When was the last time you saw one of these? Unless you own one, I bet it has been a while as the total Ford Torino convertible count for ’70 only measured up to 3,939 units out of a total Torino count of 230K copies (1.7%) – I’d say that’s rare. This Pompano Beach, Florida example looks pretty darn tidy so let’s give it the once over. Here on eBay is where you’ll find it and it’s available for a BIN price of $19,900, OBO.
Torino was available in multiple body styles and trim levels in ’70 but if you wanted a convertible that meant the “GT” was the only way to go. Besides the Torino, Ford’s “other” mid-size, the stripper-level Fairlane 500, from where the Torino originated in 1968, was still on the books and delivered a healthy 177K examples. The venerable Fairlane name would be retired at the end of ’70, ending a run that started in 1955.
Being a Torino GT meant V8-only power, a black grille, integral hood-scoop, hidden headlamps (though these seem to be permanently open), 70-series tires, a one-inch lowered stance, trunk lid applique, and badging. Our subject car also wears the optional laser stripe, wheels that appear to be from a 2000s Mustang GT, and a deck lid spoiler from who knows where. The Wimbledon White finish and white folding top check out – no demerits warranted there, but…that driver’s door, what’s going on along the bottom ledge? I think a closer look is going to be warranted.
Inside we find optional white vinyl, high-back seats with a center console, and a contrasting black carpet. White can be a bear to keep clean but doesn’t appear to be an issue in this case though there is a minor bit of yellowing starting to occur, a common foible that befalls white interiors. Good to see is no indication of too much top-down, fun in the sun time as the upholstery still seems fluid and not cooked to a crisp.
A first-year 351 CI “Cleveland” V8 engine powers this convertible and the VIN’s H-code reveals that it started life as a 250 gross HP variant. The seller doesn’t elaborate but the engine appears to have been treated to a solid state, high-energy ignition system, chrome-plated valve covers, an aluminum intake manifold, and some sort of a goofy-looking radiator hose shroud. The seller adds, “new high-performance suspension and brake system, delivering the power and performance that made the Torino a legend on the streets.” I’m not sure what the suspension and brake system stuff includes but this is a disc brake-equipped car. As is usually the case, a three-speed automatic transmission handles all gear-related matters.
If this car were a ’70 Chevrolet Chevelle or a Pontiac LeMans convertible, it would probably warrant a shrug, they’re still rather common finds. A 1970 Ford Torino GT, however, is another matter entirely. And considering what those GM twins trade for these days, this Ford convertible seems almost reasonable, especially the OBO part, right?
Can’t say ive ever seen a Torino Convertible on the road.
What can $19,000.00 buy new today in comparison? This could be a decent buy.
Nice, get rid of the wing and off into the sunset!
BTW there aren’t hidden headlights open, it’s equipped with a standard grill…
One for sale in Lowell, MA as well.
One correction: the car presented in the article above car does not have hidden headlights – zoom into the picture of the grill. I don’t know if these were an option, but I have seen a few advertised with and without them.
You’re right and that’s why I hedged – the listing states that it does.
JO
There is a black one with red stripes, all factory ( or so it appears) that drives around in my hometown.
Torino Broughams had hidden headlamps standard. They were optional on Torino and Torino GT. They would make the perfect finishing touch for this sweet convertible. As long as I’m changing things, I’d swap out the red brake calipers for blue ones to match the stripes, and I’d lose the side exit exhaust. That has to be obnoxious when cruising around with the top down.
It has a 1971front grill on it.
Sweet. Great color for that Florida sun that bakes everything on a car.
This looks and sounds like a great deal!!
Like everything about this nice convertible, price included ! Very uncommon and quite nice shape – and this one has power discs, floor shift/console … and AC too! Go see this one !
that’s a 1971 Grille
Good catch Brian! 😏
Are those Wilwood brakes I see? That would be a nice upgrade.
I can’t remember the last time I saw a converti ble GT Torino. This one is surely priced right. Especially compared to the other one posted this week at $15k that still needed body and paint. Not a big convertible fan but this one is worth a look.
Full disclosure, I am a GM sort of a fella, but there are some Fords that strike my fancy, this being one of them. I clearly remember Thanksgiving in 1970 at my mother’s house when my aunt and uncle pulled up in a powder blue convertible with a blue top. What a stunning car! My cousin still has that car covered up and stashed away in her garage. Given the relative rarity of these, I don’t think that price is out of line at all.
