UPDATE 07/02/2022: The owner of this 1970 Torino Cobra had no success with their previous sale attempt on Craigslist. Therefore, they have made some changes and are rolling the dice with an auction approach rather than sticking to a fixed price of $49,500. They have supplied some additional information that helps provide clarity on its condition and history. If you find it tempting on a second viewing, the Torino is listed for sale here on eBay in Bellevue, Washington. Bidding sits at $12,100 but is yet to reach the reserve.

05/23/2022: History shows that 1970 marked the zenith of the muscle car era. Buyers could still splash their cash on a car that offered excellent performance at an affordable price. In subsequent years, the opportunities and the power outputs would drop dramatically. This 1970 Ford Torino Cobra is a perfect example. Its original owner obviously craved power and ordered the car with the 429 Cobra Jet Ram Air V8. It appears to be a solid classic with no immediate needs, although some work would lift its overall presentation to a much higher level. The owner has decided that the time is right for it to find a new home, so they have listed it for sale here on Craigslist.

Finished in Medium Ivy Green Metallic with a dealer-installed Black vinyl top, this Torino presents well at first glance. Closer inspection reveals flaws, scratches, and chips in the existing paint. There’s little doubt that the car would benefit from a cosmetic refresh, although it isn’t something that would need to happen immediately. The vinyl top looks in good condition, with no evidence of fading or bubbling that might indicate hidden nasty surprises. That doesn’t mean that this car is rust-free. The owner admits that it has some minor issues in its lower extremities, and some of these are visible in the supplied photos. Once again, none of these are horrible, and none would require wholesale panel replacement. If the buyer chooses to address the rust with patches, they should still achieve a high level of finish and return the car to a rust-free state. The seller supplies limited underside shots that seem to reveal little beyond a consistent coating of surface corrosion. The exterior trim looks acceptable for a survivor-grade car, as does the glass. One of the most significant changes the seller has made between their previous listing and now is ditching the aftermarket 20″ alloy wheels. They divided reader opinion (which didn’t surprise me), and the car once again rolls on its original steelies and hubcaps.

By 1970, the power race being undertaken by American car manufacturers was reaching its peak. Each company produced a car with a larger engine with more power available under the driver’s right foot. This Torino Cobra perfectly embodies that philosophy. Its engine bay houses a 429 Cobra Jet Ram Air V8 that produces 370hp. Bolted to this is a three-speed automatic transmission, while the car also features power steering and power front disc brakes. If someone points the vehicle at a ¼ mile, it will despatch the distance in an impressive 14.9 seconds. It isn’t clear whether this classic is numbers-matching, but the seller reveals it is in sound mechanical health. It starts immediately when the key is turned, running and driving extremely well. They supply this YouTube video which provides a walkaround and allows us to hear the V8 running. It burbles happily, with no signs of odd noises or smoke. That leaves the buyer with that tempting opportunity to indulge in some instant gratification before tackling its minor cosmetic flaws when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

For a 52-year-old car, this Torino’s Black vinyl interior trim has survived exceptionally well. There’s some stretching on the front seat base but no evidence of rips or physical damage. The carpet may be slightly faded, but its deterioration wouldn’t warrant replacement unless the buyer seeks perfection. Possibly the best piece of news is the state of the dash pad. These items are particularly prone to cracking as time and UV rays take their toll. Replacements are outrageously expensive, but that isn’t a consideration in this case. There are no signs of cracks or the sort of appearance that usually signals pending problems. I would still be tempted to spend $100 on a cover to protect this, as it could be cheap long-term insurance. There are no visible aftermarket additions, with the factory radio remaining intact and the gauge cluster featuring the factory tachometer.

With summer in full swing, the lure of hitting the road behind the wheel of a classic car has become increasingly hard to resist. That opportunity awaits with this 1970 Torino Cobra. It has no immediate needs, so its next owner could enjoy it while the fine weather persists but treat it to a refresh over the following winter. It isn’t perfect, but it is a promising project. With its rust issues addressed and a fresh coat of paint, it could potentially be worth around $60,000. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to pursue this Torino further?