1970 Ford Torino – Today’s tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 17.04.2018

By 1970, the Torino had come into its own and was no longer merely a high-end Fairlane

Initially introduced as a high-spec Ford Fairlane, in 1970 the Ford Torino outgrew its previous position and became the primary model with the Fairlane 500 name becoming the base-spec option.

Swelling in size (12.7cm in length), the 1970 Torino gained a more menacing raking roofline with a protruding long bonnet, short rear deck and was wider, and lower than the previous three-box Fairlane generation.

Engine choices held a 250ci inline-six as the sole six-cylinder offering. A plethora of V8 options included: a 302ci Windsor, a 351ci Windsor, a 351ci Cleveland, and a performance model with a 429ci V8 with various performance pack options.

This performance model was named the Torino Cobra, whose 429ci came at standard-level in Thunder Jet package (268kW when new), stepping up to the 429 cobra (375kW) and finally the 429 Cobra Jet as part of "drag pack" option.

Transmission choices from factory included a 3 or 4-speed manual, or a Borg Warner Cruise-O-Matic.

While not many details are outlined in the ad about the car's provenance, we can see the Marti report and dealer invoice in one of the photos reasonably well.

This car is a 1970 Torino GT Sportsroof in Grabber Green, bringing colour-coded mirrors and bonnet scoop. Further options included high back bucket seats, Cruise-O-Matic transmission, delivered with a 351 V8, front disc brakes, radio and hideaway headlights.

The only differing parts we can see from the car compared against the dealer invoice are what appear to be Magnum 500 wheels (hub caps listed on invoice) and the 351 has since been fitted with a supercharger.

The car is left-hand drive with an almost spotless black/cream interior,.

With only 46,000kms listed in the ad, and with Queensland classic rego, the car is currently listed at $49,900.

Torinos are rather rare in Australia, and prices can vary from $30,000 for standard examples to upwards of double that for a concourse level rare Cobra trim. Visually the car matches its delivery spec outlined in the invoice very well with only a few differing parts and could warrant further inquiries for those in the market.

If you’re interested, you can check out the full listing on this QLD car here.

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