“You won’t find another one as it took me over 10 years,” states the seller of this 1970 Ford Torino GT convertible. Well, I’m down with that considering that only 3,900 Torino GT convertibles were assembled in ’70 – they’re not an everyday find. The seller claims lots of originality here, so let’s get into it and see what makes this West Hollywood, California drop-top tick. Those with an interest will find this rarity here on craigslist where it’s available for $23,500.
Ford was well into the “Torino” name by ’70, considering that there was a standard Torino, a “Brougham”, a “GT,” and a “Cobra” as part of the midsize lineup, but the old “Fairlane” namesake from which the Torino evolved was still on the books, too, for one last hurrah. In the case of this GT, it has all of the tell-tale GT characteristics with its obvious badging, side strobe stripe, and Magnum 500-style wheels. It’s also obvious that this baby’s a twenty-footer, as close-up images show the degradation of the claimed original finish (it looks like it got a steel wool buff) and a hole in the rear driver’s side of the convertible top. Still, I appreciate his car’s originality and completeness. Maybe most surprising is the laser stripe; the seller claims it’s the born-with piece, and it still presents extremely well. Unfortunately, there are no included images of this convertible’s driver’s side or rear end; the seller does state, however, “I’ll be updating the post with more pictures.”
The odometer is reading 47 70K miles while the seller claims a rebuilt engine is holding court in the engine room, so I’ll make the big leap here and assume the odo has been once around. And the Moto rebuild explains the pristine appearance of the 250 gross HP, 351 CI “Cleveland” V8 engine. “Runs and drives great,” is the seller’s claim with motivational assistance provided by an automatic transmission.
The interior is not well photographed, so it’s hard to say what’s what with the black vinyl upholstered environment. It’s a mundane setting, no bucket seats, etc., but it appears to be in decent nick, so it has that going for it. A/C was not on this Torino’s option list, but that’s often the case with convertibles of this era.
While I prefer the styling on the previous generation Torino, I rate these (’70 & ’71) editions highly. This car’s originality is refreshing (Yeah, the engine has been rebuilt, but I consider that to be an advantage, assuming it was done correctly), but it’s the convertible body style’s rarity that is this Torino’s calling card. Now, anyone could find one of these in a lot less than ten years, but I get what the seller means; it took him time to find the one he wanted. How about you? If you’re looking for a ’70 Torino GT convertible, here you go, no ten-year wait necessary, right?
A 10-year quest and now he’s going to sell it?
Why not, not everyone is in a position to keep a treasured possession forever. Unless it’s a flipper making that claim the motivation of the seller really isn’t important.
Torino GT convertibles are hard to find in decent condition, if the paint can be brought back to life and it runs good it’s worth considering as a driver.
Steve R
Love to see the Marti report. Nice Ford for sure 👍
Look at the trunk lid. My guess is clear coat peeling which means it’s likely a poor quality repaint that needs to be taken all the way down. Convertible top is shot. Likely needs a lot more. IMO asking $ is highly optimistic.
There is rust along the bottom of the passenger door and there is not one good photo of the driver side. For the price it would need a good in person inspection as it needs paint and a new top and could quickly be upside down along with any other potential surprises.
Unless there’s something wrong with my glasses that odo reads seventy something thousand miles not forty seven thousand. I like the seventy two Torino better anyway but this car has potential. Twenty three k is too much.
70,172 is the mileage reading; you are correct. Not sure how the seller came up with 47K. Post edited to reflect that recording.
Thx,
JO
I not sure, but doesn’t a red digit indicate the speedometer was replaced at some point?
This reminds me of that one show on tv where the guy would buy a car that he’d been “searching for,” for years and years. He’d find it in a widows garage, low ball the heck out of her, and triumphantly load it into his trailer. Explaining to her that he would cherish the car. By the end of the show, he’d sold it, for a tidy profit.
By the dash vents, this was an original A/C car. Good luck finding all the missing parts.
if it took 10yrs to find it why sell it. the hole in the top is bigger than he is saying. seller should have really addressed this.2-3k for a top installed in today’s market. i just got a quote 2weeks ago. this needs paint as well. i think the price needs to reflect the faults. no mention of a Marti report. not sure about the Hagerty ins comment. kind of irrelevant
“I’ll be updating the post later with more pictures” Damn, I really wish I had that extra 45 seconds to snap a couple more pics, but time is money! ridiculous
The “original paint” on the trunk lid looks like peeling clearcoat to me.
nice