Think of how hard it was to choose a paint color when ordering a new car back in 1970. Chrysler Corporation had its “High Impact” colors and Ford painted their cars in a line of “Grabber” hues, in addition to the standard spectrum of colors offered back when that was a thing. It’s little wonder that my daily driver is a Sublime Challenger, or that I almost bought a Grabber Lime Mustang during its single year of recent availability in 2020; I love variety and life’s hard enough without a little sense of humor. Perhaps that’s what the original owner of this Torino was thinking: Grabber Green with “Laser Stripes”? Absolutely! Although this Torino GT is advertised as a ten-footer, it’s a solid project with plenty of pictures included with the listing. Located in Jamestown, New York, it is being offered on eBay with no reserve; the current high bid is $8,250.
With its bright paint and loud stripes, you may be excused for thinking that this Torino is a muscle car, but it’s really a bit of a paper tiger. The seller says that it’s a factory 351 Cleveland two-barrel car with factory air conditioning (which doesn’t work). With a new carburetor, the 351 runs well and is backed by a rebuilt C4 automatic, but it does have an exhaust leak at the passenger exhaust manifold. The brake system has been rebuilt, and the components shown here look brand new.
The 351 produced 250 horsepower on regular fuel with a rated 9.5:1 compression ratio when new.
Aside from air conditioning, this Torino has power steering and power brakes, in addition to Ford’s handsome high-back bucket seats (with no console and a column shifter). The seller describes this car as a “running/driving project,” and it would indeed be difficult to decide what to do with it. It’s nice enough to be a driver as it sits, but the wear of 55 years definitely shows on just about every surface, from its “amateur” paint job to its cloudy gauge cluster. A little elbow grease would go a long way, but it would take a complete restoration to make it sparkle.
But really, who needs that? I’ve long argued that a ten-footer is the most fun of the collectibles, because you can drive it to your heart’s content without being afraid of a little road rash here and there, and most people will just see a nice old car, regardless of its flaws. The Torino was the Motor Trend “Car of the Year” in 1970, and with its handsome styling and broad array of engine options, it’s easy to see why. This GT was ordered as a tough-looking street car with a middle-of-the-pack engine option that would be perfect for cruising around today. And the color’s perfect, too.
Dee lishus! Green with envy!
Upgrade to 4V carburetor or fuel injection and exhaust headers, Problem solved. Fix the AC too. Oh and get rid of the floor mats. It looks like Christmas in there.
Who orders a Cleveland with a two barrel?
A 2v on the Cleveland was stock. My 72 Gran Torino Sport came with a 2v as well.
Some little old lady from Pasadena???
I al-ways thought the 2V was for valves. Now I am learning it is 2bbl?
It can be either, Steve. In the case of carburetors, the “V” stands for “venturi.”
carburetor venturi
2V = 2 venturi.
Aaron brings up a good point. Having a high end collector car appeals to many people, but there is something to be said for a “ten footer” car like this. It might take away one level of stress. Just enjoy driving it and showing it at the local cruise-in, and no need to worry about that rambunctious four-year-old kid nearby.
Agreed Bob. This one can be enjoyed without guilt. After swapping in the 4bbl of course.
Show quality restorations are beautiful but 10 or 20 footers are utile and beautiful in their own way.
Somebody thought those red mats were good or ok?
Those are not floor mats, they are sewn into the carpet set. I have seen several Fords, especially ’69-’70 Mustangs with those over the years.
Good design from the Ford guys. Parked the cars look like they are in motion. The 351 Cleveland is a solid foundation for power. As for the floor mats they were probably free dollars! Drive those cars, don’t let them sit, it’s all about the smiles per mile.
Plenty of go fast parts fit that 351 C no problems!
There is a lot to be said for a 10 footer. I own a 68 Olds 442 convertible that has a few nicks, rock chips and a rust bubble here and there but it looks great and gets a lot of comments at car shows plus I drive it anywhere. My buddy has a fully restored 69 Olds 442 Convertible that is stunning but you really cant drive it much as you might get a love bug splat or a stone chip or some other damage. In this case, I own my car. My buddy’s car owns him.
Well said, John, well said.
I had a ’68 Charger like that. Black paint was so beautiful that I was afraid to take it anywhere.
Eh, life is too short, and I’m running out of Just plate it and drive it.
Ok There’s a term I’m not familiar with. Ten footer. Does that refer to the length of the vehicle or is it something else?
It looks perfect from 10 foot (feet) away. Up close,flaws are noticeable.
I’m not familiar with the term 10 footer Does that refer to the length of the vehicle? Or something else?
I was always puzzled by Ford’s Grabber colors. I had a Grabber green 71 Mustang which is a very different color than 1970. I think that was true for other Grabber colors as well.
Grabber Green was a non-metallic color in 1970; in 1971 it was a metallic color. That is what is different about it.
The rest of the Grabber colors were the same those years.
10 footer means it looks good from 10 feet away . Any closer,it starts to get ugly . lol. I had a 70 Torino gt w/ 351 and it had a c6 tranny. I,ve changed a zillion c4,s in i6,s and 302,s,but I thought the 351 had a c6.Anyone enlighten me?
I believe the four-barrel cars had a C6, and I thought that the two-barrel cars had the FMX, but you just never know with Ford; they like to keep you on your toes.
Back in the day, these were commonplace on the roads. At least 0n my roads. But never, have I seen this color before. Anyone else?
I had a 70′ with a 429 and a 71 with a Boss 351 ( Cleveland with Quencher heads) I would love to have this one, it wouldn’t take much to get all the power you need out of that Cleveland for street driving. It’s a beauty.
What do u guys think would buy it ??
Money.
Considering a ’70 Tornio 429 CJ 4-speed car as we speak…more of a Mopar guy but always liked that body style…nothing wrong with a 351 either…dig that Grabber Green as a plus.