When I was young we had a young girl that put out more than the black 69 Torino convertible she used to drive,it had the Lazer stripe and I believe a 351. It was loaded, ahh the good old days
Sorry it was a 1970,got all shook up remembering
I’m with CCFisher on the side exhausts, only bc it’s a ragtop. I don’t wanna be breathing that in. And Jim makes a valid point about the driver door. The 351 Cleveland only putting out 250 hp isn’t impressive either for a GT model when I consider a 289 in early Stangs put out 220hp. Having critiqued it now, I will say yes it is rare. And the 70 Torino was voted Motor Trend’s pick of the year.
I like these, but it’s just too much white in my opinion. With the blue laser stripes, a blue interior would make a big difference. The rear spoiler needs to go away. The “goofy-looking radiator hose shroud” is actually a flexible stainless steel universal type of replacement, it would have to go as well.
Price looks good on this one. I like the upgrade to the four-wheel disks. Also the engine should put out a few more ponies with the four-barrel upgrade, headers and HEI. No word on whether or not any other mods were done. Even the open-chamber head two-barrel Clevelands could be modified for big power. Looks like an aftermarket AC compressor, too. I’m not a big fan of the wheels, although they aren’t horrible. I would prefer the stockers. As for the rear spoiler, if it’s painted body color it looks really nice on these.
Don’t remember seeing one of these before. I like it. White/white is not my favorite, so I’ll watch for another one.
Evidently hideaway headlights were only standard on the Brougham. As mentioned, this car has a ‘71 GT grill.
I repaired a wrecked ‘71 Ranchero for my Dad to drive. Put hideaway headlamps on it- but forgot to grab the headlight switch. Oops. 351C is no slouch, it hauled that Ranchero just fine.
I’d lose the juvenile rear spoiler before I drove it home. Wheels would go next. Cool car though!
clean the ghetto wheels and go-fast crap from under the hood and that lame exhaust system from it. put a little effort in to making it look factory, and it would be a sweet ride
So, you consider those as being “ghetto wheels”?
I’m loving the 351 in this one that’s been warmed up abit. Recently warmed up a 289 with alluminum heads intake and cam. Don’t like the side exhaust at all, should be out the back and proper. If it were mine I would eventually paint her Acapulco blue with a white or black rag top for that white interior. Hope that rust below driver door doesn’t extend to rockers. So many possibilities, and she’s priced right.
Might be a 351 but it’s not a Cleveland
Wikipedia notes the differences between a Cleveland and a Windsor, most notably the routing of coolant through either the block or the intake manifold, and the timing chain cover, but to be frank, I’ve looked at the pictures and I still can’t tell which version is in the car! Help!
Big difference in the valve covers also. Cleveland are wider. These are narrow and the oil filler cap is on an angle. On a Cleveland it would be perfectly level.
Funny….my dad was a Mustang guy but started liking the Fairlane as well and left one of these converts after he passed. Since I wasn’t fond of it I agree to let his wife pass it on to her kids…..never did here what became of it.
It has a late model serpentine belt system on it. Who knows what all is going on with this ride. Fifty-plus year old ride needs a good inspection.
Likes: Pretty much everything, the 351C, bucket seats with console, white interior and white paint with blue decals, even the wing on the back, and even the price is right! I can’t see from the pictures though, does it have the “basket handle” shifter in the console?
Dislikes: It’s not mine, and even if I wanted to buy it, I’ve got no place to park it! GLWTS!
I would take a convertible model of almost any car over the fixed roof model.
In this case, I like the look if this car over the same year Mustang convertible. And I really like 1970 Mustangs.
It just looks proportionally correct.
Ditto! Me Too!
Me Too! I like the styling on these as well, but I’m not crazy about the unibody construction. I prefer the body-on-frame construction examples from 1972-76 for strength and rigidity, but like the styling on these much better, so I’d have trouble picking one over the other. I suppose I could always have an aftermarket frame put under this one, if I hit the lottery that is! LOL!
I saw one a parking lot at Publix in Fla,talked briefly the guy,he has a 429 in it, don’t know if it was originally or not,it sounded an looked beautiful