In response to the vendor, as we speak’s Good Worth or No Cube Torino convertible is certainly one of 1,613 GTs constructed for 1971. There are possible method fewer left as we speak, so let’s discover out what such shortage may moderately be price.
It may very well be argued that the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 that we adjudicated yesterday continues to be a contemporary automotive, regardless of being virtually twenty years previous. Notably, the identical in all probability couldn’t have been stated a few 1986 Benz when our CLK was new. That truth, together with a pleasing presentation and fascinating quantity of equipment, made our “present traditional” CLK a winner at its $9,500 asking worth. That got here away with a stable 82 % Good Worth win.
Yesterday’s Benz was good, well-priced, and trendy sufficient to be a every day driver with a little bit of panache. What are we to make, then, of a real traditional like this 1971 Ford Torino GT convertible? May it rationally be used on the every day? Properly, certain. However at its worth and with its ’70s tech and security, would that actually be its finest use? Or, has this elder statesman ascended to the extra restricted position of a weekend cruiser and automotive present show-off?
Ford launched the Torino as a trim possibility on the mid-sized Fairlane for the 1968 mannequin yr. By 1970, Torino dominated the roost with the Fairlane nameplate taking part in second fiddle. In 1971, Ford had dropped the Fairlane identify solely, selecting to go all-in on Torino as its mid-sized mannequin identifier.
The 1971 mannequin yr was additionally notable for being the final yr that producers would fee their engines in gross horsepower slightly than the extra lifelike web numbers. That implies that in 1971 the two-barrel-equipped Windsor 302 V8 powering this GT was touted as having 220 horsepower. For 1972, the standardized SAE web ranking, together with some extra strangulation from emissions updates, lowered that rated quantity to a measly 140 horsepower. Sheesh, good factor it is a ’71.
Together with the 302, this Torino sports activities a C4 three-speed computerized and an influence convertible prime. The GT package deal got here customary with the 302, with a 351 as an extra-cost possibility. Additionally included with the mannequin have been GT badges for the rockers and grille and a non-functional scoop stamped into the hood.
One cool possibility not checked on this automotive’s construct sheet is the hidden headlamp nostril. This automotive’s mounted lamps nonetheless look good, housed within the split-grille nostril and wrapped by each arched eyebrow fenders and blade-style bumper, however the hidden lamps are even higher wanting. On the again finish, the automotive sports activities a full-width tail lamp look with a reflective panel bridging the lights on both facet. All of it vibes as extra ’60s than ’70s, which is an efficient factor seeing as it’s saved from the outsized bumpers that tainted later automobiles.
The vendor describes the automotive as being in “superb situation,” and notes latest service that changed the radiator and thermostat, in addition to the facility steering pump and included a rebuild of the transmission. The BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires are additionally touted as new. These are wrapped round good-looking Magnum-style wheels. Above that, the blue paint appears to be in serviceable form and is matched with what appears to be like to be a black tonneau and prime. We don’t really get to see the highest erected—nor a lot, if any, of the inside—so we’ll have to guage the automotive with these parts excellent. What we do know is that the automotive comes with simply over 108,000 miles on the ticker and a clear title. The asking worth is $34,500.
What’s your tackle this “real-deal” traditional convertible Ford and that $34,500 price ticket? Does that appear truthful for a former Fairlane? Or does that worth make you wish to take a go on this time-tested Torino?
You determine!
Austin, Texas, Craigslist, or go right here if the advert disappears.
H/T to Paul Sadler for the hookup!
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