Stunning. There’s really no other word to describe the first impression made by this 1970 Ford Torino GT. If its appearance isn’t enough to take your breath away, lifting the hood should seal the deal. This classic has been part of the same family since new, and it appears that they knew what they wanted when they walked into their Ford dealer and slapped down the cash for this potent beast. After an incredible fifty-one years, the family has decided that the time is right for it to be appreciated by someone new, so they have listed the Torino for sale here on eBay. It is located in Reno, Nevada, and comes with a BIN of $99,990. If that’s too rich for your blood, the owner leaves the way open for potential buyers to make an offer. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting another amazing car for us.
Before we delve too deeply into this Torino, it is worth noting that the Candy Apple Red paint that graces its panels isn’t original. The seller indicates that it was delivered wearing Bright Gold Metallic, but the owners performed a color change at some point. While it looks impressive now, there is a shortcoming that I am disappointed to note on a car of this caliber. I spotted some substantial overspray on the fuel tank. I know that this isn’t visible unless we climb under the car, but it wasn’t something that I expected to find. Beyond that, the car presents extremely well. The paint has a beautiful depth of shine and color, with no evidence of any significant flaws or issues. The panels are as straight as you could hope to find on any vehicle of this age, while the gaps appear tight and consistent. There is no evidence of any rust problems, and the owner makes no mention of any hidden nasties in his listing. The grille with concealed headlamps is in good order, and the same appears true of the remaining trim, chrome, glass, and the original Sport Slats. Overall, this classic makes the right impression, and with the overspray cleaned from the fuel tank, there’s not a lot to fault.
If the exterior creates the right impression, lifting the hood reveals a motor that should gladden the heart of any performance-minded enthusiast. What we find filling the space is a Ram Air-equipped 429 Cobra Jet that is capable of churning out 370hp. Completing the package are a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. This car should cement its muscle car credentials the moment it is pointed at a ¼ mile. That journey should take a mere 14.7 seconds, while a brave driver could potentially stretch the Torino to 134mph. The owner doesn’t indicate whether the GT is numbers-matching, but he does show an odometer reading of 24,453 miles. Whether these are genuine or whether it has rolled over would be a question worth asking. Regardless, it seems to be a turn-key proposition because the seller says it runs and drives perfectly.
When we’re dealing with a vehicle of this type, originality is one of the key characteristics that need to be considered when we reach the question of potential value. It appears that the black interior trim is as it left the factory, and the majority of it seems to be in good order. There are a couple of issues for potential buyers to consider, including a tear in the headliners and some splits on the driver’s seat. Addressing both problems would not be difficult or particularly expensive, but they could represent some bargaining chips for potential buyers who are keen to negotiate a lower price. The remaining trim and carpet look good, and there are no apparent issues with the dash. The wheel and Sun tach look to be later additions, but removing them would not be a problem if the buyer is focused on originality. The family ordered the car with air conditioning, but I believe that the compressor has been removed from the engine bay. The seller doesn’t indicate why, but that is another question worth asking for a car in this price bracket. Beyond that, the GT is equipped with power windows, along with a push-button AM/FM radio.
Taken at face value, this 1970 Torino GT seems to tick a lot of the right boxes in today’s classic market. The exterior is spotlessly clean, there is no apparent rust, and the drivetrain holds the promise of an entertaining motoring experience. However, it is not flawless, and the owner has made some changes that potential buyers might not like. The reality is that the BIN price is right at the top end of what potential buyers might expect to pay for a spotlessly original and unmolested low mileage survivor. That makes me believe that the owner could be over-reaching on the price but might leave the way open for someone to make a respectable offer. It is an option that could be worth considering if this car features prominently on your “must-have” list.
Nice car. Like the color vs. the original. These things look like they are moving while sitting still. You’d think for that kind of asking price they’d put a new AC compressor in it.
Glorious but what price glory…
Looks like a good car. I’ll admit I don’t follow these closely, is this what they are going for nowadays? Adam points out some deficiencies such as the a/c and the upholstery/headliner; thanks to the many high-quality pics I can see others (e.g. underhood detailing is only fair). I always like to see the Marti Report, it isn’t shown. I’d prefer the original color just because it is different. And it would add to the story if the dealer would provide some of the family history of the car and other details.
So, I’m done nitpicking what overall is a very desirable car.
Bob.. You’re right.. That being said, the price is all in the eye of the beholder.. Won’t be mine though.
Nice ride! It’s the end of the line when it comes to Ford midsized muscle. The ’71 was a continuation and likely more rare.
The color change was probably done when it didnt really matter, financially.
The interest in mid sized Fords has never been overwhelming, for whatever reason, compared to the other guys. Blame it on the Mustang I guess. Thats too bad as Ford did have a very good product; you’ll always spot ten SS SS Chevelles, a number of GTO’S, some 442, then there’s all the Mopars in force. Only recently have I noticed a very few Ford Torino-Fairlane-Cobra at the local shows. And I mean few as in one or two.
Romp that sucker up there I say, just make sure you’ve got very high octane fuel for the 11.5 compression! A lot of it too. Nice..
429 CJ had 10.5:1 A SCJ Drag Pack Had 11.3:1 had both
IMO, the sport steering wheel from the mustang II would have been a better choice for an aftmk wheel here.
