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Thornton Estate Auction: 11 Fords and More!

Ford fans of the southeast may want to migrate to Christiansburg, Virginia on March 25th, 2023 for the Thornton Estate auction, where a host of blue oval classics go to gavel. Check out more pictures at Linkous Auctioneers. Thanks to reader Chuck F. for spotting this collection of muscle cars, pony cars, and more. It’s a shame nobody learned more about these vehicles from the late Mr. or Ms. Thornton or their family, but that may favor a savvy in-person attendee. This 1968 Ford Mustang is described only as “automatic” and “drag style,” packing what looks like a modified small-block Ford V8 under the hood. Missing interior parts suggest work in progress on this double-black pony car.

A 390 cid (6.4L) V8 powers this mostly stock 1967 Ford Fairlane, a true muscle car. The four-speed manual gearbox adds to the fun, and nothing obvious refutes the claimed 67,792 original miles. Tip your hat to the auction company or whoever cleaned most of these cars to bring top dollar for the family.

This 1970 Ford Torino Cobra Jet wears 429 badges and needs (at least) some “shaker” air induction parts. The top-dog ram-air 429 cid (7.0L) V8 made a venomous 370 HP according to Lov2xlr8, transferred rearward through a four-speed manual transmission. Like the other auction vehicles, running condition is not mentioned.

One truck enters the mix, and this 1970 Ford F100 short bed pickup marks another bench-seat, manual transmission specimen, this one mated to a nondescript small-block V8.

This 1969 Ford Mustang looks mostly original including the engine compartment where a small-block V8 of unknown displacement resides. If original, I believe the hood scoop engine callout denotes a 351 or larger powerplant, but don’t quote me on that. More Mustangs, Mavericks, and some non-Ford items round out the big ticket items at the Thornton auction in Virginia. Let’s hear it, Ford fans:  which is your favorite?

Comments

  1. Avatar Fahrvergnugen Member

    Lovin’ some stacked headlight Fairlane…tasty.

    Like 18
  2. Avatar Cadmanls Member

    Would be great to see and maybe participate but it’s tomorrow morning! I live in FL hate to miss this one, might be a deal in the lot as it’s a live auction according to the post on line.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Robert West

      All but one vehicle out of the twelve is a 4 speed. The F100 is mistakenly listed as a 3 speed but the knob says 4 speed. Thornton had a nice collection of automobiles. Some desirable big block cars, some home built drag cars, even an F100 with headers and a 4 barrel. I’m looking for a Maverick, so the first one caught my eye. It’s not original because they didn’t offer a 302 in 1970 but it is the lightest year. The 4 speed makes it extra sweet. It looks to be in mint condition too. It’s a shame that they let the second Maverick sit on the ground and rust so bad in the rear half.

      Like 1
      • Avatar LARRY

        a 302 was offered in 1970.

        Like 2
  3. Avatar Howie

    That Torino with the scoop missing has a 429 with a manual 4speed.

    Like 6
  4. Avatar Christopher Gentry

    69 pony. 3rd best year after 65-66. But like em all shown here. Like to see the maverick

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Mustangs and Torinos and Mavericks oh my 😉

    Remote bidding closed at five pm day prior to auction sadly

    Nice Torino’s and STangs

    Like 4
    • Avatar Todd Fitch Staff

      We wrote this up within 24 hours of the tip, figuring it was worth sharing for the story and local bidders, even if others might miss the opportunity. Best wishes to the family and anyone who attends!

      Like 6
  6. Avatar Stan

    Couple very sweet Ford Motor Corp. offerings up for grabs.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Robt

    69 Cobra Coupe. Though for my money I’d prefer a healthy 351w & scrap the hood scope.)
    Even better, blue 70 Maverick, V-8 w/stick. Swap in disc brakes on the front and we’re laughing.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Jack Quantrill

    Any relation to Billy Bob?

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Dave M

    Any one make it to this auction?

    Like 0

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