Vehicle Description
If you think of a Ford Torino, you undoubtedly imagine the red and
white 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 Gran Torino Sport, and the result was a surprisingly
quick car with great road manners and enough room for the entire
family.
This 1973 Gran 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 a
performance car. But it was a performance car for adults, so you
can forget wild paint schemes and juvenile names. This car's vivid
Medium Bright Yellow paint job was not a factory option in 1973,
but like the bright red from the TV show, the shape looks brilliant
with bold colors. Nicely applied over some straight sheet metal,
this is the kind of car that you'll see at shows and be pleasantly
surprised by how attractive they are. It's easy to see yourself
behind the wheel of this big cruiser, looking out over that big
hood with the Shaker scoop, and listening to the rumbling V8
underneath. The paint is two-stage urethane, which gives it an
incredible shine that is most definitely not from the 1970s.
Breaking up the yellow shade nicely, there's a black vinyl top and
Cobra decal package, which provide just enough contrast without
looking too busy. Heavy chrome bumpers were part of the package,
and they are in good condition on this car as well.
You'll love this Ford's broken-in tan leather interior, which
features matching front and rear bench seats with a sporty
insert-style upholstery job that make it look like a four-seater.
The standard Torino dashboard was already full of useful gauges,
and it 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 thanks in part to the light-colored upholstery. The
gauges and controls are all original, and that big dash is free of
any of the typical cracks found in many vehicles from this era. The
original AM/FM radio is right where it's supposed to be, as that
comfortable original steering column. Despite some bumps and
bruises inside from years of regular wear and tear, It's obvious
someone really cared about this car throughout its life.
Under the hood, there's more proof that this has always been
someone's cherished toy. The original, numbers matching 351C Cobra
Jet has been dressed up for show in a fresh coat of Ford corporate
blue paint, along with matching valve covers and air cleaner
assembly that the Shaker scoop sits in. The rest of the engine bay
is very clean and is further proof that this car has been well
maintained since day one. Have a look underneath and you'll find
Ford's indestructible C6 3-speed automatic transmission powering a
9-inch rear end. 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. A true dual exhaust system has been installed, and
uses Flowmaster mufflers to deliver a throaty rumble that perfectly
fits this car's mission. The suspension, power steering and power
front disc brakes are stock, and it rolls on a set of flashy mag
wheels with modern, white-letter performance radials.
While the Chevelles are getting all the attention (and their prices
are skyrocketing accordingly), the equally nice and much more
unique Ford Gran Torino Sport provides a worthy alternative. This
exceptionally solid, well-maintained and tastefully modified
fastback drives as well as it looks, and it likely won't last long.
Call today!!