The Torino nameplate replaced the Fairlane in the late 1960s as Ford’s mid-size automobile. It remained in production through 1976 and may be best remembered as the “Striped Tomato” in the 1970s Starsky & Hutch TV series. The seller has a 1974 Gran Torino 2-door hardtop, which is one step from the scrap heap unless a buyer comes forward. Whether it runs is unknown, and we’ve certainly seen worse-looking vehicles. Located in Eugene, Oregon, this Ford is available here on craigslist for $700. Barn Finder Barney remains on the lookout!
Third-generation Torinos arrived in 1972, going for a boxier look than the aerodynamic exercise of 1970-71. Bumper size was on the rise across the industry, and they looked to be more like afterthoughts on a lot of Ford’s cars, including the Torino. The Gran Torino was the upscale model, and 76,000+ copies of the Sport Coupe, like this one, were built in 1974. For whatever reason, the producers at the Starsky & Hutch cop show thought the ’74 Gran Torino would be an ideal choice to chase bad guys in, so they added a huge white stripe over the red paint.
The seller’s car decodes as having a 351 cubic inch V8 when built with a 2-barrel carburetor. The seller says the car has a manual transmission, but an automatic seems more appropriate for the Gran Torino. The true mileage of this car is unknown and looks to have been sitting behind a warehouse for a long, long time. No attempts have been made to start the car, so we assume work is needed.
While the exterior’s faded red paint is accentuated by a white vinyl top with rust brewing underneath, the interior looks like it has been changed out. The pattern on the door panels and bucket seats doesn’t strike me as typical 1974 Ford stuff, but I could be wrong. It will need some work as well as the body, unless you decide the car is better suited as a donor. Or maybe you have a vision of turning this vehicle into a Striped Tomato tribute!
For $700 this is a steal. Clean it up, get it running, put new tires on and cruise
Gone already. Someone scored
Striped Tomatoe, somebody had to say it…
This one is cheap and worth saving even as parts for another car.
like the additional interior cosmetic addition that’s attached to the turn signal handle, dashboard and door. Myst have been a very creative spider setting up seasonal quarters.
Agreed with the other posters – someone got a steal for this much money for any Torino, let alone this one – power windows, cruise, gauge package, and other goodies this one is likely equipped with here were rare on these cars.
The interior is correct – it’s a ‘74 Gran Torino Sport which had the round fuel filler door and grill emblem, sport script, and lower fender extension moldings in front of the wheels. They also had these seats and door panels, unique from the regular Gran Torino.
Gosh yall we are so blessed to have the interest and tremendous aftermarket in this country to support all our varied interests. I say, where there is a will there is a way! Our greatest strength as a people! Imho, jeeps are a great entry into the hobby. I can only hope to garner a real muscle car some day but give up striving? NEVER! GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND I RECOMMEND A 100 PROOF BOURBON OR 2 IF YOU FEEL YOURSELF DOUBTING
I live in Kentucky,we do love our bourbon 🥃
Why do all the cheap cars have to be on the other side of the country! Looks like a little tinkering and you might have yourself a cheap runner. And it doesn’t look all rotted out.
I had this very same car in this very same color / interior combo. Bought it new. Yes, the interior is exactly as mine, so it came that way. The lack of a console has me puzzled, but then again, mine was a Sport and floor shifted automatic, and opera windows. Guess that got me the extras. This listing is closed now, so someone bought it.
The lack of console has me puzzled too, & it not just missing as the shifter is clearly visible on the steering column. In 1978 high school, I bought a 1975 Gran Torino, not a Sport model, so had column shifter & only mirror on the drivers door. Years later after trading my 75 Gran Torino for a 78 Firebird, I needed a work car after relying on a motorcycle only for couple of years. Late 1986, spotted a 1974 Gran Torino Sport (white vinyl over blue) sitting at the back of a Ford dealer. Bought it as I already knew how to work on that type car, but it had the floor console shifter & both sport mirrors. Ended up giving it to my brother several years later as he needed a “work” car at that time.
There’s a ‘74 Torino brochure out there with this car’s configuration, so I think the column shifter was standard, even on the Sport. Console with the floor shifter was optional.
Upon first sight, visions of some ‘Guy’ buying this, getting it running with a new battery (tossed the old one to the side) and driving it with ohose igly white spoke wheels and raised white letter tires
Ok folks I have a few things to say, one: the interior photo shows only 3 pedals, parking brake,foot brake and accelerator… This car is a 3 speed automatic on the column shifter clearly shows p,r,n,d,2,1. Come on y’all, keep it real okay?
i would have bought it for 700 if were closer to me. no brainer. get running clean it up. money to be made on this 1
What a decent looking car. Clean it up and recommission it. Do what needs to wake up the 351. Great colors and trim…probably about as nice as a ‘74 Torino can be. And the slot mags are perfect.
I was thinking Starsky and Hutch, and why it hasn’t already been done up like that. But it really ought to be left alone and maybe someone splurge on a vinyl top. These were everywhere, not many left. Guess the round-rounders chopped them all up.