Forest Find: 1971 Ford Torino GT Project
The Torino nameplate debuted in 1968 as the top level of the mid-size Ford Fairlane lineup. By 1971, it was the primary torchbearer and the Fairlane name disappeared into the history books. The GT was the sporty model, available only as a SportsRoof (Ford-speak for fastback) or a convertible. This 1971 edition is part of a collection that appears to have been sitting in the woods for some time. The motor has been replaced, but the seller doesn’t know if the Ford runs. Located in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, this battered Torino is available here on eBay where the current bid is the odd amount of $2,275.11.
Ford redesigned its intermediates in 1970, and the cars would take on a more aerodynamic look. You would think that helped the car in places like NASCAR where slippery shapes help in racing. Apparently, it did not, and the cars were revamped again in 1972. They had trouble competing with the likes of the Chevy Chevelle in the showroom, though the Torino GT did see a production of 31.641 units in 1971 (plus another 14,204 500s and Cobras in the SportsRoof body style).
The GT came with a hood scoop (non-functional), special identification, bigger tires, and an optional “laser” reflective stripe which the seller’s car has. The 302 cubic inch V8 was standard and you could option your GT with up to a 429 if you wanted. The VIN on this car says it came with a 351 with a 4-barrel, but the seller says a 302 is there now. The transmission is a column-shifted automatic as this is a bench-seat car (buckets were optional).
Besides the engine, everything else on this vehicle is original, per the seller. It has the tachometer option which we’re told is rare. No attempt to start the car has been made and it has probably occupied the same spot for some time. We don’t know how much damage Mother Nature may have caused over the duration, but there is a big dent in the passenger side door that may prevent it from closing all the way, detrimental to the passenger compartment. Since no reserve is in play, this could be a “cheap wheels” acquisition.
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Comments
My brother bought a 70 torino around 1978, his had the 351C 4V, it also had the ribbon tach that was very hard to see
This does not look like a 302 to me. The heads are too far apart, so maybe a 351 Windsor. Not a Cleveland because the upper radiator hose goes into the water pump, not the block. What do you think, FORD experts. Please agree with me, or not…
Looks like a 80s model 302 from a mustang etc, with carb intake..
Yes, this engine looks similar to what a previous owner put in my 1966 F-100 pickup. It originally came with a 240 6 cylinder and automatic trans, now with the 1987- 92, I think, Mustang HO 302 and Weiand intake, 4-barrel Holley, newer AOD trans. At my age, though, I would have been happy with the 240, though the engine sure sounds fine, with Hooker headers and dual exhaust. I have used it mostly for hauling wood and some shows. Still a work and pleasure truck. I like this Torino, may be a deal.
A shameful waste of a classic. Located near Raleigh, NC where I lived & worked for 40 years. As Russ pointed out, Ford had competition back then. However, the year prior in 1970, Motor Trend awarded the Torino top honors.
“Don’t know if it runs” is a lazy and deceptive way of saying “It doesn’t run”.
Probably savable if it’s cheap enough.
I guess I got spoiled when I just saw one , no damage, real 351C FOR $9500.