Except for the early higher-performance models, such as the R-Code (or Q, J, or C, for that matter), one Ford vehicle that seems to have stayed relatively affordable in today’s market is the Torino. Some of the two-door models have a rather sporty appearance as well, especially those with the SportsRoof, although the third-generation examples like this 1973 Ford Torino here on eBay are a bit more modern-looking than their predecessors. While this one is presently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, it’s reported to have previously been a solid California car, with the current bid of $10,100 still falling short of the reserve.
This one’s not exactly on the cheap end of the spectrum, but with the seller stating that this car is 99% rust-free, there’s not going to be a lot of expensive bodywork or panel replacement needed, which can add up to some big bucks quickly. However, this Torino is said to have left the factory wearing paint code 4S, or light green, so it’s already been resprayed at some point. The most significant damage outside appears to be a small issue on the right quarter and a light dent in the rear bumper, but fortunately, these all seem fairly minor.
The smallest V8 available here in 1973 was the 302, but this one has the next size up: a 351, which the seller says is of the Cleveland variety. It’s stated to be running, with some recent maintenance including a new alternator, a rebuilt carburetor, and a fresh fuel pump. Although everything appears to be in good order under the hood, it wouldn’t surprise me if somebody decides to swap something a bit beefier into the bay in the future, although retaining the current engine isn’t a bad idea either.
Another strong area here is the interior, as this one’s looking really nice inside, with the seller indicating that the seats and dash have already received attention. The cracked steering wheel is an easy fix, and thankfully, the time spent in California really shows on the underside, as the entire platform appears to be in exceptionally well-preserved condition. This is one of those cars that could probably become a decent driver with minimal attention, but it also seems like a good candidate to begin taking to a higher level. What would you do with this 1973 Ford Torino?
First thing I can think of is: “GET OFF MY LAWN!” I had to say it.
Nice car. I always liked the Torino. Came close to buying one a couple of years back but I decided that my garage had enough in it, at least for the time being. Trouble is, it seems I can always find another bit of floorspace to fit a car of this size.
Nope! Better go to the next post before I do something I might regret…
Well, isn’t this a 1972? The ebay ad notes 1973 because that is what is on the title. A typo, from way back then? And not a 1974, as Mike’s headline says?
Anyhow…. I’ve always liked these, with their flowing, muscular looks. This one looks good overall. The black repaint is showing its age, but at least it doesn’t look rusty. Might be fine as-is, or a worthy car for upgrades.
Glad you said something Bob. I thiugh I may be losing my marbles a bit. ’72 Torino is my favorite front end design. I thought that year wasn’t right. I think ’74 is more like the infamous Striped Tomato.
I’m also a huge fan of the color keyed hub caps with the deep trim rings. If I ever do get a nice ’72 Torino in my garage, that would be a must have. I think my liking the ’72 goes back to when I was a little kid, we knew someone with a beautiful dark green 2 door. Liked them ever since. Especially the front ends.
I also thought that was a fish-mouth ’72 front end.
Bob, I wonder if a ’72 front clip was put on when the color change occured? Insurance rebuilder?
1972 for the win
It definitely has the front-end/bumper of a ’72, whereas the rear bumper is not. This thing is a frankenstein creation.
Interesting. The front clip is from a ’72 and the rear bumper is from a ’73.
And no VIN provided to verify the year.
A Marti Report to the rescue…..
The first thing anyone should do is get the VIN and figure out exactly what year of Torino this is. We can eliminate 1974 because there was no ‘SPORT’ fastback that year. I don’t know why someone would replace a 1972 rear bumper with a 1973, I don’t like that ugly rubber piece in the middle. As far as the front clip, 1972 is a much better choice than that ugly 1973. So Mike, can you help us out here?
It’s a mystery, for sure. The only clues given by the seller are that the title states it’s a 1973, but he also mentions that the ’72 and ’73 are almost identical except for the front end, which doesn’t really shed any light here. Also, since it was repainted, nobody knows which components may have been switched during the prep process. I’ll have to pass the baton on this one- can any readers help give us any further clarification regarding a positive year model identification?
A VIN verification and/or Marti Report would certainly be the ultimate I.D. for this car’s mystery. Since we don’t have either (yet?) my guess is that it is a 1972. Definitely a 1972 front clip. As for the rear 1972 & 1973 were almost the identical as the impact “park bench” rear bumpers didn’t show up until the 1974 model year. The rubber “appliqué” in the center of the rear bumper of either year would have been found on the Sportsroof and the Brougham models with the Sportsroof model having a “ribbed” black pad and the Brougham having a smooth body color pad. Looked somewhat better with the optional number guards.
As Tim S stated the rubber strip on the center of the bumper could be for either year. The rear bumper is missing the bumperettes, assumedly for federal crash mandates, but stuff happens over the deceased and maybe removed but I don’t see any holes? So to me it looks like a ‘72 rear bumper.
The special design 72 Grand Torino grille is my favorite one.
It can stay in my garage or lawn but only on sunny lawn days.
I would buff it out and drive it. Maybe put a four barrel on it but from what I’ve heard though 2v 351 was plenty strong. Maybe just headers and dual exhaust.
The best thing to happen to this 73 is the 72 nose install
i would take the high bid and move it down the road. nothing special like a 429. not even a floor shift
If this, or one of the previous owners tried to put a ’72 front clip on a ’73, there is a great deal of front chassis modification that has to occur. the ’73 – ’76 chassis has a provision for the crash bumpers, whereas the ’72 does not. They don’t interchange. I know, I thought about doing just that, and was put off by the adaptation to the ’72.
I wondered if that might be the case, that it was more than a bolt off/ bolt on operation given the crash bumpers.
I really like the 72 Gran Torino front end. My mom bought a new 72 Gran Torino Squire and aside from the dangerously underpowered 302, it suffered from substantial understeer. The same era sedans I’ve driven had the same issue.
Like everyone says, without a VIN it’s difficult to say exactly what year this is, but here’s my guess. I think it’s actually a 72 but I’m not sure why the title indicates 73 unless it’s an error of some kind. I’ve zoomed up on the engine pic trying to see if it has the spacer under the carb for the EGR valve which would have been there beginning in 73 for all vehicles, but best I can tell, it doesn’t have one.
A mammoth with a sportroof is still a mammoth!
That’s like calling your 250 pound girlfriend curvey
I checked the picture of my 73 Grand Torino, and the only difference I can see is the front end. All the body moldings look the same. Mine was a Q code 4-speed with buckets, console, A/C, rally gauges, RWD, AM/FM, traction-loc, ram-air air cleaner, and Magnum 500’s. I really enjoyed that car. 256,000 miles and would still burn rubber going into 3rd gear. However, it used about the same amount of oil and gas!
It would be easy to tell the year of the shown Torino as it is in the serial number, along with the engine code. My guess on this car is that the seller doesn’t know it has a 72 front end on it.
I’m wondering if they simply replaced the 1972 bumper with a 1973 in the rear. Either way that’s a 1972 nose. And it’s no longer up on Ebay.
SOLD for $12100.
13 bids.