Ford redesigned the mid-size Torino in 1972, and the Fairlane nameplate had already become just a memory (in 1971). This design would hold through 1976, after which the cars were rebranded as LTD IIs. The seller has owned this ’72 Torino for 25 years and has done a lot of work on it over the years. He/she has finally lost interest in the project, so it’s available here on eBay for someone else to finish. From a garage with a checkerboard floor in Mulvane, Kansas, this Torino has been bid to $10,100 without triggering the reserve.
The seller refers to this as an SCJ car, which I interpret to mean Super Cobra Jet. But none of the places I checked say that Ford ever made one of those, although a souped-up Q-code 351 was offered as a Cobra Jet. Perhaps all the mods made with this car would put it into SCJ territory, normally reserved for 428 and 429 Ford V8s.
We’re told the Ford is a driver, but all the photos are in the garage and parked over/under the car lift. The engine is original, which the seller questions — do the mods still qualify it for numbers matching? It was a 4-speed car, and the seller says that it comes with the sale (a Tremec 5-speed is currently installed). This was a Special-Order vehicle with boxes checked for a police handling package and power windows that still work. Factory A/C was also ordered. The engine has been stroked, so what is the displacement now?
The body is in good shape with zero corrosion. We’re guessing the paint is blue but looks purple (perhaps due to the lighting). Either way, the car needs a respray in whatever color it is. The seller’s photos show a lot of parts in boxes that will be thrown in with the sale. Apparently, this car was already sold, but the buyer bailed on the sale. If this vehicle is a driver in its present state, could you spread out the rest of the restoration?
I’m a big fan of the 1972 Gran Torino. They were such a muscular-looking, sleek, well-trimmed vehicle, with admirable performance. The last of the pre-big bumper cars.
But this one leaves me a bit cold. It must be the hodgepodge of mods, including the color. I do like that it is a manual transmission and has the instrumentation group. A Marti Report would help sort it out.
I guess I think they are just fine in stock or near-stock condition. Maybe the new owner will head that direction.
The top engines for a 1972 Torino was 400 2bbl (168 HP), 351CJ (248 HP) and a 429 4bbl (205 HP). The 429 was nothing more than a 4 barrel 429, nothing exciting, but the 351CJ was the hot engine back then.
Dixon who is the “we’re” guessing the paint is blue? due to lighting lol
If that’s blue Howard’s a shrinking violet.
If you have a muscle car, paint it with a muscle color! This looks like a color my little sister would paint her car, such as a Ford Pinto, Not a Torino.
Horrible pics…even worse wheels.
My folks had a 72 Torino in my youth… It was a great car! I suggest paint it back to blue or Henry Fords favorite color and mine deep black.
I prefer to put the four speed back in the car. The car has potential and non rust is a good starter.
FYI: I can hear Clint stating get that purple car off my lawn …. take it to the paint shop :-)