Last week, I covered this 1972 Ford Ranchero and noted how it was a significant departure from its ’71 predecessor. Today, I’d like to present, courtesy of Curvette, a 1972 Ford Gran Torino – A Ranchero upfront but a proper sedan/hardtop out back. This listing is probably the briefest one yet that I’ve encountered, but there’s enough here to figure this one out. Located in Chemainus, British Columbia, Canada, this tidy Torino is available here on craigslist for $18,000. (The price is likely posted in U.S dollars as that’s what is often encountered, but if not, then $18,000 CDN=$13,104 U.S., while $18,000 U.S.=$24,725 CDN at 9/1/2025 exchange rates).
This car’s simulated hood vent identifies it as a Gran Torino with a “Sport” trim level, which was available in a fastback (Sportsroof) configuration (our subject) or a standard two-door hardtop “notch back” body style. Other Torino trim levels included the basic Torino (two and four-door body styles plus a station wagon) and Gran Torino sans the “Sport” designation (same body configurations as the standard Torino). As with the Ranchero, the ’72 Torino was a big hit sales-wise, ringing up a total of 496.3K units, a 41.5% increase over its vastly different ’71 predecessor. Gran Torino Sport models were responsible for 92K of that, almost half a million copies.
“302 automatic, Power Disc brakes, Power steering, Good cruiser,” that’s the entirety of the listing! So, what do we know about this car? The finish is faded, and rust has crept in low on the driver’s side fender leg. It appears to have been bondoed over at one time, so that kind of discovery just invites more questions and digging. The passenger side quarter, as well, appears to have suffered a similar fate. That noted, the vinyl top covering is in nice shape, the chrome bits still shine, and all of the trim is attached.
As for power, I.E., the “good cruiser” part, we’re dealing with a 140 net HP, 302 CI V8 engine, the standard powerplant for the Sport edition. The engine appears to be original (rattle can rebuild?), complete, and not modified. The seller mentions that the odometer has rolled over, so the actual mileage is unknown or not disclosed. As is usually the case, a C-4 Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission handles gear changes.
Inside, we find optional black vinyl bucket seats, divided by a center console – always a nice discovery. The driver’s seat has burst its seams, but beyond that, the environment checks out well with carpet, dashpad, and door panels looking fine. There is one image of the instrument panel (MPH speedo, not KPH), and the gauges are still clear and legible. Other than the driver’s seat, I’d suggest the interior requires no attention. Oh, one other issue, this is an A/C equipped car (note the underhood Harrison-style evaporator), but the compressor is missing.
I’m on the fence with this generation of the Torino. I seriously disliked them the first time I spied one; I thought it a very less-than-optimal change away from the strong lines of its ’70-’71 predecessor. I still don’t favor the ’73 forward; the park bench-sized federal bumper ruins the look. As for this ’72 G.T., like so many things, the visuals have grown on me, and that’s one reason why I decided to review this car as well as last week’s Ranchero. Let’s talk price; at $18,000 U.S., what’s your thought, priced right or not quite?
I enjoy seeing 1972 Gran Torinos, Sports specifically. I like their expressive, flowing styling with the over-the-top fish mouth grille. Somehow, it all worked. And yes, the 1973 bumpers killed the look. This example appears used but maybe not abused. I prefer the laser stripes and no vinyl roof, but this looks okay too. It does have the desirable sport instrumentation and console.
Growing up, we had a 1972 Gran Torino, but it was a four-door. I learned to drive with it.
Good job Jim.
Thx Bob!
JO
Agree with you Bob always liked the looks of this body style. Also the laser stripe really set this body style off.
Bob, coincidentally I learned to drive with a ‘72 Gran Torino, 4 door also. Great memories! Ours had a similar amount of rust as this example by 1977.
I’m with all the above. ’72 is my favorite year for a Gran Torino and if I was buying one, that would be THE year. Love the front end design on them. We had a famiy friend woth a beautiful dark green one with a vinyl top, same wheel covers as this one. I liked that car as a 7 year old, and still do today. Great write up Jim. I hope this goes to a good new home, the rust gets dealt with and gets a new lease on life.
