The 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport could be a performance-car paradox.
Replacing the Torino GT, the new top-of-the-line Torino had a
completely revamped body, its racy lines-especially in fastback
guise-evoking the very essence of speed. That body, and the formal
hardtop also offered, was now bolted to a conventional perimeter
frame, a dramatic deviation from Ford's previous unit-body
platform, intended to provide a better ride and quieter cabin.
Better still, a series of V-8 engines, including a 429-cubic-inch
big-block, were still on the factory option charts, as was a
four-speed manual. The paradox becomes apparent when you consider
the context the car was manufactured in. At the time, performance
figures were declining for all American manufacturers as once-proud
"supercars" became victims of "detuning," with compromises like
lowered compression and milder camshaft profiles among the changes
made to clean up emission output. What looked mean for '72 could
barely hold a candle to the glory days just two years prior. Thx to
Hemmings.
For consignment, a Gran Torino Sport with its fastback styling,
nonfunctional scooped hood, black respray, and correct 14" wheels.
A mostly original car with some tasteful upgrades, always garage
kept, with a partial build sheet and its Marti report this 2-year
design is the 1st of its ilk to grace our Hallowed Halls and looks
just fab doing so.
Exterior
Exceptionally sleek and well-proportioned fairly straight steel
body panels with well minded gaps are wrapped in a color change of
black. We see original badging which displays well as does the
chrome which has some staining, and brite work which remains in
nice condition. Overall, the paint presents well but does have a
few bubbles on the lower body panels and could use a paint
correction to really stand out. Body matched racing mirrors adorn
the doors, a top dead centered nonfunctional hood scoop give a
rather menacing look to the front end along with the 1 year only
eggcrate grille and integrated enormous front bumper. Crisp racy
lines on the flanks are complemented by the rear exaggerated coke
bottle bulge quarter panels. Wide stainless beltline moldings are
set off by a brightwork highlighted black rub strip just above. A
clean full black vinyl roof shows off the fastback styling as it
flows down to meet the trunk lid and just below is the body
integrated chrome bumper with inset oval tail lighting. 14-inch
Magnum 500 wheels with polished trim rings are wrapped by raised
white lettered BFG T/A radial tires, which are roughly the same
width as the factory ones this car would have been born with.
Interior
A swing of the door, and we are met with a black molded plastic
covered door panel with a chromed spear trim, a black vinyl
stitched insert. Manual window cranks, and a toggle for the sport
mirrors is also noted. Moving inside we sit on a black vinyl split
back bench up front, and a full bench in the rear, both in
excellent condition with aftermarket armrest/cupholder assemblies.
A clutter free black dash with all its factory parts, knobs, and
gauges fronts the split bench, and is also in excellent crack free,
fade free condition. The factory AM radio still resides within its
factory opening and a FM receiver is seen hanging under the dash.
Below, black carpet covers the floor, and also has no fading or
staining. The headliner remains nice and tight, with no markings or
tears. Let's just say for this interior, black is beautiful.
Drivetrain
A lift of the long hood and we are met with a very clean, and shiny
engine bay. All buttoned up, this numbers matching 351ci Cleveland
V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor on top of an Edelbrock aluminum
intake manifold, black wrinkle finish ribbed valve coverings and a
matte back finish Ford Racing air cleaner assembly looks great
filling the engine bay. A correct FMX 3-speed automatic
transmission is on the back of this mill and drives a Ford 9" 2.75
rear.
Undercarriage
A nicely preserved rust-free environment under here with a strong
frame, and mar free floorboards. A newer exhaust system is present
complete with Xlerator mufflers, and a newer fuel tank is seen.
Independent coil spring suspension up front works with power disc
brakes and in the rear is a 4-link suspension system along with
power drum brakes. A well-preserved undercarriage with minimal
surface rust, however, we do note a leak at the left rear axle
which could either be from an axle seal or wheel cylinder.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up and the 8 cylinders propelled us on to the test
track and more! It's a great cruiser with a nice smooth ride and
plenty of power. Good brakes are in order and bring us to a bias
free panic stop and steering was a breeze as it is power actuated.
All functions were working during our trips around the test track
save for the A/C which is in need of repair.
Well maintained, clean, rust free, a black respray, beautiful
original interior, and some power under the hood, you are ready to
put a tiger in your tank and burn some rubber!
VIN DECODE
2A35H232513
2-1972
A-Atlanta, GA Assy Plant
35-Gran Torino Fastback
H-351ci V8 2bbl
232513-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY STICKER
BODY 63R-Gran Torino 2 Door Fastback
COLOR 5A-Light Pewter Metallic
TRIM FA-Black Standard Vinyl Bench
TRANS X-FMX Automatic
AXLE 2-Ford 9" 2.75 Conventional
DSO 28-Louisville
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
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