Shiny and original-looking, this 14,000-mile cream-puff appears much as it may have during the Nixon Era. A buyer might question the mismatched paint on the driver’s door, but the overall visage supports the seller’s assertion that this 1971 Ford Torino in Rigby, Idaho “needs a little detailing if it is going to be a show… car.” Even if it fails to ignite the fires of muscle-car collectors, this Ford may represent a relative used car bargain. The $6,800 asking price here on craigslist in Eastern-Idaho buys a roomy low-mileage sedan that’s easy to maintain and promises plenty of service with style.
The seller describes the vehicle as neither survivor nor restored, but either way, she’s a beauty, perhaps its originality stems from curb-appeal that’s as distant from performance as possible. Only an economy-minded six-cylinder engine would push this Torino’s vision of smoking tires on a Saturday night further into dream-land.
Brimming with options this Torino is not. The austere dashboard and column-shifted three-speed manual transmission suggest the original owner may have incanted a vow of poverty. Some “25 to 35 years” in a barn did little harm to this bare-bones sedan, and it’s better preserved than the contents of many actual time capsules.
The 302 cid V8 appears fresh and ready to serve the new owner, whether its destiny lies in accumulating as few miles as possible visiting local show-n-shines or even executing the role of Cherished Daily Driver. Would you keep the odometer as dormant as possible or enjoy this super-clean example of ’70s basic transportation by driving it as you pleased?
I’m not a Ford guy. But add this to my long list of cars I’d buy & take to shows just to tick off muscle snobs.
No radio either.
If the car holds up to an in person inspection, it’s a good deal for someone. I’m not into car shows, but something like this would attract attention do to its condition.
Steve R
I’m down with the 4 door.
I’m a gm guy but anything with 3 pedals and a v8 just needs to be driven. At least before all of us who know what a clutch pedal is leave this world
There was a story in the news over the weekend about a carjacking thwarted by the target vehicle having a manual transmission. Who knew a stick would become today’s anti-theft device?
If a manual is a security feature, then nobody is taking a Unimog, even people who know how to drive a stick.
Back in high school, we’d have seen this car go by and screamed “narc!” The fact that this is so unusually (non) spec’d actually makes it attractive. Seriously, by 1971, how many cars came with three-on-tree? Given that and no radio, I expected the 250 six, and even looked to see if it was still available in 1971 (it was). No PB, and doesn’t even seem to have PS. So ONE option: 302-2v. If closer, I’d on this—just to be ironic.
I know the full size ford and mercury offered a 3 on the tree and “ big six”. Also I have been told the 351w / 3 speed manual trans on the tree could be had in full size models that were used as police vehicles in the upper mid west .
I am going to say a lot if not most Fords of the early ’70s came with the 351 V8 but 3 on the tree in Mexico.
It had to be a very special upscale car to have an automatic.
Back then you took what they made. There was no ordering taking place.
It’s kinda funny, all the non-performance appeal that’s being mentioned here on this old Ford. A bit partial to Ford’s mid sized and larger performance cars I always have been,when I first saw this post I immediately thought it was some kind of sleeper street rig with something nasty under the hood like a breathed on 429 or who knows what. That look, even with four doors, has me grinning ear to ear despite the lack of anything remotely stout powering it. Maybe I’m just a mental…
It looks like an old government car to me.
It is quite possible it was a fleet vehicle and then ended up in private hands.
I would love to know who the first owner was and where it went from there.
I’d drive it just the way it is. Kinda expensive for something with no options, though.
I had one of these in gold with black interior and black vinyl top but a 302 / auto and a 2 door. Was a good family car.
My Dad had a 70 1/2 Falcon which was a dupe of this car trim wise. Incredible how fast it rusted.
I like this car. My buddy in high school had a GT Convertible w/ 3 speed. Price may be a little steep but not outrageous. Suggestion for seller: After you wash the car, please remove the water hose from the photo. Just a suggestion.