This car needs to been seen, but for us east coast guys, that’s quite a journey. Just flying out there, viewing the car and if it passes the sniff test, getting the car back to the east coast, that’s a tall order. If it had a 4-spd and the 351 Cobrajet, or at least the 429, it might be worth the journey.
I like all Torinos but the 70 to me was the best for obvious reasons. Most engines options and to me better styling. These are much cheaper though and offer good value.
My uncle had a blue 70 with a 302. I really loved the design of those. These years with the gaping grill never really worked for me. And $18k with all that rust? Whoever wants this bad enough to dish out that amount, better get this thing on a lift for a full inspection before shelling it out.
This Gran Torino is listed on a Canadian Craigslist and usually they are listed in Canadian dollars. If not, they are stated as such. This one is about US $13k.
Thanks for saving me the trouble of posting that… Every single time a Canadian car comes on here, whoever the writer of the article is always supposes its in US dollars, which is always incorrect… I wish they’d clue in to this, I really do… someone might actually get a great deal with the exchange rate!!
That’s the reason that I converted the amount into $ CDN; did you actually read what I wrote in the first paragraph?
JO
As a Canadian note Kph started in 76 although i do remember that my uncles Pontiac Catalina had the MPH in bold numbers while the kph was in smaller characters inside. Go figure, but 77 upward had the kph in prime spot.
One season of the The FBI – Inspector Erskine drives the exact car/color away at the end. I give Ford all the credit for getting their product out there. Great color but wish it was a 351 and not a “yawn” 302…
Nice Ford but I would like to see undercariage pictures and it does look to have that rattle can engine rebuild!
Exactly. There’s no mention of an actual engine out rebuild, so someone got busy with the rattle can and masking tape.
I’m seeing rust on all 4 corners, so even at 13K, we’re looking at quite a bit of work ahead.
My mother bought a 72 Gran Torino Squire new. With the 302 it was dangerously underpowered and also exhibited severe understeer. Regardless, fond memories of that beautiful yellow “goon”.
Without seeing it in person I’d say the price is right. If the frame and drive train have no issues I’d guess it to be worth half of what a restored version to be.
18k a/c is missing. no thanks
I would like to see the VIN. My thought is that the 302 isn’t the original motor. It has a 1971 and older air breather. Also the factory gauge option was not available with the 302 engine.
These are rare to find. Prices have started to reflect that. 18K US is a good deal. I’m willing to bet it is a 351C car.
I just “scored” a 72 Gran Torino sport. Got it from the original owner. Original paint, interior engine… everything! Cobra jet Cleveland!
I did some trading with owner and basically got it for 5K. I have turned down several offers from 15K to 25K.
These are great driving / riding cars.
I think the body style is absolutely one of the most outstanding looking classics out there. I can’t believe Ford didn’t sell millions more. But I’m just predgidous cuz I own a 72 Ranchero GT 460 CJ, and it boogies. Them late model hot rods don’t know what hit em when the lite turns green.
It has a 302 2v air cleaner unless he’s got a sleeper Cleveland under it ?
I had a ’71 briefly. Rearended in the New England snowstorm of ’78. It was a real comfy car. I paid $400 (US) with a bad muffler. The seller handed me back a $20 and apologized for the muffler, lol!
Wouldn’t do a one-wheel peel on an oil slick…plus, all of the rust and crust as a bonus? No thanks.
Anyone remember Fear is the Key? It was a 1972 movie with Barry Newman. His Torino looked a lot like this one. Man, did that car take a beating!
I had same car in chocolate brown and black top 302 ,I put on the 4 barrel and duals , drove nice on the highway . Got it from a widow . It was her hubby’s toy 800 bucks in 1983
I bet you wish you had that car now. That 800 bucks would turn into 20+ times more!