Vehicle Description
This is a true car of distinction. The 1976 Ford Gran Torino Elite
was introduced as a personal luxury coupe with its own character,
and you instantly know it, because this example is so correctly
preserved and presented. With a strong 351W V8, good factory
options, and only 55,163 actual miles on the odometer, this is a
very special Gran Torino.
By 1976, the Starsky and Hutch Gran Torino was at the height of its
popularity. But this one goes in a much different direction, and
you can tell that from the moment it comes into view. The single
headlight fascia is unique to the Elite model that was introduced a
few years before, and we absolutely love the look. It gives the
coupe an instant distinction that we don't see too often today. So
we bet you'll get plenty of people asking, "Hey, what's that car?".
As the top-dog in the Gran Torino lineup, this one cost more in
1976 than most of Ford's full-sized offerings, and you can see
where the Blue Oval put the money toward. And that's because it's a
premium coupe that was taking aim at cars like the Chevy's Monte
Carlo, hoping to cut into a market Ford was desperate to get a
foothold in. You see it in the luxury details like the paint, the
Cream shade is all factory-original, and you can see how deep the
factory shine was on this well-preserved example. This is from the
'70s, so there's plenty of premium earthtones to coordinate with
the paint on everything from the trim line rub strips to the vinyl
roof. And we know you love those factory wheel covers that complete
the look.
Inside, you'll be hard pressed to find anything that isn't original
or in very good condition, with comfortable gold vinyl bench seats
that show very little wear. This car was always well-cared for, and
so you'll love taking family and friends for a drive. In fact,
while this was Ford's intermediate offering, in today's world, that
means plenty of room to carry everyone in comfort. But even if
you're just out for a solo cruise, this Gran Torino Elite is the
right choice. As a personal luxury machine, all the controls wrap
around the driver, including the original AM/FM stereo, cruise
control, and factory air conditioning that still blows cold R12
refrigerant. The dual-spoke steering wheel has that perfect feeling
or originality, and it gives you a commanding view of the sporty
five-dial round gauge panel. Out back, the spacious trunk has
plenty of room for luggage and houses a full-size spare and
original jack set.
Ford's legendary 351 cubic-inch Windsor V8 provides plenty of power
for the coupe. It looks quite right with the bold blue air topper
hovering above the correct blue block, with signs of regular
maintenance throughout. With such a correct presentation, right
down to the factory decals, not to mention the low original miles
on the clock, we strongly suspect this to be the original motor.
The V8 power means effortless torque at any speed and the kind of
pulling power that defined luxury in the '70s. It floats down the
road like a good 70s machine should, and with a C4 three-speed
automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc
brakes, Ford's Elite coupe a breeze to drive. Underneath it's very
solid and all original, further proof of a life lived easy, and the
body rolls on stock steel wheels adorned with wire hubcaps, all of
which are wrapped in 235/75/15 Hankook blackwall radials with
plenty of tread left.
Complete with an original owner's manual and factory buildsheet,
you're looking at the kind of classic luxury machine that isn't
seen very often these days. So with a presentation this nice, and a
price this low, you should hurry to grab this deal because it won't
last long. Call today!
