Vehicle Description
7557 original miles (not a typo). Virtually as-new throughout.
Great colors, 351/auto, cold factory A/C. Freshly and extensively
serviced, recent tires, very well documented with build sheet and
Marti Report. Unusual '70s Ford that's a slam-dunk in preservation
class judging.You may not recall the Ford Elite, but it was
designed to fill the gap created as the Thunderbird moved upmarket.
Based on the Torino, it has great proportions and the standard 351
cubic inch V8 made it feel more sporting than the Lincoln-like
T-Bird. With just over 7500 original miles, this incredible
survivor is pretty much a new 1976 Ford. It showcases Ford's build
quality of the period (not bad at all) and obviously it's in
fantastic shape. It has never seen winter weather, so the bodywork
and undercarriage are outstanding and the chrome shows extremely
well. There's also a padded vinyl half top with twin opera windows
that give it an awesome '70s look. Even the pinstripes are painted
on, not tape! From the side it has an awesome long hood/short deck
look that's still very appealing. Lenses, emblems, and glass are
all original as well and in pretty much new condition. I don't know
where this car spent its life, but someone was looking after it.The
red cloth interior is as beautiful as the exterior and just as well
preserved. The split bench seat looks a lot like buckets and adds
to the sporty feel of the Elite, as do the round gauges ahead of
the driver. Interestingly enough, those gauges are complete:
tachometer, oil pressure, temperature, ammeter, and they're all
fully operational. It's also equipped with factory A/C that works
properly (still R12!) as well as dual remote sport mirrors. The
Philco AM radio isn't particularly exciting, but that's how it was
originally equipped and it, too, is fully operational. We're
guessing the back seat has never been used and even the seat belts
are bright and supple. Heck, this car is so original that the seat
belt warning label is still on the driver's windshield visor. Nice!
There's also a good sized trunk with original mat and what appears
to be the original spare tire that's never been used. That's pretty
impressive.The engine is a 351 cubic inch Windsor V8 topped by a
freshly rebuilt 2-barrel carburetor. Like any new car, it starts
easily, idles nicely, and just goes about its business with a
minimum of fuss. The engine bay is clean and correctly finished, as
it should be, with only items like the battery, belts, and hoses
being replacements. There's still bright Ford Blue on the air
cleaner and block, factory decals are still completely intact and
legible, and all the systems are working properly. Underneath
there's a C4 3-speed automatic transmission spinning 2.75 gears in
the 9-inch rear end and yes, that's a 100% original factory exhaust
system! It rides and feels like only a good original car can-tight,
smooth, and well-controlled. Floors are obviously solid and
unmarked and if you look around you can find factory markings on
the driveshaft and rear axle. Even the brake pads and shocks are
100% factory-issue. You'll note that the Magnum 500 style wheels
are not on the Marti report, as they were dealer-installed when the
car was new and they look excellent mounted with fresh 225/75/15
Firestone whitewall radials.Documentation includes the original
owner's manual, build sheet from under the back seat, period
advertising, and a Marti Report. If you're like us and love
untouched, original cars with low mileage, this Ford Elite will
delight you. It literally drives like a new car. There's just
nothing like it. With a great pedigree, entertaining performance,
and classic good looks, you'll love owning it while it racks up
trophies in preservation classes at almost any level. A really
impressive car. Call today!Harwood Motors always recommends and
welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our
inventory prior to purchase.
