UPDATE: 06/15/2024: We have had a few recent cases where sellers haven’t tasted success on their first attempt to find a new home for their beloved classic. This 1970 Ford Torino GT is a perfect example because it failed to reach the reserve, with the previous auction closing at $11,100. The details remain the same, so if you regret missing out last time, you can scroll down to join the bidding party or to take advantage of the seller’s BIN option.
06/08/2024: This Torino GT ticks many of the critical boxes enthusiasts consider when searching for a classic to park in their workshop. It is an essentially original vehicle that retains its numbers-matching drivetrain. It isn’t beset with rust issues, and the first owner loaded it with desirable factory options. The GT is a turnkey proposition that a new owner could enjoy immediately, completing its restoration as time and circumstances allow.
Ford produced the Torino in various forms between 1968 and 1976, with the Second Generation models gracing showrooms in 1970 and 1971. Our feature car is a first-year GT, which the original owner ordered in Bright Gold Metallic with dazzling “laser” stripes. The car is a dry-climate survivor, which helps explain the overall “baked” look of the paint and stripes. However, that is good news because the same weather conditions that took a toll on those items have protected the classic steel from rust, leaving the Torino rock-solid. The paint on the upper driver’s door is an odd color, and the seller can’t explain this. They claim there is no evidence of Bondo or other repairs, suggesting it might be a touch-up that went wrong. The hood isn’t original, but the seller believes it is a NOS item. A previous owner scrapped the vacuum system for the headlight doors, fitting an electric system that works perfectly. The trim condition varies between parts that should polish nicely and components destined for a trip to the platers, and the tinted glass is in good order.
Ford’s M-Code 351ci V8 powers this Torino. The car also features a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The M-Code produces 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque, allowing the GT to cover the ¼-mile in 15.5 seconds. Interestingly, that figure isn’t significantly slower than a mechanically identical Mustang Mach 1. This is despite the Torino carrying an additional 395 lbs. One advantage the GT holds over the Mach 1 is greater interior space. That makes the Torino ideal for an enthusiast with children heading into their teens. The seller states this Ford is numbers-matching, although it sports an upgraded Edelbrock carburetor and spacer. The seller recently replaced the camshaft, lifters, and timing chain hardware. They added new tires and a new exhaust before treating the transmission, rear end, and brakes to a rebuild. The GT runs and drives perfectly, allowing the winning bidder to indulge in instant motoring gratification as they plan its restoration.
This Torino is consistent, with its interior requiring as much TLC as its exterior. The front seatcovers have succumbed to UV rays, as have the dash pad and headliner. The pad will pose the most significant financial challenge because, while replacements are available, they retail for around $800. The shopping list will include a new carpet set and some smaller pieces. The first owner loaded the interior with desirable options, including air conditioning, power windows, a rimblow wheel, a console, and an AM/FM stereo radio with twin rear speakers. Somebody removed the A/C system, but the seller includes those parts. The same is true for the rimblow, meaning a factory finish awaits the new owner if they spend the time and money. The results should justify the expense, because every trip will feel special in this beauty.
This 1970 Torino GT isn’t perfect, but the foundations are there to achieve that goal. The seller listed it here on eBay in Carlsbad, California. Bidding sits at $12,599 but remains below the reserve. There is also a BIN option of $18,000 for those who want to beat the competition. Are you tempted to push the button?
Dad came home with one of these, thought my mother would stroke out! It was the “green” color scheme, and without the shaker hood, but it was a looker in the day. Same power as this, kinda fun to drive, to a 18yo anyways…
Dad came home with one of these, thought my mother would stroke out! It was the “green” color scheme, and without the shaker hood, but it was a looker in the day. Same power as this, kinda fun to drive, to a 18yo anyways…
A “survivor” car is in the same condition as it was when it left the factory. This car is not a “survivor”, nor is it “original.”
I thought a survivor was a car that survived. Maybe a technical term I wasn’t aware of.
jwaltb, it can be a confusing term that’s often misused. I didn’t know the definition the first time I saw it used, but I googled it and read what the experts had to say. Read up on it, because they can offer more insight than I can.
