Sometimes the line between restoration and refurbishment can be blurred. Such is the case with this 1970 Ford Torino Cobra. It presents superbly, and its owner has utilized genuine Ford parts to return it to its former glory. So far, that suggests that they performed a faithful restoration. However, a change of paint color and different wheels may convince some that this should be classed as refurbished. Regardless of which camp you may fall into, there’s no denying that it is a stunning classic. It deserves to find its way to a new home under the care of a passionate enthusiast, and that person could be you. Located in Lula, Georgia, you will find the Torino listed for sale here on Craigslist. You could fly in and drive away in this Cobra by handing the owner $60,500. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this beauty for us.

When determining whether the owner has restored or refurbished this Torino, the first consideration is the color. The included Marti Report reveals that the car rolled off the line wearing Light Ivy Yellow paint. The owner performed a color change, with the Cobra finished in what appears to be Competition Yellow. This new shade is far bolder than the original, but most readers will find it attractive. The paint seems free from any significant flaws, holding an impressive depth of shine. It cloaks panels that show no evidence of dings or dents, with gaps about as tight and consistent as you are ever likely to find on a Torino of this vintage. One of the advantages of lighter paint shades is that they can make it easy to spot rust or corrosion problems. There are none visible in the supplied photos, and the seller doesn’t mention any issues in the listing text. The exterior trim is immaculate, as is the tinted glass. The Torino originally wore steel wheels with trim rings and hubcaps. It now rolls on a shiny set of Magnum 500s that perfectly suit the car’s character.

The Torino’s interior is trimmed in factory Black Turin Knit vinyl, and its presentation is as impressive as the exterior. There are no signs of wear or physical damage to the upholstery, carpet, or dash. The big-ticket item is a perfect dash pad. These are prone to UV damage and deterioration, and I’ve lost count of how many I’ve seen sporting significant cracks. This can be a drama because they are not a cheap items. This one appears perfect, so the buyer won’t be spending cash on a replacement. The original owner ordered the Cobra with air conditioning, and while it isn’t installed, the seller includes the parts required to reinstate the system. Otherwise, there’s little for the buyer to do but slip behind the wheel and relish the classic car ownership experience.

If you fancy a classic car complete with a touch of Tabasco, this Torino could be the car of your dreams. Its engine bay houses the legendary 429 Cobra Jet Ram Air V8 that churns out 370hp. The power finds its way to the road via a three-speed C6 automatic transmission and a 3.0 rear end. At 3,935lbs, the Cobra is not the lightest car on the planet. That makes its ability to cover the ¼ mile in 14.7 seconds before winding its way to 134mph look mighty impressive. Frustratingly, the seller provides no information on how well this Ford runs or drives. However, there are a few clues that help us remain positive. They state that they used mainly genuine Ford parts during the build, suggesting no cheap-and-nasty components are hiding under the skin. Secondly, the engine bay presents beautifully, and the underside shots reveal no evidence of fluid leaks or other problems. That should allow us to remain quietly confident that the car is in excellent mechanical health. The seller includes a Marti Report and original Build Sheet in the sale for those who like their documentation.

Whether you consider this 1970 Torino Cobra as restored or refurbished, there’s no denying that it is a stunning classic. The supplied photos suggest that the owner has lavished plenty of care and attention on this build to produce a car capable of turning heads wherever it goes. The seller’s asking price is heading towards the upper end of what you might expect to pay for a spotless example with these specifications. It’s worth noting that values have recently softened on the Torino Cobra, but that could prove advantageous for potential buyers with one eye focused on the future. Purchasing any classic car as a financial investment is always risky because some will perform well in the market while others will plummet mercilessly. My instinct says that if Torino values haven’t already reached rock bottom, they can’t be far from it. If I am right, we should start to see values begin to climb again within a few months. That could make now the perfect time to park one in your garage. Is that enough to tempt you to pursue this one further?