I was at a party back in the 80’s while in the USAF in Ohio. I struck up a conversation with a very nice girl that dared me to figure out the the theft safety feature on her grandmothers Torino, which was now hers and in the parking lot. Yeah, she was stunned when I pulled the shift lever back and started the car.
These were what our County depart issued their employees.
About the most generic/boring cars ever.
Just needs to be a Light Gold color to complete the look.
Yea, Dirty Harry approved. Made my day.
Pleasantly surprised to see the 302. This was one year before emission regs started to choke the engines, so this 2 barrel puts out 220HP. Add a 4 barrel and duals and you are up to a respectable 250. For those who think these figures are pathetic, come by and drive my ’83 El Camino with a 305 and only 145hp. This Torino is a screamer in comparison.
Also before the HP ratings were recorded with all accessories attached. They went from gross to net for 72.
https://ateupwithmotor.com/terms-technology-definitions/gross-versus-net-horsepower/
Those hp quotes above for the ’71 could be gross, while for the ’83 are net.
I wonder if you could order the 429 & shaker, the optional “ribbon” tachometer, bucket seats, etc. on a 4 door like this car, if you offered the dealer extra money, or “knew someone”.
The ’67-early ’70 smaller body style falcon did not rust prematurely, but these cars (& the maverick) did? I wonder why!
Not sure about the pinto rusting prematurely, but since there are very few left, i suppose so as well – sniff sniff.
Amazing car ! I can’t imagine what the original purchaser had in mind, other than it wanted a great body style, with a bit of power, but none of the frills. Notice, that this car doesn’t have carpeting. Just the highly washable vinyl floor covering. Good for kids doing what kids do: dropping food, spilling drinks, and possibly getting car sick. I’d show this car in a New York minute, but would just HAVE to add some Flowmasters.
For a while I owned an earlier version of this car, a ’66 Fairlane with 289 2-barrel V8, 3-on-the-tree, manual steering, and manual drum brakes. (Mine did have the luxury of an AM radio.) The Torino is more stylish but under the skin they’re both built on the bones of the old Falcon. Aside from regulatory compliance in the later car they are mechanically very similar.
I remember the Fairlane being a good, reliable driver. It was about 7 or 8 years old at the time. The only problem that sticks in my mind is that the front suspension had an annoying squeak.
@the AMC Guy: That annoying squeak
was the upper control arm bushings. All
you had to do was cut some holes in the
shock tower housings to get to them.
Then you installed some Zerc fittings and
the problem was solved. Used to see
older mechanics doing this to Falcons,
Mavericks, and Mustangs when I was
younger. This allowed you to lube the
whole front suspension assembly
yourself and save money. While you
were under there, you also lubed the
U-joints too. At least I did and had no
trouble at all.
Ugh, no. I have installed 90 degree Zerk fittings in these. No reason to cut the shock towers.
Squeak was probably from the original O-ring that was supposed to hold the grease in. They would break and get caught in the threads of the bushing. Moog or someone made an improved style with a grease retainer instead of the O-ring.
Looks like a fleet car for a salesman, other than the low miles
I could be wrong, but isn’t this a Fairlane?
This is indeed a Torino because 1970 was the last year for the Fairlane and the Falcon. For 1970 1/2 the Falcon looked exactly like this, available in post sedan form only.
Needs a big red gumball revolving light on the roof.
My in-laws live in Rigby and we’re going to be visiting them later this month. Might have to go look at this (although I’d be inclined to offer a fair bit less).
I like Torino’s, don’t mind a four door or plain Jane cars, but this car is ugly to me.
This was my first car. Same color and all. It was the best! Loads of power and tons of room in back seat, *wink wink*.
Those fenders look slightly darker blue than the doors. Could have been in an accident. I would not be surprised if the new owner never uses this car or even dismantles it for the parts it shares with a 2 door – especially if the new owner also has a rare big v8 torino 2 door hardtop – for restoration purposes or future spare parts – especially that dash & steering wheel.
& how many body parts are reproduced for torinos – if u have a fender bender – or worse?