If this is the original block it should be a 351c and could have the desired quench heads?
M Code Clevelands (4bbl) are high compression heads.
H Code Clevelands (2bbl) are lower compression heads.
H Code engines = more low end torque lower high end HP
M Code engines = more high end torque than low end torque and higher end HP
GT Cleveland GTs were either H or M Code cars.
Also was Motor Trend’s pick for Car of the Year in 1970. Alot of major mechanicals addressed already. If same attention is given to comestics inside & outside, this would be a nice ride. Nice write-up Adam, as always, despite Steve’s remarks.
Better known as a 351 Cleveland
Cool Torino. 😎 sweet machine
w 351-4V. Owner added 3.50 gear ⚙️ out back.. shift kit, and stall, in the Cruise-O-Matic autobox. Probably a real nice cruiser 🏁
The manager at my first job had this car white with the blue side strip and m code 351 4v . One night he offered me a ride home but he had to drop off the night deposit for the day. Some guys had followed his routine. He told me to buckle up and floored that GT. The next time we saw them we were cruising the opposite direction after the drop.They just looked at us. I’ll never forget how that Torino got out and that was 50yrs ago.
I’ve restored six of these 70-71 Torino GT’s and two 70 Rancheros.. both mechanically identical.
Two Grabber Blue, three Red, one Grabber Green and a gold one like this…
If I could find one in gold, I’d keep it today.
These are super bargains when compared to 69-70 B body MOPARs and 69-70 Chevelle SS cars
Other than not being a Super Cobra Jet Drag Pack car or even a Cobra Jet 429 Drag Pack car this car is highly desirable for Fordophiles.
It was optioned to the max.. just having the M Code 4V engine, shaker scoop, bucket seats with console, C6 transmission and A/C puts it very near the top of the ‘70 Torino heap.
We’d get these cars with lots of UV paint damage and mismatching colors on doors, hoods and trunk lids. Most likely repainted panels, easiest way to check door repairs or skin/door replacement is to pull the interior trim panels. There was a possibility that the paint chemical composition could vary if panels were painted in different parts of the factory but that usually was seen on other manufacturers.
I’d wager to say that this car in this condition could top out at $17,000. Or 1/3 of what a Hurst Olds Cutlass or 70 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air car could go for in similar condition.. and that’s what makes these a bargain in the last of the muscle cars…
Also the extra weight over the rear end tended to let these “hook up” a teensy bit better than an M code 70 Mustang… crazy as it sounds, the 70-71 Torino wagons were a tiny bit quicker off the line due the even more weight on the rear end when fitted with the right drivetrain combinations…
My Holy Grail of 1970 Ford mid sized fastback bodies is the oddball 1970 429 Falcon (last year for the nameplate) with Drag Pack, four speed, 429 SCJ engine, bench seat and WING VENT WINDOWS… in Wimbledon White. I think that only two of those were built…
There were a few 1970 Torino wagons built with 429 SCJ packages and the requisite shaker hood scoop for boat hauling duties..
Several of the Torinos were restored had very tight budget restraints so we opted for dash covers which are simply polyethylene plastic but when applied correctly look great and last as long as you throw a towel on the dash when parked in hot direct sunlight…they’re still available at less than 1/2 the cost of a new pad..
https://www.ebay.com/itm/196416650698
It did not sell. There were 35 bids, the highest of which was $11,000 and did not meet the sellers reserve.
Steve R
I agree with RickRick. Although I’m a bow tie guy, if this beauty were mine, I’d bore and stroke the 351, put a Holly 750 double pumper on top of that intake, headers, turbo mufflers and one more notch of a drop down in the gear ratio of that rear end. I’d paint it, put new interior in it and then begin making a new reputation in the neighborhood with it.
Enjoy now, restore later. The 351 Cleveland is a perfect engine for this car; it didn’t make the car too nose-heavy and it provided more than decent acceleration while being able to handle all the options this car originally came with. Once restored, this will be a cool, loaded cruiser that’ll draw crowds everywhere it goes.
