Rust-Free Survivor: 1973 Ford Gran Torino Sport
This 1973 Ford Gran Torino Sport is a two-owner survivor that is in excellent condition. The owner has been meticulous with the maintenance, meaning it is ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately. It is located in Chicago, Illinois, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The reserve hasn’t been met with the current $12,600 bid.
Finished in Ivy Glow Metallic, the Gold Laser Stripe adds a pleasing contrast. The seller believes that the Ford has undergone at least a partial repaint during its time with the original owner. He says that there are some faded spots on the hood and front fenders, but these aren’t visible in the supplied photos. The paint holds a lovely shine, and the panels appear to be straight. The striping is starting to look slightly faded, and replacing this would lift the external appearance. Kits are available for $280, which seems to be pretty reasonable. There are no signs of rust issues, and the owner makes no mention of any problems in his listing. The 1973 model year heralded the introduction of the 5 mph front bumper, which is a love it/hate it feature. The bumper, combined with other styling and safety changes, added appreciable weight to the Gran Torino. However, the tidier frontal styling over the 1972 model does make the new bumper slightly less intrusive. The Ford is fitted with tinted glass, which appears to be free from significant flaws. The vehicle rolls on Magnum 500 wheels, which I believe to be a recent addition. These also present nicely.
The interior of the Gran Torino is trimmed in Green vinyl and is in generally good condition. There is a seam separation on the driver’s seat, but this appears to be repairable. The rest of the trim is spotlessly clean, and there are no visible problems with the dash. The original owner must have been proud of this car because he did his best to protect it. When the current owner purchased it, there was a cover over the carpet. He removed this and found that the carpet was in as-new condition. The original AM radio is gone, and a radio/cassette player occupies that spot in the dash. The factory radio also featured dual rear speakers, but it isn’t clear whether the replacement unit uses these. If the buyer wants to maintain originality, then the AM radio is included in the sale. The Ford was ordered with air conditioning, but it isn’t clear whether this functions.
The owner supplies no engine photos, but the Gran Torino was ordered with a 351ci Cleveland V8 and automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The vehicle has 118,000 miles on the clock, and this is documented. When the current owner took possession, he treated the car to some significant mechanical refreshment. Virtually every suspension component has been replaced, along with all hoses, all belts, the fuel pump, fuel filter, and the temperature sensor. The result of all of this work is a classic that drives like new. The 351 kick straight into life, it runs cleanly, and the transmission shifts smoothly. He claims that he recently found himself in heavy traffic on a scorching day, and the engine temperature remained stable.
The 3rd Generation was the last for the Gran Torino. The model was discontinued in 1976, although the chassis did live on in various Ford and Mercury models through until 1979. This car looks like a real beauty, and its needs are minimal. It is an eye-catching classic, and the few issues that I have identified would be easy and relatively inexpensive to address. Tackle those over the Winter months, and when the sun shines brightly once again, you would be ready to hit the road in an extremely tidy survivor.
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Comments
“However, the tidier frontal styling over the 1972 model does make the new bumper slightly less intrusive.” The addition of the “cowcatcher” front bumper is (IMO) NO WAY less intrusive, protruding out as a battering ram! Obviously, I’m in the “hate it” camp, LOL! Otherwise, a nice looking car; personally, I would trim back the exhaust tips. GLWTA!! :-)
I like the 1972 fish-mouth grille over the 1973 flat front. A frat brother has a gold 1972 GT which I ‘was allowed’ to gladly wash… that meant I had the opportunity to drive it. A nice change from my 1972 Pinto.
Ironically, the 1973 Fords had an all new style of steering wheel and this appears to be from the 71-72 era??? Did they hold them over for the 73 Torino Sport?
My uncle special ordered a ’72 in that exact color scheme. I kept hearing him refer to Drag Pack and 351 Cobra Jet. I went with him to pick the car up and have many enjoyable memories of that car.
There’s currently one of these 73’s for sale in Adelaide, South Australia, a Cobra Jet, full ground up resto to better than new condition, gold with the laser stripe. The owner was killed and his partner is wanting to sell it but it’s up for about 50 grand Australian, these types of cars get those prices all the time down here. Check out the auction sites in OZ for prices.
