almost invisible with that back street ally camo dust paint job.
These were the UGLY years. Not that I would ever buy another Ford except to flip, and it would have to cheap. I’ve had two very nice 68 Torino GT’s and even though beautiful to look at they were cheaply made with ugly interiors.
Ugly years ??? Too me the 70-71 Torino was definitely an improvement over the earlier models, especially the dashboard, 68-69 Torino gauge cluster always reminded me of a Oldsmobile type of dash for some reason. And i never cared for the 70-71 Torino GT Taillight, definitely prefer the Torino Cobra style with two separate lights.
I can smell this car from here. I hope they didn’t evict the homeless guy from the car, when they snapped the pics.
Great parts car at about a “G” note. Or just make a race car out of it.
With reference to a 302W being the power plant in this car, down under here, we produced a 302 Cleveland to power many of our mid-size cars and is unique to Australia.
That engine did not make it to your shores, but if it did perhaps it could have been tickled a tad and would have made the ‘Boss 302’ an all Cleveland powerhouse! Australia. Not many racers adopted this 302C, rather, upgrading to the larger 351C.
I’ll definitely keep looking ! Too much money for this parts car.