If you are seriously looking for one of these don’t pass this one by!
Way more fun with a 429 Cobra Jet 4 speed manual !!
I thought the “Q” Code was the desirable 351 Cleveland A.K.A. “The 351 Cobra Jet” which was the preferred power train in the Eleanor Mustang in the Original “Gone in 60 Seconds” in the early/mid 70’s. The car was way too nose heavy with a 429 in it and was actually faster with the 351.
That depends on the year. A quick way to research which engine came in a particular Ford is to type in a specific year, then VIN decode, then compare that to the VIN of the car you are interested in. This works for 1960’s Mopars as well as GM cars starting in 1972.
Steve R
1970 was not first year for the gt I had a new 1968 gt fast back 390 4 speed in 1968 Torino’s where gts the ones that won’t where just Fairlanes
I’ve restored six of these 70-71 Torino GT’s and two 70 Rancheros.. both mechanically identical.
Two Grabber Blue, three Red, one Grabber Green and a gold one like this…
If I could find one in gold, I’d keep it today.
These are super bargains when compared to 69-70 B body MOPARs and 69-70 Chevelle SS cars
Other than not being a Super Cobra Jet Drag Pack car or even a Cobra Jet 429 Drag Pack car this car is highly desirable for Fordophiles.
It was optioned to the max.. just having the M Code 4V engine, shaker scoop, bucket seats with console, C6 transmission and A/C puts it very near the top of the ‘70 Torino heap.
We’d get these cars with lots of UV paint damage and mismatching colors on doors, hoods and trunk lids. Most likely repainted panels, easiest way to check door repairs or skin/door replacement is to pull the interior trim panels. There was a possibility that the paint chemical composition could vary if panels were painted in different parts of the factory but that usually was seen on other manufacturers.
I’d wager to say that this car in this condition could top out at $17,000. Or 1/3 of what a Hurst Olds Cutlass or 70 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air car could go for in similar condition.. and that’s what makes these a bargain in the last of the muscle cars…
Also the extra weight over the rear end tended to let these “hook up” a teensy bit better than an M code 70 Mustang… crazy as it sounds, the 70-71 Torino wagons were a tiny bit quicker off the line due the even more weight on the rear end when fitted with the right drivetrain combinations…
My Holy Grail of 1970 Ford mid sized fastback bodies is the oddball 1970 429 Falcon (last year for the nameplate) with Drag Pack, four speed, 429 SCJ engine, bench seat and WING VENT WINDOWS… in Wimbledon White. I think that only two of those were built…
There were a few 1970 Torino wagons built with 429 SCJ packages and the requisite shaker hood scoop for boat hauling duties..
Several of the Torinos were restored had very tight budget restraints so we opted for dash covers which are simply polyethylene plastic but when applied correctly look great and last as long as you throw a towel on the dash when parked in hot direct sunlight…they’re still available at less than 1/2 the cost of a new pad..
Thank you Dr Ron. Always good to hear from those who have recent experience with cars being featured, specifically as to parts availability and specific issues/pitfalls.
Interesting car, hope it gets restored.
Wow. It has a factory AM/FM radio. These are scarce as hens teeth and worth a small fortune by themselves. If you ever look at the option sheet from cars of this era, adding an FM radio added hundreds of dollars to the final cost. I guess the only option more expensive would be AC or some exotic driveline.
don’t know how many late 60 s or early 70s cars you bought new but I bought a few new ones starting with a 1967 Vette and new 1968 Torino gt am fm radio was about a $135 option at most
AM radio was $61…… AM/FM was $181. Cheaper than hiring someone to put in aftermarket and wire new speakers…….
One of my favorite year Torinos. I guess the AC was removed when the seller did the camshaft exchange. That interior, especially the dash, is pretty rough and along with headliner and new seats, it won’t be cheap. Reading a review of seller on Ebay isn’t really encouraging either. Good luck to the buyer.
Something I’ve experienced on several 351 Clevelands over the years is the deterioration of the cam bearings. Especially the center bearing.
