I’ve been to Italy but I haven’t been to Turin, often known as the Detroit of Italy or the Italian Detroit. Or, it was back in the day of this 1971 Ford Torino, I’m not sure about today. The seller has this Detroit of America car posted here on craigslist in Jessup, Iowa, just east of Waterloo. They’re asking $9,850 for this one. Here’s the original listing.
The Ford Torino started out as the high-end version of the Ford Fairlane but that lasted until 1970 and after that, it became its own model. This is a second-generation Ford Torino that would have been made for the 1970 and 1971 model years. The company made so dang many variations of this car that I can’t even do a “I wonder what a ____ would look like” Photoshop version! Maybe a Torino boat? No. I’ll have to come back to that.
The next-generation cars would be made famous for millions of TV viewers as the Starsky and Hutch car but I prefer this early Torino design myself. This isn’t a Ford Torino GT which would be super desirable, especially in the rare convertible form, but this car looks great to me. There is some rust to deal with behind the rear quarters but the real story may be underneath if you look under the wheel well in that photo.
“Make it better. Then price it lower. That’s the idea behind Torino, the lean middle-class car with features larger cars offer, except a larger price.” That was from a Ford Torino brochure from 1971 and having big expanses of vinyl doesn’t get much lower. Wait, that didn’t sound right. It’s not as if vinyl seats are bad because they aren’t, but the Torino even in top trim wasn’t meant to be super luxurious.
It’s hard to argue with the condition of the interior in this car, at least according to the photos. One thing I do argue with, as usual, is that there is not one engine photo. I say, there is not one engine photo. I know that’s shocking news to most of you in 2022… or not. This one has Ford’s 302 cubic-inch V8 which had around 210 horsepower with a two-barrel carburetor. This one runs well and it has non-working air-conditioning. Hagerty is at $8,100 for a car in #4 fair condition which I have to believe this one is in. Would you modify this one? Or even better, have any of you been to Turin, Italy?
A little work and a nice ride. Maybe drop a few $$$ from the price. The quarters don’t look all that bad, As Long as it’s not under the Vinyl Top. Check Out The Garage. A Riding Mower, The Torino, A 4 Door Pick Up And Full Size SUV And the door closed.
Motor Trend’s Car Of The Year for 1970 due to all the body configurations and build to one’s individual taste options list.
Bumpers like that, however, and the costs of repair that such flimsy protection provided, are what drove the 5 mph federal bumper legislation.
But they’re beautiful….
Unlike those park benches on the ’73 Torino
Posted 19 days ago. Cash Only!!
Sharp, solid looking Torino. Turn-key and go! A/C parts are still there so that’s a major plus. The owner texted me a pic of the engine and it looks good so I believe the mileage. Good, approachable seller. This sounds like a great deal. I’m pricing trailer rental now.
Travel, did ya get it?
I always liked this body style. Nice car!