This Torino looks like a very nice car. The condition, in and out, looks great and the 351 Cleveland should provide decent performance. The ’71 or ’72 Galaxie also caught my eye, it looks like a twin to my ’72 Galaxie 500 that I’ve owned for 25 years. Years ago I owned a ’74 Torino, blue on blue, 302 auto, that was a great daily driver. Sold that to a buddy who wrecked it after too many beers. It looks like whoever ends up with this ’73 Torino should be happy with it.
Very nice Torino, good condition, attractive colors. I’d be glad to own it, but if I did, I would probably be like Moparman…. wish I had a 72, I like their styling better. Also I really like the interiors best when equipped with bucket seats, console, and the sport instrumentation.
In the big picture, these Torinos go for solid but not outrageous prices. I hope it goes to a good home.
No Gran Torino movie quotes yet? Really?
I came here to do just that. Get off my lawn!!
I thought the same thing, but it’s the wrong year/styling.
close enough!
Agree with the others that it appears to be a nice car but the front bumper is ugly. Don’t get that the seller claims to have put $4k into it, yet he won’t spend $150 or so to replace the battery. That move might have helped to meet his apparent reserve of $15k or so.
The 1972 is a much meaner and cleaner, now ” Get off my lawn “.
I love the 73. I never liked the grill/bumper combo of the 72. Raced a 72 with a 73 front for several years at local tracks. It was the biggest thing on the track. The 351C with a stock 4bbl Holley, and a 6.00 gear in the 9 inch was a beast on the track.
Cool car, and I am a big fan of these and the Montego GT’s . But…when compared to the sporting 70’s mid-size offerings of GM (442, Gran Sport, Laguna’s, SS’s, monte carlo, Grand Am’s, Gran Prix’s and GTO’s) these cars often come up short equipment wise – 2 bbl carbs, single exhausts, bench seats, standard dash/no gauges, open diff’s, etc..not a hard and fast rule, but it’s what I see more often than not and I’m generally disappointed. The Torino Sport and Montego GT seem just like emblem packages…
Gran Torino quote ” Ain’t she sweet “
Nice looking car, but nothing special. It was probably just a lot car when new. Very few desirable options, standard engine and transmission, plain color scheme. All it’s really got going for it is age and condition. Sure you’d get thumbs up and smiles as you drive along, but it wouldn’t make a statement at any car show. To me a car like this is $8 grand at best.
God bless America
The green color with the laser stripe option is a very desirable combo on these cars.
I can guarantee that this car will draw plenty of attention at any Cars and Coffee or car event that you would take it to.
Nice green machine. I’m sure it will draw a few smiles at any car show, especially with those wheels. Make sure that Cleveland growls with authority but those tail pipes could be a bit shorter as someone already pointed out.
Not the muscular menace like the earlier cobra jet Torinos from late ’68 thru ’71 but it’s got good lines and curves.
A friend in St.Louis back in the late 70s had a 73 Gran Torino Sport Fastback in the copper color with matching striping.
It was equipped with the 351CJ backed up with stock Hurst top loader 4sp.
The fenders were big enough to fit 12″ treads inside them without body mods.
Cannot picture Clint Eastwood, the REAL MAN, driving this one, as it doesn’t
have bucket seats…the Gran Torino co-starred in one of the better pictures by
the MAN ! God bless the MAN, and, hey, why not the Torino too……
Dirty Harry, that’s how I see Clint Eastwood, always have always will, and he drove Fords at least in the older flicks.” Do you feel lucky? Well, do you?” Cold and bold……
Neat car in Gran Torino, couldn’t stand to see him go down in that movie. Shucks.
Owned a ’74 Ranchero GT, the front end didn’t look this hideous.
Feeling lucky punk? Oops. Wrong movie. Throw in Clint Eastwood as driver and you got a deal
Wonder why Ford got rid of the hood scoops in ’73, tho the ’72 was not really a muscle car.
I would imagine it would be very hard to convert a ’73 or later front end to a ’72, if even you could find the parts.