Vehicle Description
If you think of a Ford Torino, you likely imagine the red and white
1974 Torino from the "Starsky and Hutch" TV show. But if the only
thing you know about Torinos is that unique bit of pop culture
trivia, you're missing out on some really wonderful automobiles.
The mid-sized Torino was Ford's answer to the Chevrolet Chevelle, a
big, comfortable car with enough performance baked in to keep
things interesting. By 1973, emissions standards and fuel economy
concerns had killed the muscle cars, but Ford was still putting big
engines in the Torino, and the result was a surprisingly quick car
with great road manners and enough room for the entire family.
This 1973 Torino Sport is an excellent example of why the Torino
was so great. With athletic proportions and a fastback-styled body,
there was no question that this was designed to be a performance
car, despite the crippling emissions standards of the time. But it
was a performance car for adults, so you can forget wild paint
schemes and juvenile names, perfectly exemplified by the original
Code 4C Medium Green Metallic that is still found on this car
today. Nicely applied over straight sheet metal, this is the kind
of car that you'll see at shows and be pleasantly surprised by how
attractive it is up close. The green paint is offset nicely by a
black vinyl roof that looks to have been recently replaced, and by
finned trim pieces that run across the bottom of both sides of the
car. The paint isn't perfect, but it was never meant to be show
quality, but rather a good driver-quality finish that fits in any
occasion. Heavy chrome bumpers were part of the package and
common-place in the over-regulated 70's, but they look right on
this car and blend nicely with the original trim and brightwork.
Out back the originality continues, with a big trunk fitted with an
original mat and bias-ply Firestone spare that could very well be
factory-issued.
Just like the exterior, the interior is cool, correct, and features
matching green front and rear bench seats with a sporty
insert-style upholstery job that almost look a little too good to
be original. The standard Torino dashboard was already full of
useful gauges, but a former owner integrated an aftermarket
tachometer and oil pressure gauge into the original bezel and the
addition looks right at home in the Sport. Look hard enough and you
can see the car's luxury underpinnings, and the spacious cockpit is
bright and airy despite the dark upholstery. The headliner looks
newer, that carpet is clean, and the odometer shows just 64,990
miles, which are believed to be actual. An upgraded Pioneer
AM/FM/Cassette stereo system has been installed in place of the
original AM radio, but is currently inoperable, and even though the
steering wheel is correct and looks awesome, it has a few cracks in
it from years of use. So, although the cabin of this Gran Torino
shows some age and isn't perfect, it's obvious someone really cared
about this car throughout its life, and the modifications are both
tasteful and appropriate.
Under the hood, there's more proof that this has always been
someone's cherished toy. The 351 Cleveland is believed to be
original to the car and has been dressed up nicely in a fresh coat
of Ford corporate blue paint on both the block and valve covers. An
Edelbrock 650CFM carburetor with electric choke mounted on an
Edelbrock Torker intake and an HEI distributor snap the small block
to attention with ease and provide this Gran Torino with a little
added dependability for everyday use. The rest of the engine bay is
very clean and is further proof that this car has been well
maintained since day one. Stock manifolds feed a dual exhaust
system featuring Magnaflow mufflers that provide a subtle, baritone
soundtrack that garners just enough attention to pique curiosity at
a red light. Have a look underneath and you'll find Ford's
indestructible C6 3-speed automatic transmission powering a 9-inch
rear end with highway friendly 3.25 gears. Look a little closer and
you'll see just how solid and clean this car is, with floors that
look like they haven't seen rain in decades. Front disc brakes and
power steering make each drive more pleasurable, and the whole look
is completed with stock wheels wrapped in 215/70/14 white-letter
radials.
Preserved nicely and maintained regularly thanks to conscientious
ownership it's entire life, this Gran Torino Sport is a solid car
that's a blast to drive. Documented with an original warranty card
and owner's manual and ready to cruise immediately. Call today!
