At $34,500, Is This 1971 Ford Torino GT A Classic Bargain?

According to the seller, today’s Nice Price or No Dice Torino convertible is one of 1,613 GTs built for 1971. There are likely way fewer left today, so let’s find out what such scarcity might reasonably be worth.

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It could be argued that the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 that we adjudicated yesterday is still a modern car, despite being almost two decades old. Notably, the same probably couldn’t have been said about a 1986 Benz when our CLK was new. That fact, along with a pleasant presentation and desirable amount of kit, made our “current classic” CLK a winner at its $9,500 asking price. That came away with a solid 82 percent Nice Price win.

Yesterday’s Benz was nice, well-priced, and modern enough to be a daily driver with a bit of panache. What are we to make, then, of a true classic like this 1971 Ford Torino GT convertible? Could it rationally be used on the daily? Well, sure. But at its price and with its ’70s tech and safety, would that really be its best use? Or, has this elder statesman ascended to the more limited role of a weekend cruiser and car show show-off?

Ford introduced the Torino as a trim option on the mid-sized Fairlane for the 1968 model year. By 1970, Torino ruled the roost with the Fairlane nameplate playing second fiddle. In 1971, Ford had dropped the Fairlane name entirely, choosing to go all-in on Torino as its mid-sized model identifier.

The 1971 model year was also notable for being the last year that manufacturers would rate their engines in gross horsepower rather than the more realistic net numbers. That means that in 1971 the two-barrel-equipped Windsor 302 V8 powering this GT was touted as having 220 horsepower. For 1972, the standardized SAE net rating, along with some additional strangulation from emissions updates, reduced that rated number to a measly 140 horsepower. Sheesh, good thing this is a ’71.

Along with the 302, this Torino sports a C4 three-speed automatic and a power convertible top. The GT package came standard with the 302, with a 351 as an extra-cost option. Also included with the model were GT badges for the rockers and grille and a non-functional scoop stamped into the hood.

One cool option not checked on this car’s build sheet is the hidden headlamp nose. This car’s fixed lamps still look good, housed in the split-grille nose and wrapped by both arched eyebrow fenders and blade-style bumper, but the hidden lamps are even better looking. At the back end, the car sports a full-width tail lamp look with a reflective panel bridging the lights on either side. It all vibes as more ’60s than ’70s, which is a good thing seeing as it is saved from the oversized bumpers that tainted later cars.

The seller describes the car as being in “very good condition,” and notes recent service that replaced the radiator and thermostat, as well as the power steering pump and included a rebuild of the transmission. The BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires are also touted as new. Those are wrapped around handsome Magnum-style wheels. Above that, the blue paint seems to be in serviceable shape and is matched with what looks to be a black tonneau and top. We don’t actually get to see the top erected—nor much, if any, of the interior—so we’ll have to judge the car with those elements outstanding. What we do know is that the car comes with just over 108,000 miles on the ticker and a clean title. The asking price is $34,500.

What’s your take on this “real-deal” classic convertible Ford and that $34,500 price tag? Does that seem fair for a former Fairlane? Or does that price make you want to take a pass on this time-tested Torino?

You decide!

Austin, Texas, Craigslist, or go here if the ad disappears.

H/T to Paul Sadler for the hookup!

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