Ford introduced the Torino nameplate in 1968 and by 1970 it superseded (and finally replaced) the Fairlane as the company’s intermediate product. The design of the 1970-71 models was inspired by supersonic jets of that era and were quite slippery in appearance. This GT edition of the 1970 Torino carries the SportsRoof styling which was another way of saying fastback. It’s a rolling project that will require another engine and transmission and is in San Gabriel, California. This rust-free car is available here on eBay where the reserve is unmet at $2,575, but you can pass-go and take it home for $15,000.
If you were looking for car buying choices in 1970, Ford offered 17 separate models within the Fairlane/Torino family, including a low-buck version using the Falcon name for a half-year. One downside to the new aerodynamic styling was extra weight thanks to the cars being five inches longer. When you ordered the sporty GT, you got a hood with a non-functioning scoop, dual sport mirrors, full-width taillights, and a V8 engine. The original owner of this GT specified a 351 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor and a column-shifted automatic transmission. Both are now MIA.
This California “blue plate” Ford is said to be without rust thanks to its dry climate roots. The yellow paint might be original but has seen better days. The interior is rather sparse considering the sporty nature of the car as a bench seat was ordered rather than going with bucket seats. The passenger compartment is going to need some attention, so overall you have a fairly ambitious project here.
Much of the suspension compoents have been liberated along with the drivetrain and the car’s sitting position reflects that. But it looks to be using a mix of wheels and tire sizes that might complicate it as well. The seller is not the person listing the car due to a lack of computer skills on the part of the owner. So, some of the details to finalize the sale may have to be relayed from one party to the other. Before this Ford went idle, it accumulated only 72,000 miles and was one of more than 56,000 produced.
$15,000 with no drivetrain is rather high. Yet here we have another classic missing it’s drivetrain. I always wonder what car was so much better than this one that the owner removed the engine and put it in something else. Or some previous owner did. There are plenty of undesirable vehicles willing to donate their running gear so as to keep desirable cars in one original piece.
Up through the early-90’s, maybe longer, Torino GT’s and Cobra’s were worth next to nothing compared to Mach 1’s. Have you ever wondered why you rarely ever see a 69 Cobra, which came standard with a 428CJ and were built in far greater numbers than CJ powered Mustangs. Torinos with performance drivetrains we’re relegated to the status of engine donor since they sold for a fraction of the price of a Mustang well not the 1980’s. This cars engine and transmission were likely swapped out a very long time ago.
Steve R
At one time cars like this were junk. I had one in simular condition years back I bought for the doors for a worthless convertible I had visions of restoring. I gave the rest to a Ford buddy and he pulled the busted 351 out of it and put a 460 in it and played with it for a few years. I also gave him my rusty doors after I switched the glass and stuff. The unit I gave him was stolen and never seen again and my convertible never was finished and now lies rusting in piece in the woods with a bunch of other soon to be recycled relics. Rust free is a big plus as these were,” to me” the best looking Torino. Looking back I wish I had kept that rust free hardtop and de-optioned and drivelined the convertible. I would have a nice unit in my collection instead of a 300.00 piece of scrap metal. My convertible is this color with the laser stripe. Let’s hope this one gets a second change for many just as nice did not years back.
I will give you the 300 for it no matter the condition. Heck I’ll give you 400and come to wherever you to pick up. I have a ton of parts to rebuild this thing and not cost a fortune to fix except the top. That will be high but fun to fix and enjoy.
We need this “next generation” of moneyed car “lovers” to step up and save this Torino. $15,000 for this well used up piece, should be pocket change to those enthusiasts.
Everything has a ceiling value. Moneyed car lovers know this, and there is NO WAY they are going to spend $15K on this car just to start the restoration. The engine compartment is gutted, missing a lot more than an engine and this is not a Cobra Jet car. You can find these cars in great shape and running order in the $30K’s
Bidding is at almost $6k. I feel like that should be about the ceiling this roller, even rust-free, also considering the shabby state of the (admittedly complete-looking) interior. They are on crack if they think this is worth $15k
I agree! Virgil
I agree. I love these 70’s fairlane/torinos! But …
Asking price of 15k seems very steep. Not only is it missing its running gear it is also missing its suspension & everything else under the hood. Interior needs complete make over…
Granted the body seems rust free but for 15k you just don’t get much any more. What’s the book value restored? My guess you are under the water by the time you’re done building a runner after paying full asking price.
5-6 k as is in my book, but what do I know?
Always thought these were nice looking cars. Clean this one up, install engine of your choice and have fun driving it. Does every car have to be “restored” ?
Russ for 15k nope. The only positive I see here is that it was Motor Trends car of the year in 70.
I’m getting tired, no correction, (I’ve been tired for many years now) of these insane prices for California cars. Ok, it’s rust free but have you watched any MT car shows? Rusty cars can be saved. Sure it’s only money but this is a $3000-5,000 car (max).