There should be a carb on this motor bought by Ford – from GM! …
http://www.429mustangcougarinfo.50megs.com/new_page_6.htm
$99K for non-original color, no A/C compressor, and split driver seat seam? I want some of what the seller is smoking.
Oh, and….https://fordauthority.com/2021/07/1970-ford-torino-cobra-429-scj-drag-pack-for-sale/. $85K
THIS is the one to have !!!
Yes the ask is absurd here. Must have been 2 for 1 Bong hit Tuesday when he determined the asking price. Make it perfect again, then reconsider your asking price. This ain’t no Superbird here. Very cool car and always wanted one but the price is absurd. YMMV.
Better Car Than A SUPERTURD
Right on Sam. Them Superbirds really know how to take a nice looking Mopar and make it ugly.
Right there with you Ralph. It’s a beautiful car but the kind of car only purchased by a guy with a lot of money that can afford to plunk it down on the car because he’s in love with it. In the real world, however, it’s out of bounds on price versus value.
Nice car! I had a ‘81 Torino GT 351-4v Cleveland motor with a C6 auto. I was a runner when it got up to speed. These classic Torino’s really don’t command the current asking price.
I hope the era of changing the color of cars, especially cars that are destined to be collectible classics has passed forever.
100k large? It had better have the other 3 passengers be girls in their prime, Farrah, Elle, and Barbara Eden. Hit the bong, clear the chamber, and talk to me in the morning. Good god, he is out of his mind.
I know the price is nuts. But what would would this car be worth?
43k ????
It’s still a 50 year old car???
Resale red, huh? Way too much on the asking price for a car with this many issues.
I think guys using this term must not own a classic or have one in all original factory colors/trim/wheels, boring.
The red is a terrific upgrade over gold in any shade.
Well, this guy has a 1949 Nash Airflyte 600 Super. It has 18,xxx mikes on it documented. ALL ORIGINAL. It has a charcoal gray upper and a light gray lower. Three on the tree with O/D. Flathead 172ci 6cyl with 82hp. Wouldnt want it any other way than original. It is a true survivor and will not be “restored” or adulterated by me! It is being preserved as a daily driver. Points, plugs, condenser, no electronics or computers, manual brakes and steering.
AND the front seats fold down to make a double bed.
What more could you ask for.
King Cobra better ?
I think Adam took the overspray on the fuel tank pretty hard. Maybe need some time in a safe space to get over it?
Yes very nice, not the best photos, only one outside photo. A dealer with 58 other vehicles for sale.
I find it amazing what some think their non original cars are worth. This cars is worth about 1/4 the asking price. If you put it back original concourse condition you would have $80,000 in it and would sell for about $55,000. They are a black hole you throw money into.
I have several original Fords and never get any huge offers. One 1973 Mach 1 has 41 options from Ford and I have all the original paper work and the Marti. I ordered new.
The big money you see flying at the auctions is some millionaire or billionaire flashing his cash. They can be pulling in over $100,000 a day for income so money is not an object to them. They just want to impress their rich buddies. I see a no sale here for sure.
So many things wrong with this car. Let me count the ways…
1. Not original color
2. Painted aluminum valve covers. Who does that?
3. Red wires, red distributor cap, red heater hoses. All should be black.
4. Wrong hose clamps
5. Aftermarket pep boys steering wheel.
6. Overspray and dents on gas tank.
All of this and probably much more for $99k?? There’s a reason this $30k Torino has been on eBay for a long time.
Auto, wrong color, interior issues 50k tops For 100k I’ll buy a Hemi Belvedere or a R code Galaxie. There is a 12-18k mile orange trac pack, four speed, shaker, slats everything you would want in one of these in my town, original everything (belts,hoses,owner) thats beautiful. I wish he would sell it to me if he hasn’t passed by now.
I’m not a car expert like many of you are; but even I know this price is whacked
One of the nicer ones. Good Luck on the sale!
Ford guys, help me out here. I didn’t think you could get hideaways on the GT model
Hidden
Headlights were optional on the GT.
Valve covers are wrong. The CJ AND SCJ all had cast finned aluminum
Covers. The thunder jet had these steel covers.
Nice car. Crazy price.
Ooops. I couldn’t see that these were the right valve covers on my crummy little phone. They’ve just been painted. I wonder what’s lurking underneath all that shiny red paint?
As mentioned already, cool car. Insane asking price.
stand by one. That rear deck (w/glass) is HUGE. May B it’s all the modern stuff I’m around but that seems a large car. Anyway
what a different era: this car probably had 5 models (notch, vert, wagon, etc) and 5 motors, plus 3 transmissions…
Resale red…what’s wrong with that ?
It really presents well. I just prefer an unraped original.
My dad had the same car except his was blue and it was the fastest car I’ve ever been in.
Price is 3x what the car is really worth. Too many faults and errors for that price. Find an SCJ Torino that’s actually done completely/correctly for less.
The car is very attractive even after considering the things that people have pointed out about it.
I really would have thought this car would have done much better than an ET of 14.7 and top end of 137 mph. A few days ago there was a 68 Chevelle on Barn Finds with a 396-325 HP engine with a Powerglide that was listed as doing 14.6 and 137mph if I remember correctly. It doesn’t look like the 68 Chevelle would have been in the same class in a street race because of its lower Hp and the 2speed Powerglide compared to this red beauty.
I think the bid is BS I see small block chevy and fords for 60-70k BS