This 1972 Ford Gran Torino is a promising project candidate because its needs seem to be minor cosmetic shortcomings. The new owner could address these at their leisure, enjoying the car during the coming warm months before tackling its flaws as a winter project. It has generated significant interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Naples, Florida. They set their BIN at $20,000 with the option to make an offer. There is plenty of time remaining on their listing for potential buyers to consider carefully whether this is a classic they wish to park in their garage.
Ford released its Third Generation Torino range in 1972, dividing its latest offering into three overall packages. The entry-level Torino was supplemented by the mid-range Gran Torino and the range-topping Gran Torino Sport. This Gran Torino is a first-year example finished in what I believe is Calypso Coral. The paint holds a pleasant shine across most of the exterior. The exception is the hood and nose, which exhibit significant deterioration. It is unclear why this occurred, but it appears these are the only panels requiring a repaint. The limited image angles make it impossible to determine whether there is lower extremity rust, but this doesn’t rate a mention in the listing text. The panels are straight, the trim and glass look nice, and the Ford rolls on what appear to be fairly new Magnum 500-style alloy wheels.
The seller supplies no engine photos in their listing, so I screenshot this one from an included embedded video. It is hard to spot specific details, but it appears this car’s 351ci V8 may sport a few upgrades. If this proves the case, the driver may have more than the factory-declared 161hp available under their right foot. The remaining drivetrain components include a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. It is unclear whether the engine and transmission are numbers-matching, but there is good news for potential buyers. The Gran Torino runs and drives and appears to be a turnkey proposition with no mechanical needs or shortcomings.
The first thing that I noticed when examining the interior shots is that this Gran Torino’s dashpad hasn’t cracked. This is significant news for those on a budget because reproduction replacements typically retail for around $800. The rest of the interior looks tidy, with no signs that this Ford has been abused or mistreated. The bucket seats and console will provide a luxurious feel, although the only other visible factory option is a radio. Someone has added an underdash gauge cluster, and considering the engine bay cosmetic enhancements and the wheel upgrade, this isn’t surprising.
I admit that $20,000 is a significant investment for a project candidate, but it is worth considering what the buyer will receive for their money. The car appears to have no rust issues, while the listing suggests it is in excellent mechanical health. The buyer could consider a complete cosmetic refresh, although addressing the areas of deteriorating paint is a task that a competent person could tackle in a home workshop. Therefore, the outlay beyond the initial purchase price would be relatively low, and with the seller open to offers, the restoration budget could potentially be offset against a lower buy price. That is why this 1972 Gran Torino deserves a second look.
Cool car. I’m assuming that because it is a SportsRoof, it is a Gran Torino Sport (though it should have either the bodyside moldings with an emblem, or the cool Laser Stripe). Looks solid, though the mediocre pictures and the meager description don’t provide much info. These do have a respected place in the collector car world.
Even though it was a four-door, the family 1972 Gran Torino was my favorite of our family cars. It was good-looking, well-equipped, comfortable (a/c!!), and served the family well. Maybe that’s why I really like the sporty versions, especially as compared to the big-bumper 1973. In fact a 1972 is near the top of the list of cars I wish I had in my (imaginary) mega garage.
Thanks Adam.
Totally agree with Bob, this is one very nice Gran Torino. The nose on the 72’s especially are very nicely designed, probably my favorite over the ’71 and ’70. I just dont understand what happened to the paint on the hood and the nose. The tops of the front fenders appear fine. It’s such a shame really, because the rest of the car looks beautiful. If you can find a shop to match whats there ( I’ve been told red is a hard color to match) you’d be golden. The interior looks really good too. Wish there were more photos. Appears to be a Very nice car otherwise. Very nice write up Adam, I enjoyed it.
@Driveinstile
My 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is like that. The black paint is fine and shiny all over the car except for the hood and right above the windshield. Looks like the clearcoat just disintegrated in just those areas.
@Angel. That makes a lot of sense. I guess whats throwing me off is, the tops of the front fenders are looking great, its just the hood and nose. But you have a good point there I still think it can be matched up and saved.
A friend had one in HS. It was a dog but it had a cool yellow stripe
You don’t see many anymore and I’ve grown to appreciate it more. The car was probably parked in a car port with front exposed
Possibly an interesting project, but as always an in person inspection is mandatory. To my eyes, that lower quarter panel looks suspect. 20k might be a stretch, but due to the rarity, and apparent completeness he’ll probably see it.
Not much info on this one. The E BAY posting is very poor, and a MARTI report would vastly improve its selling chances.
