429 Cobra Project: 1970 Ford Torino
While I am on a Ford Torino thing, I thought it would be interesting to see the comparison between this recently featured 1968 example and this 1970 Cobra version that turned up on our tip list. Definitely a project but still, a desirable collectible, let’s see if this Torino is a viable restoration candidate. Located in Springfield, Missouri, this Ford Cobra is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $10,000.
Whereas the ’68 Torino/Fairlane was a notable departure from the previous ’66/’67 version, the ’70/’71 was a step-change again. Both notchback and Sportroof (fastback) body styles, along with four-door sedans/hardtops and station wagons were still offered. The total lineup now included the Torino Brougham, Torino GT, Torino Cobra, Torino, and the Fairlane 500. To add some confusion to the line-up, there was a mid-year Falcon model added but it was now based on, and styled like, the mid-sized Fairlane. The traditional Falcon compact platform had given way to the newly introduced Maverick.
The VIN for this car tells us that it is a Torino Cobra powered by an N-Code 429 CI V8 engine. The N-code power rating shows as 360 gross HP, where the 370 HP “Cobra-Jet” powerplant would be designated as a “Q-code”. Regardless, this engine has been pretty well stripped and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. A three-speed automatic transmission handles gear changes.
Obviously, the body of this Cobra needs some attention. There is a missing fender that is included along with another dinged-up pair of fenders from a Torino GT. The seller adds, “The blue doors that are mounted on the Cobra have formal roof glasses currently in them, however, factory tinted glasses from the Torino GT Fastback are also included along with the quarter glasses“. If I understand him completely, that means the windows are wrong for the door/roofline but there are proper, usable windows included in the sale. The floor pan is claimed to be rust-free but the quarters will need to be replaced.
The bench seat interior is pretty ratty and the instrument cluster has been removed and banished to the trunk. The moldy interior is so loaded with parts etc. that it’s difficult to make a discernment about its overall condition. The black vinyl upholstery does appear to be intact, however, without rips, tears and what have you. Interesting to note is the construction of a homemade rollbar behind the front seat and extending downward through the package tray and into the trunk.
The seller suggests that this car, “does need to be restored” and it will probably take a long-bed pickup to haul all of this Torino’s parts away. No doubt about it, this is a seldomly encountered Ford muscle car and a complete redo is in order. Whoever decides to take it on, however, will have their work cut out for them, wouldn’t you agree?
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Comments
Doesn’t look promising at $10k. Looks more like a collection of parts with a bunch missing.
Aftermarket self steering. Has a brick for cruise control available to prospective buyers.
No pics of the lower body, never mind the underbelly. You would defintely want to look er over before you pull the trigger. Since the guy sells ford and rustang parts, you might surmise that the parts included have been cherry picked. Another one from the bottom of the barrel. Good luck and happy motoring!
Cheers
GPC
What a pile of ____!!
That rope holding the door shut should bring another $50,000 to the price, everyone knows that’s cutting edge technology, for 1970…LOL !!
Ratty all over, too much for it
Other than the cobra emblem on a dash that may or may not have come on this Torino , how do we know if this is a real cobra? The Martin report would tell I’m sure but without that is there any information in the vin# or any other clues? I’ve always wanted a70 cobra and as ruff as this car is if it is a genuine cobra 10 grand might not be too crazy of a price.
It would take far more $$$ to restore this car to respectable condition than it would to just buy one already finished with a cleaner history!
I always liked the ’70-’71 Torinos and have owned two ’70s in my lifetime. My first was one of those “never should have sold it but needed the money” jobs… a Calypso Coral (bright red) GT convertible with a 429 Super Cobra Jet engine with solid lifters… shaker hood scoop, hideaway headlights, etc. It had a four-speed Hurst shifter. Interior was black, convertible top was white. I was the second owner and the car had 6k miles on it. Every option except air conditioning because it was not offered on that engine. Ford’s compressors couldn’t handle the power and revs. That’s why in Ford’s Lincolns, they used GM’s Fridgidare compressors… not for the revs, just for the reliability and more quiet operation.
My second ’70 Torino, also a GT was a fastback coupe, one of my favorite designs, an example of a hardtop having better style than the same car in drop top form. It had a 351 Cleveland engine (far superior to the 351 Windsor) with a four-speed Hurst shifter. No a/c, but hideaway headlights. The only thing I wasn’t happy with was the color… Ford called it “yellow”,
I called it “baby s#*t brown!
Too much money for a car that has been sitting outside these will rot from the cowl in front of windshield and the rear window area.Im sure the 429 is long gone so this looks like a parts project.
Trying to think what might be original on the car now as for a cobrajet icar it is not. For 3 grand I might go for it. Does remind me of the one I owned
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Anyone else notice the ROLL BAR. This thing has been rode hard and put away wet.
man, lub ta C the one who stold it’s parts (seems done yrs ago – it may B on its next paint by now !). N, Q who cares (cept for resale & this is not 1 those guys would want, boomers R agin out). Stand beside one – that FB seems miles long. (Ahh, the day, 1 model: notch, FB, sedan, coup, s. wagon. 5 motor choices, 3 or 4 trannies…
That is WAY to much for this POS. The Torino is a hot car but this thing will need a TON of cash thrown at it. Sight unseen this junker might be worth 2K from someone in a generous mood.