No Reserve M-Code! 1971 Ford Torino GT
Now we’re talkin’! Earlier in the week, I opined about the Ford Torino by stating, “As a subjective matter of taste, I gave the ’69 & ’69 Torino two-thumbs up, thought the ’70 & ’71 got good marks for its progressive aero flair; the ’72? Not so much so“. Lots of back and forth regarding the ’72 and it sounds like there are more fans for that model year than I thought. But now we’re going to examine its predecessor, a ’71, one with the progressive aero flair, and this sharp example reminds me why I like the ’70 & ’71 Torino. This car is located in Las Vegas, Nevada and is available, here on eBay for $12,679 with twenty-nine bids tendered so far.
Ford had all of the intermediate-sized bases covered in ’71 with the Torino. There was a base level Torino, a performance-oriented Torino Cobra, the Sporty Torino GT – with both hardtop and convertible body styles, the bread and butter Torino 500, and of course, a Torino Brougham (every manufacturer had “broughamitude” going on in the 1970s!). There was even a station wagon with and without faux wood paneling. The Torino GT was available from mild to wild, depending on the engine option chosen, but choices did start with at least a V8. The GT’s most distinctive feature is its carefully sculpted hood scoop but other standards included white stripe tires and dual color-keyed racing mirrors.
Our subject car is resplendent with its six-year-old deep red finish. The seller claims it to be rust-free and solid, topside and bottom side, with all original sheet metal and accident-free. The wheels, which appear to be from an earlier era Torino GT, ’69 vintage perhaps, look great in this application. This is a really sharp-looking car!
Having an M-code designation means that there is a 285 gross HP, 351 “Cleveland” V8 engine under the hood. Power was down 15 HP from ’70, ostensibly, as a result of tightening emissions control mandates. The seller claims, “Numbers Matching Car, Runs and drives excellent, engine starts right up with no leaks, smoking, or knocking, Transmission shifts into all gears as it should, this car is a great daily driver car“. There appears to be a replacement distributor, intake manifold, and an open-element air cleaner that have been installed; the valve covers look like replacement items too. The braided hoses are, I guess, a matter of taste. Power to the rear wheels occurs via a three-speed automatic transmission.
This Torino’s mileage is reported to be 94K miles but the entire package, interior included, shows as having experienced less. The upholstery and carpet are in great condition though the dash pad is revealing its age. The instrument panel is a bit dull but still presents well and the steering wheel has typical age cracks. There are some auxiliary gauges that have been installed, inconspicuously beneath the dash – I didn’t notice them until my third pass through the interior.
So, ’71 or ’72? I’ll stick to my guns with a ’71, especially one that is as nice as this example. The auction is almost over, and since this is going for no reserve, someone’s going to get a nice car at an even better price wouldn’t you agree?
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Comments
The 70/71’s have always been my favorite Torino’s. I like both styles.
My dad had a 70 coupe w/302 that I was going to get at 16 but it got ruined in a flood before that could happen.
Does anyone remember this arcade game from the early 70’s?
It had a seat with the 3 pedals a 4 speed shifter, behind the plexiglass was a yellow plastic fastback car and in front of it ran a video of a race track.
You had to keep the car model pointing forward while you banged through the gears.
Recalling it now, it was so primitive, but at that time and me being 10 it was so cool and made me realize that’s what I wanted to drive like, and that’s exactly what I did as soon as I could.
Looks good except for the non OEM bumper guards. The added electric antenna is cool; the under hood and interior could use some TLC to match the
exterior presentation. GLWTA!! :-)
1970-71 were the best muscle Torino’s.
I had an M code 351-4v /C6 that was an original AZ rust free car. Great car and good bones for a street/ strip warrior.
From the outside, the ’70-’71 Torino GT and Cobra have the look of a true muscle car, which they really were especially with the 429 high performance engines. Inside the car it’s kinda boring, the buckets and center console help separate it from the station wagon models, but that’s about it. Compared to the ’72 in every way this was Fords last “sixties” muscle car, unlike the sizzling seventies models that fizzled out quickly.
Make mine a ’66-’67 Fairlane GT or super rare 427 Fairlane every day of the week and twice on Sunday over any mid sized Ford. The styling was right in the thick of it against GM, if not better…….for me anyways.
I have owned three of these two 1970s and one 1971, I was really into these every since as a teen my dad came home with a 70 GT 429. It was white with red int. and had the yellow and orange stripe on the side, one of the best looking cars I’d ever seen. This Torino is a bargain compared to all the rusted out 2nd gen. Chargers that show up on B.F. dally.
The ad says no accidents? I can clearly see a dent in the rear bumper! This is the same platform that Ford used when it made the Falcon in Australia and the M code would have not been the top performer! The X program is famous in the community for being the highest hp production small block of its day !
I didn’t notice anywhere that it said the M code was the top performer.
I don’t think most people would consider a slightly bent bumper an accident.
I’ve always liked these Torinos, nice lines, good power, great drivers. This one looks like a good deal for less than $15K. Does that radiator fan shroud look stock or is that a home-made solution? If I had the garage space, I would bid.
Not a ford guy,but love this style torino,really nice car,if the underside is just as clean as up,then somebody will have a sweet cruiser.
Nice car for under $15k. A bargain in this market.
I am restoring a 71 J code 429 Cobra Jet. It was my high school buddies and now it’s getting a complete numbers matching OEM rebuild. Rare red on red, auto, AC, ps.
1972 was the first year that the Torino outsold the Chevelle
SOLD for $15,302.