7k max……
Not in 2025 it isn’t a 7 grand car. Especially this year and body style. If they’d take 7k I’d be on a plane so fast it would make a person’s head spin with cash in pocket!
These have always been a favorite of mine. A few months ago I found a one owner, all original, survivor and bought it. Too bad we can’t post pictures anymore.
I suspect this was a ‘flat hood’ car and somebody found a ‘ram air’ hood that was originally the same color but badly deteriorated and put it on. That’s why there is no Marti report because it would show that. These really do have the best nose on all the years of the Torino.
Incorrect! All of the Sportsroof (fastback) Gran Torinos were Gran Torino Sports and they all had the hood with the molded in scoop.
@frozenbird
Did they replace the “cowel” as well? That section above the grill in front of the hood? That’s deteriorated as well just not as bad.
I agree with you these have the best front facia design of all the early 70s Torinos. A recessed grill is always sexy if not aerodynamically viable.
My brother had a ’73 Torino, but by then the 5 mph bumpers ruined the front looks. The grill was flush and flat on the bottom and the taillight were taken out of the rear bumper. His was the formal roof, not the sporty fastback.
This looks like the car Barry Newman destroyed in Fear is the Key (1972).
I agree the 72 has it well above any other year Torino’s in styling. In fact I would predict, as a classic auto restorer, that any 72 sedan, sport, or even Ranchero, will advance by leaps and bounds in value in the foreseeable future, especially the Rancho.
Wow, sold today. Must have been local. These cars get overlooked with all the Chevelle’s, GTO’s etc.
I had a 1974 Ford Gran Torino 2-door hardtop which I really enjoyed. I got the brown with brown vinyl roof which was good. Salesman told me not to get the bright red. He said in a few short years it will fade, several years it would keep fading to the point it would turn into orange.
I just saw a rerun of Clint Eastwood’s movie “Grand Torino” and someone told me he actually used his car in the movie? I think the ’72 model is nice. I had 2 big full sized LTD’s with the 351 , ’75 and a ’78 . the ’78 had the 351 cleveland V-8 and it outran the ’75 windsor version. always liked all ford V-8’s 302, 351, 390, and 429 etc. wish I kept the ’78 LTD Don’t make today like that!
I spoke with the man that found the Torino used in the movie. The car was found in a garage in Purdy Mo. in very good original condition. He bought it, cleaned it up, made it drivable, and advertised it in Auto Trader, or Deals on Wheels. He sold it without knowing the fate of the Torino, (to a representee of the production company). Next time he saw it, was in the movie to his surprise.
Clint actually bought the ’73 T/A used in 1 of his other movies, “Thunderbolt & Lightfoot”(even tho he didn’t drive it in the movie). & after the movie, he actually drove it around, being seen running errands in it! Imagine that.
Unfortunately, later he sold it.
Sold
Put the white Checkmark, on it and waalaaa welcome to ” Starsky and Hutch ( TV show from 75 to 79 ) I bought one from a fellow moving to another State in 83, for my GF for $350.00 ! Bad arse cars ,fast and sporty. I Personally Liked Don Johnsons Yellow 71 Hemi Cuda Convertible in Nash Bridges ( which were really Cuda ‘s and Barracudas modded as there were only 10, ⁸71 Hemi Cuda’s ever made )
It would be a huge injustice to any ’72 Torino to have a Starsky stripe on it.
@PRA4SNW
Agreed! 💯
Angel: 2 thumbs up!
PRA4SNW
S&H had a ’76 Torino which is NOTHING like a ’72. After ’72 the ’73s had a flat front-end with those horrible 5 mph bumpers and taillights were moved out of the rear bumper. ’74 thru 76 had the 5 mph rear bumpers and the body gained weight like a pregnant prom queen. Ugly cars. Thank goodness Ford axed the Torino after 1976 and replaced it with the 1977 LTD II.
’73 still had the same rear bumper design as the ’72. It just had a rubber rub stripe in the middle of it.
Angel: I know that S & H did not use a 72 for the show. That is why I said that it would be a very terrible idea to put that stripe on a 72. That works be so wrong because the 72 is so different and better looking.
I recently watched an old video that showed Ford engineers in 72 working on the changes that they had to make in order to meet the new safety standards of 73. The car they used was the Torino and they were trying to put a positive spin on the new front end look for 73.
If you ever get a chance, check out Periscope Films on YouTube.
@z28th1s
I stand corrected. Thank you
I was thinking of the ’72 Mark IV where their rear lights were in the bumper also but the ’73 Mark IV they moved them up above the rear bumper.