Sometimes an enthusiast will search for a classic project car, and their list of requirements seems insurmountable. However, if you are searching for a classic Ford with more than five decades under its belt that is solid and mechanically sound, and which would be the perfect project to tackle in a home workshop, I may have the car for you. It is this 1970 Ford Torino GT. The buyer could drive it untouched, but its overall sound state means that if they choose to tackle a restoration, the welder and grinder could stay in the cupboard. The owner is downsizing his collection, so he has listed this Torino for sale here on eBay. It is located in Waukon, Iowa, and the bidding has hit $7,600 in a No Reserve auction.

There’s a bit to consider with this Torino, so let’s start by examining the paint. It rolled off the line wearing Acapulco Blue, and this shade remains intact. The paint looks pretty patchy, and there are plenty of minor chips and flaws. If the buyer wanted to drive this car as an unrestored survivor, it would undoubtedly turn heads. However, a fresh coat of paint would have this classic shining like a new penny. Apart from the fact that the panels are surprisingly straight, the most pleasant piece of news about this car is that it is rust-free. The panels appear clean, and apart from the occasional dusting of surface corrosion, the Torino’s underside is rock solid and close to perfect. The original and distinctive GT graphics are tired, and the buyer will undoubtedly replace these as part of any cosmetic refresh. Kits are available and sell for around $300. With fresh paint and new graphics, this car would look stunning. The external trim is acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, but a perfectionist may consider replacing some of the chrome items. The glass is good, with no evidence of chips or significant flaws. The wheels are a matter of acquired taste. Some of our readers may like them, but I don’t believe that they suit this vehicle’s character. If I were to buy it, I would look for something more appropriate to slot under those wheel arches.

Time has not been kind to this GT’s interior. The owner believes that the rear seat could be cleaned, but much of the existing upholstery is beyond repair. If buyers seek a high-end restoration, they will probably choose to spend some money on an interior trim kit. They are readily available, but they will add around $1,600 to this restoration. That figure doesn’t include a replacement for the badly cracked dash pad, so kiss goodbye to a further $400. The buyer will still need to source a replacement wheel, and if spotless originality is the aim, a factory radio. However, with those items installed, this interior would present pretty nicely. I have previously acknowledged that interior restorations can appear costly, but if an interior is treated with respect once the work is complete, there is no reason why it couldn’t survive in an excellent state for many decades. When you consider it in that light, they represent a pretty affordable part of any restoration.

Lifting this Ford’s hood reveals a 351ci V8 that should be producing 300hp. Bolted to this V8 is a three-speed automatic transmission. This combination provides enough urge to send the Torino through the ¼ mile in 15.5 seconds. There seems to be plenty of good news for purists with this classic. The owner states that the engine is numbers-matching, and while a previous owner replaced the transmission, the original unit is included in the sale. The car currently doesn’t get much use, and the owner suggests that it would benefit from new rear shocks. Otherwise, it runs and drives well. The V8 is strong, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the brakes work perfectly. The owner includes this YouTube video that shows the GT in action, and once you get past the music at the start, you will hear that this car sounds fantastic.

Some restoration projects will appear on our desks here at Barn Finds, and the prospect of tackling them can seem overwhelming. That is not the case with this 1970 Ford Torino GT. There’s no doubt that it requires a refresh, but the buyer could tackle this as time, circumstances, and money allow. The most significant task will be refreshing the paint, but the finished product should be worth the cost and effort. If you are looking for a straightforward restoration project, this classic is worth a closer look.