Ford redesigned its mid-size cars in 1972 after the 1970-71 models were not the big sellers for which they had hoped. The model names got shuffled and Gran Torino Sport replaced the prior GT. The Sport and Gran Torino differed by trim levels for the most part, with the Sport taking the reins in the dwindling muscle car segment of the business. The seller’s ’73 edition has been off the road since 1991 but is said to be in running condition. It looks to be sharing garage space with other automobiles of the same era. Located in Webster, New York, the bidding is not subject to a reserve that currently stands at $9,100 here on eBay.
The Torino began as a trim level on the Fairlane in 1968 and by 1971 had taken over the series. For the 1972-76 models, the cars were bigger and rounder than the sleek editions they replaced. And the design was back to body-on-frame as opposed to unibody. Three series were in play for 1973: Torino, Gran Torino, and Gran Torino Sport. Buyers who opted for the latter got all the amenities that came with a Gran Torino plus all-vinyl seating and interior trim, a snazzier steering wheel, wider rims with whitewall tires (gadzooks!), and colored keyed mirrors.
Ford’s 302 V8 was standard, but most buyers opted for a 351 “Cleveland” like in the seller’s car, although in 1973 you could go all the way up to watered down (in the horsepower department) 460 cubic inch eight-cylinder. Depending on carburetion, the seller’s Sport delivered either 161 or 266 hp which seems like quite a stretch, but that’s what the source says. The typical transmission fare was a 3-speed automatic as in the seller’s survivor.
FOMOCO built about 69,000 Gran Torino Sports in 1973 with three-quarters of them carrying the fastback body style (the rest were notchback hardtops and no droptops). We’re told the seller’s Ford has been off the road for 32 years and originated in the Carolinas. Since he/she has only had it for about a year, we don’t know about its history otherwise. At 56,000 miles, it’s an original except for consumables, although the gas tank is too shiny to be 50 years old. The body and paint look good overall, with a bit of surface rust in the lower extremities.
If you’re looking for a survivor-quality car from this period, the Torino here may fit the bill. Though it runs and drives, you have to assume something will need attention for being in storage for undefined periods. The ’73s were a little more ungainly in appearance thanks to bigger front bumpers that were required that year (and they would grow in the back for 1974).
These were definitely not an improvement compared to the 70-71 models. Either in looks or performance. I consider these to be a real let down compared to any prior Torinos.
The ’72 was a knockout! Bumper laws changed everything.
I agree Ramone, the front clip on a 72 Gran Torino is a work of art. The rear bumper, not so much. I wish FORD would have let me design the taillights, I would have done better. Even Clint Eastwood loved the 72, everyone should watch Clint’s movie ‘Gran Torino’. Even in green paint it’s a beautiful car.
Yawn 🥱 model comparison to prior years sadly
The two versions of the 351C were differentiated by carburetion, but the four barrel version also had a high lift cam and radically improved cylinder head flow. That’s where the 100 horsepower difference comes from.
I’d don’t care for the car because of the same reasons others here are stating but If I win the lottery I want a building like that! I’d build a small living quarters in it and live there and stock it full of toys.Oh yeah.
I had this exact car the same color but cheap trim package. It was fine ,it didn’t do anything wrong or bad. I just don’t have that need to have another one.
Torinos may not have always been the fastest muscle cars, but they were always the prettiest, and the 73 Sport was no exception, never mind the 5mph bumper, no big deal, every make had’em, thank your government. The 351C wasn’t as hampered by emissions as some motors, even in 73, they were still fairly potent, especially the 4barrel version. I’m surprised this doesn’t have bucket seats, as most did. Nice car.
Next to the ’68-’69 Fastbacks? These were the best looking Torinos. If I was able to at this moment? I’d be a player on this car.
Owned one for 47 yrs and I love these cars
I had the same car in high school. It was an awesome ride.
I own a ’73 Cleveland powered Notchback GT. GREAT riding car with a surprising amount of power. Mine is also a bench seat car, no rust, dark brown vinyl top, cloth interior. A real ‘sleeper’ in tan.. A DR. owned car from Texas it still has the hospital parking decals in rear window. It was his wife’s car, hence the low miles.
I have run it against 5.0 liter Fox body Mustangs and kicked their butts but good. With proper gearing, it will be a tad slow off the line, but once you hit around 50 mph, it is a howler.
The look on those guys faces when you fly by at 90 is priceless… I almost prefer it to my ’68 – GT 390 Ranchero for sleeper status, and it hooks up a lot better off the line.
The ’72’s were terrific looking, well styled autos and I have no problem loving them all from this era. It is a passing of time we will never see again.
I was really surprised to find a decent running but VERY rusty ’73 – 4 door sedan at an auction of a pawn shop going out of business. One key: ignition. Bought for $80.00, drove it home after getting the doors unlocked to open the hood and find a 2 bbl Cleveland in it. Trunk with a toolbox full of tools, Magnum 500 steelies on it, a couple more in back, and first thing I did was take out the drivetrain and throw away the rest. EVERYTHING was soft on the body; even the hood had holes. But that Cleveland runs really well to this day with a new chassis around it.
Which of these cars got the hood with the fake hood scoops? Why not this one with 351 cleveland?!
I do not recall ever seeing this gen Torino with these mustang sport wheels.
How hard is it to put a ’72 nose on a ’73?
I’m guessing there was no fastback for ’74 & later because of the ugly 5mph rear bumper.
So I ended up getting this Gran Torino. Let me tell you, the pictures don’t do this car justice. The interior is nearly prefect (except for the front seat cushion and drivers kick panel, the glove box doesn’t latch either). So here was the surprise when I got the car delivered… it had the 4V heads on it! The compression is awesome (much more exhaust pressure than my Durango RT). I still have yet to really go through the car, but I’m excited to.