Vehicle Description
Ford Torinos are fairly rare, so let's put this amazing 1970 Ford
Torino GT into context: if it were, say, a Chevelle SS, it would
have a sticker $10K higher than it is. If it were a Plymouth GTX,
it would cost $20K more. This car is so darn nice and so powerful
that it's hard to make people believe it's also reasonably priced,
especially when compared to its contemporaries. With a powerful 351
Cleveland V8 under the hood, a quick-shifting 4-speed gearbox, and
an upgraded Global West suspension keeping the big coupe planted to
the ground, it's an incredibly special 'forgotten' Ford. Maybe it's
time you became reacquainted?
The Torino can be considered Ford's answer to the Chevelle, but
sadly it was a distant second in the popularity contest vs. Chevy's
erstwhile A-body. However, had Ford focused their marketing a tad
less on the Mustang and a bit more on their criminally underrated
cars like this Torino GT, perhaps the numbers would be different.
1970 was a big year of changes for Ford, as the 2nd generation
Torino became the primary model that relegated the long-running
Fairlane into a sub-series. Such a big change necessitated design
updates, so Ford moved away from the boxy lines of previous models
and completely embraced the coke-bottle/supersonic aircraft styling
that would soon define the era. And the lower, longer, wider, and
curvaceous Torino Sportsroof exemplified this new direction. This
one is finished in handsome Code M Wimbledon White - the car's
original color - and comes punctuated with trademark "laser stripe"
decals slashed across the profile. It was repainted several years
ago to a top driver-quality standard, and despite very minor
defects and a couple signs of use it still presents extremely well,
with an elegant shine and great panel alignment that suggests it
was always a clean, straight car. There are plenty of performance
styling cues, most notably the hood scoop and the aforementioned
stripe along its flanks, and the double headlights and egg-crate
style grille were an instant hit on the redesigned Torino. The 1970
redesign also added a full-width taillight - a design element that
would sweep through the entire FoMoCo lineup in the early '70s, but
scarcely does it look better than on the Torino. Subtle GT badges
on the quarters are the only clue of this hardtop's unbridled
power, color-keyed racing mirrors and factory-tinted windows add to
the slick look, and all the trim and brightwork is in great shape -
adding a little flash to the already impressive curb appeal.
The bone-stock interior is every bit as beautiful as the exterior,
with factory specs found throughout the roomy 2-door cabin. Wide
bench seats were reupholstered in their original configuration of
black vinyl with pleated inserts, and they're incredibly soft,
all-day comfortable, and show very little (if any) wear. Plush
black carpets are protected with Torino floormats, there's a taut
black headliner above, the black door panels at the flanks are in
excellent condition, and that ample original dash pad is incredibly
solid and very clean, with only a slight crack on the driver's side
to report. All the soft stuff is extremely comfortable and
inviting, and because the builders used lots of original materials
and didn't meddle with the stock recipe the cabin has a
survivor-grade presentation and feel. The steering wheel is very
likely original too, right down to the logo on the horn button, and
it obviously looks right at home in the big Ford. Factory gauges
are all original inside the dash, complete with the wide
speedometer and accompanying 'idiot' lights behind the original
lenses, and they do a great job keeping an eye on the powerful
small block up ahead. The only deviations from stock include a
later-model AM/FM/Cassette player in the stock dash slot, and the
upgraded Hurst T-handle on the original toploader shifter that
manages the exciting 4-speed gearbox underneath. Out back, the
trunk is quite spacious, is finished with like-new plaid mats, and
includes a full-size spare and jack assembly.
Power comes from a date-code correct 351 cubic inch Cleveland V8
(remember, Ford almost never stamped VINs on their engines, so this
is as close to numbers-matching as anyone can prove with a Torino)
with an Autolite 4-barrel carburetor that delivers torquey,
responsive performance that's a lot of fun. The engine bay is 100%
stock, with Ford Blue in all the right places, a stock snorkeled
air cleaner complete with correct decals, and even the original
exhaust manifolds still in place. It starts almost instantly and
idles so smoothly that you'd swear it's a Lincoln, not a Ford, and
all that torque makes it feel very lively on the street. The Hurst
Toploader 4-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly, quickly, and
is incredibly fun, spinning the original 9-inch rear end with
relatively tall gears inside that make it a fantastic highway
cruiser that just eats up pavement. The suspension was thoughtfully
upgraded with new Global West components throughout, including a
coilover conversion kit up front, big sway bars fore and aft, new
shocks and springs all-around, and upgraded traction bars in the
rear. As a result, this GT handles like a dream, teaming with power
steering and power front disc brakes that make ride incredibly
pleasurable for drivers of any experience level, and the soundtrack
is greatly enhanced thanks to an upgraded H-pipe set-up punctuated
with throaty Dynamax mufflers. New American Racing rims are wrapped
in sticky 255/60/15 Cooper Cobra GT radials, perfectly finishing
off the killer look.
Documented with it's original window sticker, owner's manual, a
Marti Report, and a stack of build receipts and maintenance
records, this Torino GT is an excellent example of one of the best
Fords built in the muscle car era. Call today!