Not sure if it’s a result of the way Clevelands route the oil pressure but whenever we’d pull an oil pan for gasket replacement we’d check the pan for debris before it’d go into the wash tank.
More often than not we’d find bearing debris and it would be obvious that it wasn’t crankshaft or rod bearing pieces…
If the cam was replaced they really should have excised the cam bearings before installing a new cam.. especially if they installed a performance cam and stronger valve springs…
The 351 Cleveland is otherwise a bulletproof engine and will produce gobs of torque when the correct intake, exhaust, compression and cam profiles are attended to.
Wow…
I am getting old…
It only has one day and eight hours to go and it’s only hovering around $10,000K and hasn’t met reserve…
Thinking about bumping the price higher in the last seconds to gamble on the seller caving in and contacting me.
🥸
Between vintage Harley-Davidsons, vintage British bikes and vintage Japanese bikes slowing down in sales and seldom meeting auction reserves or Hagerty values I’m thinking that the aforementioned and Muscle Cars of the sixth decade of the 20th century are being affected by demographics that are being primarily driven by the aging of the potential buyers who are turning into sellers…
I’ve seen more than a few screaming deals on clean 28-30 Model A’s this year… and sadly he Greatest Generation that bought them new or slightly used are pretty much gone now.
😔
If my memory is working, weren’t the laser stipes reflective at night when hit by light?
Yep.
Who cares if its got a am/fm radio when the entire interior is shot, especially the dash, headliner, seats, door cards and carpet? That and reinstalling AC and lines and professionally recharging it. Hard pass for me there are better ones out there that don’t need all of that.
did it have ac not many did I would like it stock no ac restore to factory specs and I live in Florida now still would not add ac just crank down the Windows like the good old days
Al, it says it had factory Air but it was removed and will need reattached and rebuilt. I also live in the South and it’s factory AC would have to be done before I was interested.
$17K would probably take it home.
AC restoration is an easy procedure for anyone versed in refrigeration repair.
It deserves restoration and refinishing and the exterior isn’t nearly as expensive as some guess it to be.. and that wouldn’t be a “splash job”. We referred to splash jobs as “paint jobs” as opposed to “refinishing”.
Interior soft parts are surprisingly affordable and very available.
My only big concern is that the cam was replaced with the engine in situ.
Only one of two reasons for that…
More performance or valve train noise led to pulling the cam and finding wiped lobes and center cam to bearing wear without bearing replacement.
Chances are they never pulled the oil pan to check for bearing bits…
So that would be a throw of the dice.
I had an identical AZ 70k mile 351C- 4v/C6 3:00 rear rated at 300 HP. It got attention and looks everywhere. I added the louvers and front/ rear spoiler for the fastback look I desired.
Keystone Classics rounded out the looks with 235/60/15 BFG radials made it sharp.
This well optioned shaker hood car should sell easily $10-15k. Well worth saving the sheetmetal on a solid SoCal car!
I was pulled over by a cop claiming the laser stripes weren’t stock. I told him to call his Super!
I hate that .most of the comments are about how much everything is gonna costs to make it nice. If you can’t justify the cost of owning a special interest car why do you complain about what everyone at your local car show paid for the car you won’t pay for. GEEZ!
Couldn’t agree more with you Lowell! If you don’t have several thousand dollars squirreled away to restore a sixties classic to showroom quality (which is what most of us want), then just keep going to car shows and looking at the cars of those of us who have done that. Vehicle restoration is expensive and it’s not likely to become any less so in the future. It is not an investment so don’t look to get all your money back if you decide to sell it. Classic car restoration is a labor of love. So save your money, take your time, do as much of the work yourself as you can and make another worn out old classic beautiful again!
I hate that .most of the comments are about how much everything is gonna costs to make it nice. If you can’t justify the cost of owning a special interest car why do you complain about what everyone at your local car show paid for the car you won’t pay for. GEEZ!
Just buy a similar 1970 Torino GT in better condition, maybe pay a little more so you have less work and less money to spend in restoration. They are out there still. And no, not everyone at a home shop has equipment needed to bring its AC and crimped lines back working again. Interior on this one warrants finding another one in better shape.