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 along this one – power windows, cruise, gauge package, and likely other goodies 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.