Ford Motor Company introduced the Torino model in 1968 as an upscale variant to their intermediate sized Fairlane line and the subseries was almost immediately a hit with consumers. The available sportsroof (fastback) body option available on the Torino GT coupled with high-horsepower engine options served as Ford’s competitor in the muscle car wars competing with the Chevy Chevelle SS, the Pontiac GTO, the Buick Skylark GS, the Dodge Charger, the Plymouth Road Runner and the AMC Rebel. Adding to the model’s high-performance legacy was the fact the new Torino sportsroof model was the vehicle of choice for NASCAR teams running the Blue Oval banner. The slogan “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday” seemed to hold true for many car manufacturers.
By the time the second generation of Ford’s Torino was introduced for the 1970 model year, the Fairlane was a lower-end subseries of the Torino completely reversing Ford’s policy only two years previous. After the 1971 model year the Fairlane name disappeared from the model offerings completely while the Torino nameplate lasted through the 1976 model year. The second generation Torino was longer, wider and lower than the first models, while retaining unitized body construction. The result was a nicer ride and better road-handling capabilities. The previous boxy, angular body was replaced with a more rounded, sleek exterior referred to as Coke-bottle styling.
The sporty Torino GT was now only available in two body styles—the two-door sportsroof or two-door convertible. Engine options for the GT were plentiful: A buyer could order a 302 cubic inch V8 with two-barrel carburetor, a 351 cubic inch Windsor in either two barrel or four barrel configuration, a 351 cubic inch Cleveland with either carburetor option or the massive 429 cubic inch Cobra Jet four barrel powerplant. Transmission options included a three-speed manual, a four-speed manual and a three-speed automatic. Numerous suspension packages were available as well as several rear differential options. A customer could order their new Torino GT as mild or wild as their budget would allow!
The second-generation interior for the GT came standard with high-back bucket seats and a center console. As mandated by federal regulations, the ignition was moved to the locking steering column. All transmissions were floor-shifted on the GT models. The instrumentation featured a linear speedometer, with an optional temperature gauge and an optional ribbon-style tachometer. Warning lights alerted for low oil pressure and low amperage.
The Torino GT proved to be a popular seller for Ford, with a total of 60,758 units manufactured in 1970. Convertible production was a scant 6.5 percent of total production, as 3,939 ragtop models came out of the factory. After 50 years, the convertible models are significantly rare regardless of the powertrain combination.
This 1970 Torino GT convertible was built at Ford’s Lorain, Ohio assembly plant and completed Oct. 10, 1969. It was ordered as dealer stock by Joe Gibson Ford in Greenville, TX and sold to an unknown customer on February 18, 1970. The car has been in the portfolio of the present investor/collector since July 2006 and at that time was titled in the state of Oklahoma. At the time of purchase, the odometer read 3,354 miles and has been driven less than 50 miles since purchase. We believe this to be the miles driven since the restoration was complete but in compliance with Missouri statutes this car will be sold mileage exempt due to age.
Finished in Dark Ivy Green Metallic and a white top, the interior of this vehicle sports high-back bucket seats wrapped in Black Turin knit/weave fabric. Deluxe seat belts also appear on the dealership paperwork. The car has been resprayed at some point and the paint and the brightwork are excellent. Paperwork in the file indicates the convertible top is not original to the car. In virtually every way the car presents itself beautifully and appears equipped as ordered. While not indicated in the original paperwork, this car also has the rare, unique ribbon-style tachometer that appeared on some GT models as part of the GT package.
The original dealer invoice and other dealer documentation is included in the paperwork for this vehicle. Additionally, a deluxe Marti report from 2001 personally signed by Kevin Marti confirms the information listed in the previous paragraph as well as noting the car was ordered from the factory with the 351 cubic inch four barrel engine, the FMX three-speed automatic transmission, shaker hood, power steering, power front disc brakes, power convertible top with back glass window, Selectaire air conditioning, laser stripe and AM radio. According to the Marti report, this vehicle is one of only 289 Torino GT convertibles built with this paint code and one of just 59 with this specific paint and trim combination. It was one of 674 built with these engine and transmission codes, making this a remarkably rare car. Only 1.5 percent of all 1970 Torino GT convertibles match this paint and trim spec. This would make an excellent car for a collector wanting to add a rare Ford to their muscle car portfolio or a fantastic cornerstone to build a Ford collection around.
Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this extremely unique, highly collectible 1970 Ford Torino GT convertible at $42,900 USD. We will gladly provide assistance with shipping and transportation arrangements at the buyer’s expense. To discuss this vehicle further or to make an offer, contact sales manager Steve Russell at 417-532-8000. To see other investment-quality collector vehicles offered by Evergreen Digital Showroom please visit our website, www.evergreendigitalshowroom.com.
NOTICE
Because of the number of vehicles we represent we cannot drive every vehicle for long distances. These vehicles have been part of static displays for long periods of time, in some cases for decades, and are subject to the flaws and imperfections consistent with that. While we do our best to disclose all issues we known about a vehicle in our advertising, these are old cars and something that has always worked in the past might not function properly today. Please check the requirements of your state regarding the licensing and registration of classic vehicles and make sure the vehicle you are looking at meets those if applicable. Unless otherwise noted, all vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom possess a clean (non-branded) title which will be provided the new buyer when purchase funds clear our financial institution. Virtually all of our vehicles are sold as mileage exempt due to their age. We do not warranty any vehicle, nor any part of the vehicle including air conditioning systems, brake systems, electrical systems and gauges, fuel systems, accessories or powertrain components.
These are old vehicles and it is very common for them to require certain maintenance and upkeep for them to be operational. In many cases issues with leaks may develop when being driven after a long period of not being used. This is common, as classic cars at some point will leak fluids. For this reason, we do not encourage buyers to attempt driving their purchase home as we cannot guarantee functional reliability of these vehicles. We strongly encourage prospective buyers to be sure they are comfortable with these issues before purchasing a classic car.
Descriptions of vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom are intended to be informational in nature and do not in any way constitute any sort of warranty, expressed or implied. Again, these vehicles are presented “as-is, where-is” without guarantee or warranty. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 will likely not be included in the databases of companies such as CarFax and AutoCheck that provide vehicle history information to consumers. If you have specific questions regarding a vehicle we urge you to contact us at 417-532-8000.
