It’s generally accepted that GM hit a grand slam with their ’68-’72 A-body intermediates (Chevelle, Tempest/LeMans, Cutlass, and Skylark) but what about Ford with its Torino and/or Mercury Montego? Not so much so. From a collectibility perspective today, it’s really obvious and that’s unfortunate as Ford’s ’70-’71 Torino offered style, performance, and a convertible body style for the wind in their hair crowd. With those thoughts in mind, let’s examine this 1971 Torino GT; it’s located in Harriman, Tennesee and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $6,700 with the reserve not yet met. There is a BIN price of $10,680 available too.
A Torino GT was a “sporty” version of Ford’s mid-size but not necessarily a performance variant – though it could be. Essentially, besides badging telling all that a Torino was a GT edition, the package required a V8 engine (a 210 gross HP, 302 CI V8, and not photographed!) in this instance, tinted rear window, pleated vinyl upholstery, dual color-keyed racing-style mirrors, a hood vent/scoop, wide oval white-stripe tires, a unique argent rocker panel molding, bright drip rails, GT specific taillights, and pie pan hubcaps surrounded by trim rings. Popular? Pretty much so, about 31K found buyers in ’71.
This 92K mile hardtop is a bit used looking and the seller states, “The guy I bought it from painted it then let it sit outside for over 10 years“. So it’s a repaint and a worn-out-looking one at that. Further added is, “The windshield does allow water past and hence the floor rust. The car is very much solid and nice for what it is. Doors do have some rust through as well because drains were full of pine needles and such I’m sure“. I guess we’re talking varying degrees of “very much solid” here. The vintage-style wheels look like Ansen Sprints or something similar – definitely appropriate for 1971.
The standard bench seat interior has gone the color-matching duct tape route – and no, that never works out long-term. Beyond that, it’s a dingy-looking environment but a deep cleaning could likely spruce up the overall look a bit. The listing makes mention of a non-working after-market radio that is connected to an add-on amp. The obligatory package shelf (Who named it that? Have you ever actually placed a package up there and then had the misfortune of a hard stop sending said package right into the back of your head?) installed speakers are in place, but beyond that, this Ford’s innards are unremarkable. The peeled-back carpet shows enough of the floor damage that I’d probably want to go with a full reveal to really see what’s brewing under there.
The seller tells us, “It starts and runs but needs some front-end work in my opinion the be safe. Drove it around the seller’s yard and back and forward in my driveway a couple of times“. OK, so there’s hope for this GT; it seems like an OK start for a project – admittedly, the sheet metal still shows well. So, as is always the case, it’s all about the Benjamins and it will take 1,068 at the BIN price. That seems too many – maybe it should be more like 1,068 Grants, don’t you think?
Yes, asking way too much for this car. It is sad that people are paying too much for older cars in rough condition keeping the the high price wheel turning.
The reason people buy cars this bad is
really back to the rich people like that
Collins character who has hundreds of
muscle cars. Just buys everything he can find. These people with money have greed with no limit. When is enough enough I mean really. I’ll bet he
would starve a family just to buy one more car. Just like the new Challenger
with 1025 horsepower. There isn’t any
average Joe will ever get one. They are
all snapped up by the money people or
the money grubbers.
Yes, it seems many people have little idea what it costs to actually restore a car in such condition. It’s getting pretty exorbitant; You are far better off to buy the best car you can possibly afford, and do less work. The other issue with cars like this: There is little in the way of aftermarket trim and body parts, so you are at the mercy of E-Bay. Unless of course you are lucky enough to find a complete wrecked parts car, with everything you need.
I restored my mom’s ’71 Torino starting back in Oct of 2019. Once Covid hit, all the parts dried up or became 4x more expensive. So glad I did it when I did, because if I had waited even another 6 months I probably wouldn’t have it in my garage all done as it is right now.
IMHO. These are much better looking than the GM’s. The door is wide open for what to do with this car. Fix it and drive it. Or put anything from a stroker to a Coyote in her and really have some fun! The bones are good enough.
68-73 Torinos were as sharp looking as anything on the road. As for price/condition, it’s certainly no more ridiculous than the skeleton Mopars we see here. Pretty basic GT here, bench seat, column shift, no concealed headlights or laser stripes, but then those would have disappeared during the repaint.
Full restoration minimium 25-30k. It’s a purchase because you like it. Will never be a good return on investment
I’ve never restored a car in search of return on investment, I just do it because I like to. I really don’t see a $25K+ on this. Floor patches, possibly replacement, but the labor is free. I would see how this paint polished up before jumping straight to a re-paint, but chrome is crazy expensive, I’ll admit that. Stuff adds up quick, but I can’t see over $5K in added costs to have a nice driver.
Some of us are in it for the hobby, looking for a return on the investment isn’t a hobby. And it wouldn’t take no $30,000 to make this car good.
Does there always have to be a return on investment? It’s still a hobby for some of us.
My uncle had this exact car, color, engine and all. He is 82 now and still talks of the fun we had in it when I was a kid. My heart wants to buy this and restore it back to original. I just don’t have the time or space to do it now. I hope the frame is good after 10 years outdoors and that it finds a good home.
“This 92K mile hardtop”
Just for info, this is not a hardtop in the 70-71 Torino world. Torino GT’s did not come in a hardtop bodystyle, only Sportsroof (which this is) and a convertible bodystyle. There were 4-door hardtops, 4-door sedans, 2-door hardtops, station wagons, the Ranchero in the 70-71 Torinos with the Sportsroof. Times have changed.
C’mon, Sportsroof is just Ford’s name for a two-door hardtop.
JO
No, it was Ford’s name for a fastback.
Yeah, a fastback with no b-pillar and frameless doors, just like ah…hardtop!
JO
Mr. Odonnell,
You may call it what you want, but Ford did not, and the people who own, buy, sale and restore these cars do not. In fact, Ford used the same nomenclature on the 1968 thru 1973 Torino. Please look at the following.
https://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/68toro/bilder/10.jpg
https://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/70torin/bilder/14.jpg
https://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/73tori/bilder/10.jpg
And apparently you have not seen any Ford Mustang SportsRoofs.
Sorry, while not being a Ford foamer, I can assure you I’ve seen, or written about more Sportsroofs than I can count. I’m using a generic term to describe this car’s body style and since I am doing the writing, I will call it what I think is appropriate, thank you very much.
JO
I’m currently restoring my 71 convertible GT which was my first car back in 1979. Having difficulty finding parts so I would appreciate any information on where to look besides eBay.
Check with Obsolete Parts in Oklahoma City, or Dearborn Classics.
What parts are you looking for and where are you located? I have a 71 Sportsroof GT. I may be interested in parting it out.
Looking for front and rear bumpers as well as the GT rocker trim.
My husband bought me one in 2006!! & has restored it!
Changed the color from the original green to a Ford blue. I guess I consider it an investment? But the price on the one listed here it is very sad price, but I realize it needs a lot done to it.
Waiting to see how much this car will go for in the end.
Don’t forget the 70 1/2 falcon which I believe was a two door post, which was the only falcon ever available with a big block.
Mr. Tuttle,
Link to brochure.
https://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/70fh/70fh.html
The 70 1/2 Falcon was a stripped down, bare bones, plain jane Fairlane, and a handful were ordered with the 429, extremely rare now.
I have a 71 hardtop in my garage all restored. Dark bronze metallic. Like new interior. 351 Cleveland, power steering, power brakes,air. Really nice car, but to get there, a suitcase full of money and time. I know what you all mean. But so much fun getting there. Take your time and do it right.
Late to the party. I have original 71′ GT rocker trim. Excellent condition.