Remember the 1961 to 1963 Ford Thunderbirds? They were nicknamed the “Bullet Birds” because of their shape. The 1970-71 Ford Torino’s had a similar aerodynamic look but didn’t sell as well as expected and Ford went back to a boxy layout the following year. In 1971, if you wanted a Torino convertible, you had to spring for the sporty GT model like this one, which the seller says is one of six based on a Marti Report in his/her possession. This is a total project car that needs a head-to-toe restoration, but some new included parts will help with that. Located in Smithtown, New York, this opportunity could become your reality here on craigslist for $12,500. Thanks, Mitchell G., for the rare tip!
The 1970-71 Ford Torino was only a two-year exercise. Though they sold a respectable 326,000+ copies in 1971, demand for the car was far less than that of the market leader, the Chevrolet Chevelle. The GT model came in only two body styles, the SportsRoof (aka fastback with sales of 31,641 units) and the convertible at just 1,613 copies. The seller says this drop-top is one of a handful painted in Dark Blue with its black interior trim although the upholstery we see is green.
A lone photograph of the Ford from its better days is provided. No doubt that was many years ago (and probably at least one owner ago since we see the car on a trailer now). Most of the interior has been pulled out, the canvas top is tattered, and the body has rust, at least in the right rear quarter panel. The indicated mileage of 69,000 could be correct if it’s been dormant for an extended period. We’re told it ran three years ago, so that may be when the downhill slide began.
Under the hood is the Torino’s original 351 cubic inch “Cleveland” V8 paired with a C4 automatic transmission. It was a well-equipped Ford with lots of power accessories, air conditioning, and Kelsey-Hayes wheels (added later?). We don’t know if the vehicle is complete, but lots of pieces were photographed after its partial disassembly. As New York State didn’t issue titles back in the day, this ragtop will come with a transferable NY registration. Are you up to finishing what the seller has decided against?
Interesting that the seller uses as the lead photo a pic from decades ago, when the car was in good shape. Looks to me that, today, it’s in pieces and in rough condition. A Marti Report is referenced but not included. Would be a cool car if brought back to life.
Aside: I wonder about comments concerning expected vs. actual sales volumes for “regular” cars. Typically this info isn’t commonly known by the general public, unless revealed by some executive in a report or an interview.
Thanks Russ.
O Brother. Y Bother.
Given the number of available combinations and the low number of 1971 Torino GT convertibles built, 1 of 6 seems high.
The car on the trailer photos. Gotta love ’em! What this tells me is: ” Hey! I just ripped off the old geezer that owned this car, by paying him $1200, and he threw in some old memories with the deal. Now? I want $12500 for this beat up Torino, that the old feller had stored under his lean to since 1983. Please don’t make me winch this thing off the trailer, because I’m too busy working on my next “deal.”
This may be close to correct. Interestingly the seller does provide pics and a listing of parts, but essentially none of the car’s history (which would be useful to a prospective buyer). “I’ll never get to it.”
I’m thinking, drop the 1 and you’re in the ballpark for price.
I have 90% of the parts to fit this but
12500 is way to much. I would no more than 5000 for this as your looking at another 40 grand to finish building to super nice. Good luck to them.
I agree with most of the comments about this car. $12,550 is WAY too much for a pretty plain Jane convertible in this condition. Be kind of pretty all spiffed up though.
C4 tranny? I doubt it is original, else this started out as a 302 or 6 cylinder car and the 351 isn’t original. I believe C4 was not HD enough to be factory paired with 351’s and larger engines. Seller should post the Marti report, which would answer the question.
It would have come with an FMX
I am totally biased , save the convertibles !
These were beautiful looking cars but
Lotsa love neded for this one
I believe the seller will have to come down from his cloud on this flip …
YOLO
The interior looks black as stated to me no sure where the author sees green,? May have had an auto original but from the plate in place on the tunnel looks like the plan was to convert it to a 4 sp.
From what I read The ebay ad also says one of 1,613 not 1of 6? Only takes on person that really wants it but I think $12k is a stretch
I noticed that aftermarket tunnel modification as well. Sure looks like the beginnings of a 4 speed modification to me.
Bob
I’ve got a celery green 71 GT Convertible. It’s got Black bucket seats with conceal. It’s a 351 4V with a C6 transmission,PDB,
PS, factory air. Looking to sale but I don’t know how to price the car. The car is in excellent condition. 122,206 miles all mine.
I would appreciate your thoughts.
Jeff Asbury
Send it in and we will auction it for you!