We have seen many stalled projects over the years here at Barn Finds, and some manage to stall before they can start. That is the case with this 1970 Ford Torino Cobra. The owner had high hopes but admits that he would never get to this classic. Therefore, he has decided that it needs to go to someone who will have more success than he. Adding to the temptation is the drivetrain combination that features a 429ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. Located in Mexia, Texas, you will find the Torino listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has rocketed beyond the reserve to $12,600.

While it might be dusty, it appears that this Calypso Coral Cobra isn’t rusty. It seems that it has spread its life between Texas and New Mexico. Both climates are conducive to preserving classic steel, and that appears to be the case here. The owner supplies no underside shots, but the exterior looks pretty clean. The interior photos show that the carpet is long gone. That isn’t necessarily bad news because it gives us a clear look at the floors. Once again, these look remarkably clean. The panels look pretty straight, with no significant issues for the buyer to tackle. I’m not sure if the Shaker and hood are original, but I suspect that the buyer may need to invest in a Marti Report to confirm this. The glass looks good, and the trim seems restorable, so the overall impression is that refreshing the panels and paint should not be a difficult or expensive process.

We’ve reached the point with this Torino where the water gets slightly muddy. The owner is unsure whether the car is numbers-matching, and that’s something that I can’t confirm. The VIN indicates that the Torino rolled off the line in Atlanta, Georgia, sporting a 429ci “Thunder Jet” V8 that produced 360hp. Those horses found their way to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Pointed at a ¼ mile, it would have blitzed it in 14.6 seconds. The owner doesn’t indicate whether the V8 runs or turns freely. I believe that the “Cobra Jet” Shaker is little more than a cosmetic addition and that it serves no practical function. If that is the case, an in-person inspection may confirm the motor as the original. If this is the case, it will only help the car’s potential value once work is complete.

While the interior may be complete, there’s no hiding the fact that it needs nothing less than a total restoration. The original owner ordered this classic trimmed in Black vinyl, and it remains essentially intact. However, it will likely consume a few dollars before it sparkles like a new penny once again. We can see that it will need new carpet and seat upholstery, but the state of the door trims and headliner is a lucky dip. If either is beyond help, the most cost-effective solution would be for the buyer to invest $1,700 in a trim kit. That’s not the end of the story because the dash pad sports a large crack. I believe that it is irreparable, so we can add a further $400 to the costs. The console is missing its lid and has a piece broken out of the side. If it is also past its best, we’ve just lightened the buyer’s wallet by a further $700 for a reproduction console. That brings the total to $2,800, and we haven’t discussed items like the wheel or other components that we can’t see clearly in the supplied photos. This aspect of the restoration won’t be cheap, but it will add a sense of pride once the owner downs his tools for the final time.

For potential buyers, this 1970 Torino Cobra looks like a promising project. The photos suggest no significant rust, and its drivetrain combination should make it entertaining when the driver stamps on the right pedal. Restored to a high standard, it could generate a value well over $30,000. On a good day, that storming V8 could help it to nudge $40,000. If it sells for somewhere around the current bid range, it could be a project that makes sound financial sense. Would you take on this project?