Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Screaming Yellow Zonker: 1971 Ford Torino GT

c2

I remember craving Screaming Yellow Zonkers as a kid, and I crave this Torino GT now. Resplendent in Grabber Yellow, this largely original car can be found in Tavares, Florida and is up for sale here on eBay, with a buy it now of $23,500 but lower bids are welcomed.

c3

I really like the aggressive nose styling on this generation of Torinos. The small points on the leading edges of the front fenders are just right for me. My parents came very close to buying a new 1971 Torino wagon; I don’t remember why they changed their minds, but I remember thinking the front end styling was great. This one does not have the reflective laser stripe, but at least you don’t have to worry about it being applied at an angle!

c1

In side profile, the Sportsroof model was a definite nod towards sportiness. Ford was getting a little confusing to customers here, because as the Mustang had gotten larger, the Mustang and Torino were pretty close size wise. For example, the Torino’s wheelbase was only 8″ longer than the Mustang, and it weighed about the same. Heck, the Maverick Grabber’s wheelbase was only 6″ shorter than the Mustang’s, so you had three “performance” cars pretty darn close to each other. I actually prefer the Torino’s styling to the other two.

c4

For what I can only assume is 108,000 miles, the interior really looks nice. The seller states it is all original. Yes, I’d prefer buckets over the bench, but I’d keep this nice car as original as possible.

c5

It’s very obvious that a lot has been done under here; if this is original my jaw would be in danger of breaking on the pavement. The seller does say they just fitted a new exhaust manifold; perhaps they took the opportunity to do some detail work at the same time? They also state that it is a 351 Cleveland rather than Windsor V8. If you’re curious on identification of the two, this page offers a good guide. From what I can see, the seller is correct. Even with the small cosmetic defects in the trim, I think this would be a fun screaming yellow zonker “restovivor” to take to any local event, and lots of fun to drive around. Do you agree?

 

Comments

  1. Avatar sir mike

    That’s a lot of yellow…..nice car

    Like 0
  2. Avatar St. Ramone de V8

    Great looking car. Colour works well on it. That Cleveland 4V could make these cars fly! Lots of interest in them, so it should bring big bucks!

    Like 0
  3. Avatar MH

    Nice car but it would be better with a big block! I do think it’s worth the asking price just the way it is. It’s beautiful!

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Jeff V.

    In hs (’76/’77) had a ’70 Torino cobra 429cj C6 trans, same color but blacked out hood with shaker scoop, rear window louvers. It moved, but basically a boat (weight). Mine had the bench seat also. In auto-shop I installed the old N50 tires (big) on the rear with Crager mags all around, air shocks on the rear to stop the rubbing lol & mounted a fire extinguisher in her, I was a race-car driver! lol! Ah, memories! Mine looked like this pic, I paid 1800$ in ’76;

    Like 0
  5. Avatar JW

    I had a 70 Torino in 1972, was more the luxury model with A/C and a 302 v8/auto. Was a very nice highway car with decent gas mileage. I like this car in yellow with no stripes and the bench seat, it should not last long at his asking price.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Rock On Member

    Replacement stripes easy enough to source at Phoenix Graphix.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Dairymen

    I had 1 like this, with a Marti report and it turned out to be a 1 of 1. It was in great condition but I had trouble getting $8k out of it. But it’s an absolute blast to drive.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Car Guy

    Best looking body style for the Torino. The 70 instument cluster was a little bland considering the previous body style Torino’s round instrument openings. The Magnum 500’s and repro Polyglas tires are perfect on this car. A very nice driver at a fair asking price.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar chris

    If i’m looking at that motor correctly, that is a Windsor.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Clint

      PVC / oil fill is sitting on the flat spot of the valve cover. It’s a Cleveland. VIN states that it’s an “M Code” which is 280 hp 4V Cleveland in 1971. 351W 4V was a 1969 only engine.

      Like 0

Leave a Reply to St. Ramone de V8 Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.