Ford designed its mid-size cars in 1970, introducing a sleek, more aerodynamic look that was a departure from the boxy 1968-69 editions. The Torino 500 was a one-year-only offering in 1971, perhaps as a nod to the former Fairlane 500 that the series used to be known for. We’re told this Ford is a two-owner automobile in survivor condition with 118,000 miles. Located in Stockton, California, this Torino is available here on craigslist for $12,500. An attaboy goes to Tony Primo for the tip!
The 1971 Torino was little changed because everything was new the year before. The Torino 500 was a mid-range offering in terms of trim, sandwiched between the base Torino and the Torino Brougham. Buyers interested in sport or speed went for either the Torino GT or Cobra. Body styles were many, including a 4-door sedan or hardtop, a fastback, or a 2-door hardtop like the seller’s vehicle. That configuration was the most popular and found 90,000 buyers. Ford redesigned the car again in 1972, presumably unhappy with 1970-71 sales.
This Ford came with an optional 351 “Cleveland” V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor. That was two steps up from the base six-cylinder and the 302. An automatic transmission is onboard, and we assume the car has power steering and brakes (no under-the-hood photos). The seller says the automobile runs and drives great, and we wonder if any work has been done, given the mileage.
The body is rust-free, but the paint is faded, and there is a ding or two here and there. The contrasting vinyl top looks okay. On the other hand, we’re told the interior is like new (which suggests it may have been redone, especially since the red stripes look out of place to me). The car is offered by its second owner, though we don’t know how long he or she has had it. The Ford is ready to be driven home with no known repairs needed.
Damn shame this one didn’t have the hide away headlights.
Nice 500 Torino. Good eye Tony. Thanks Dixon.
Had a ’71. Very comfortable car. Was rear ended while parked pretty much in a snowbank. Remember the blizzard of ’78?
The 2V Cleveland is the perfect base to this car. That red in the rear seat area and floor must be a personal touch. Not bad
The red on the rear seats and door cards is stock, it was part of the 1971 Spring Promotional package. The red on the floor is probably an aftermarket floor mat. I owned one of these cars for several years. There’s a brochure from that time that shows the red striping, I have a copy of it framed in my workshop.
I wonder if the vinyl roof treatment was unique to the 500, as I don’t recall ever having seen a Torino 500 much less its roof. Looks like a more-than-decent car and it has a good engine.
My ’71 looked just like this car, but had the 302 engine. I don’t know if the vinyl was exclusive to the Spring Promotional version but my car definitely had it. I believe Ford referred to it as a “halo” roof in their advertising.
I think this was a special spring edition, with the vinyl halo roof and a few other features.
This Torino came with what was called the halo roof. It was part of the “Spring Edition” package.
Isn’t the price high considering the paint and rust? No engine or underside shots, but looks like a nice interior.
You are right, it should have engine pictures, but not necessarily undercarriage. This car is located in a dry part of California and is being sold into the local market, there is no reason the seller would think to include those pictures.
The early 1970’s Torino has vocal supporters, but that doesn’t translate into purchase prices.
Steve R
Nice
Another seller shy to give info & provide pics. Buy why? Many ?’s on this one. It’s 55 years old. Tranny ok? Gas tank? Suspension? Cooling? Guages work? 118,000 miles. Has it been maintained? For 12g’s potential buyers wanna know these types of things. The seller acts like he wants to remain the 2nd owner.
After hitting the googles..the red stripe in the seat is stock,as i found other’s posted showing various colour interiors in the Torino 500 with the stripe.Only in the bench seats.
I have to admit, the red stripes on the door cards and seats looked out of place to me as well, but a quick search on the net I found another Torino 500 with black interior with the red stripes as well. I don’t believe it was the same car either as the one clue was a black painted sport mirror on the driver’s door. Maybe Ford guys can elaborate on the interior. Was this part of a package exclusive to the 500?
It’s a 1971 Spring Promotional car. The paint is called light pewter metallic, and the red stripes on the seats and door cards was part of that package. I had the identical car for several years in the 1990s, but mine had a 302 engine.
I was living in Chattanooga and fresh from the war when I went looking for a warm to hot ride. Local Ford dealer was advertising on TV a “Chattanooga Torino 500”. The halo roof and sporty interior were selling points. The one I looked at was red with a black interior with red accents. 302 and auto. Nah, went for a used ’68 Mustang GT 4 speed trade-in. Kept it ’till 2001, and went through a series of Cougars.