Ford redesigned its mid-size Torino in 1970, giving the car a leaner and more slender aerodynamic appearance. Sales were less than spectacular, and the design would only be run for two years before the automobile was redone again. The relatively unchanged 1971 Torino had a special edition introduced mid-size, the “Spring Edition” with its “halo” vinyl roof that didn’t cover the entire roof. This green-on-green example looks quite attractive, though the replacement trunk lid is a bit of a detractor. The seller is moving, so the Ford has to go.
Production of the ’71 Spring Edition ran for just three months (March through May) and used the regular Torino hardtop body style instead of the SportsRoof (aka fastback). The cars were unchanged mechanically, so this was an appearance thing only and may have comprised nearly 15,000 units for the model year. We’ve seen a few of these pop up here on Barn Finds like this one.
Since the seller can’t keep both the family and the car, the Torino is the “odd man out.” Under the hood resides a 302 cubic inch V8 with a bit of bling, paired with a C4 automatic transmission. It has power steering, but no power brakes or factory air conditioning. The intake manifold and carburetor are aftermarket, so perhaps the Ford is a little peppier than it left the factory. Recent new parts include the coil, alternator, voltage regulator, and battery.
For reasons not specified, the trunk lid and extensions have been replaced and do not match the rest of the car in color. Was the machine in a minor fender bender and these parts were damaged (though the rear bumper looks fine)? A bit of rust can be found here and there, including some bubbling under the cool halo vinyl roof. If you want to convert to power brakes, the seller has some of the parts for that switch. The estimated value of all sorts of extra parts including upgrades, is more than $2,000.
If you like the looks of these early 1970s Ford and don’t mind thinking of this one as a bit of a project, it could be quite a nice automobile with a little effort. Located in Rosenberg, Texas, this sleek Torino is available here on craigslist for $12,500. Chances are the indicated mileage of 83,000 is accurate. Another sweet tip brought to us by T.J.!
These “halo” cars were just marketing for the basic Torino, but they came across looking kind of cool. The seller seems forthcoming with what is wrong with the car. I like the eye-grabbing green (outside and inside). I hope someone gets it and does the mechanical upgrades and the needed body work/paint.
A low-option four-door Torino was one of our family cars back in the day, so I do have a soft spot for this generation of intermediate Fords.
Always liked the Torinos. Get the paint fixed up and you will have one great looking car.
The fastback decklid and quarter extensions are a nice try, but they don’t quite fit, I hope he kept the originals, which isn’t clear in the ad.
It a decent starting point for a project and he has some nice spare parts, not sure if their inclusion makes the car worth the asking price.
The seller seems honest and straight forward, which is becoming nowadays.
Steve R
Less than spectacular?..Torino sales went from 129k in 1969 to 230k in 1970,While behind Chevelle ,well ahead of the Mopar crowd.Also,that shade of green is spectacular :D
Always a good looking car. I like this roofline as much as the Sportroof. (I’m pretty sure I spelled that wrong).
These Torinos were good looking. I like the torque thrusts, but the factory machined dog dishes with the matching trim rings is one of the all time best looking wheel embellishments. There were two of these in the neighborhood back in the day. A metallic brown one and pearl silver one. Always liked them.
Had a Metallic brown 70 Gt in high school. Lived in Fort Lauderdale. Had a white 70 GT also.
Still available, 25 days later, and price has only been reduced by 500 bucks.