Nothing shouts the ’70s like gold, brown, opera windows, and huge bumpers! If I had to define the quintessential ’70s rig, it may well be a 1974 Ford Gran Torino like today’s subject car, courtesy of Rocco B. The seller suggests, “Very hard car to find around here, especially given the overall condition“. “Here” is North Haven, Connecticut and I would add that finding one of these anywhere can be a challenge. As for its condition, let’s check it out, it’s available, here on craigslist for $6,300.
Almost all Torinos were “Gran” in ’74 with a mid-level Gran Torino, such as our subject car, a Gran Torino Brougham, Gran Torino Sport, and station wagons, including a Gran Torino Squire. But, Ford covered all the bases and also provided what they referred to as a “low series” which was just a plain, old Torino. The mid-level Gran Torino two-door hardtop was popular with 76K copies going to new homes in ’74.
With only 79K miles on its clock, this Medium Goldenrod (I think) Ford shows well. I’d call it a survivor if it had the original wheels/wheel covers but I’m picking nits – the slotted wheels are an appropriate choice for this era car. The seller tells us that there’s no Bondo and just some typical imperfections and blemishes – though that rust that has settled into the bottom of the passenger side door looks like more than an imperfection or blemish. The chrome and trim are very presentable and the vinyl roof covering is giving no indication of failure.
Power is provided by a 163 net HP 351 CI V8 engine, attached to a three-speed, C4 automatic transmission. These are big, heavy intermediate-class cars, tipping the scale at over 4,100 lbs. so I would expect rather leisurely performance though the seller states, “Runs, drives and stops well“.
My recollection of Ford’s interior materials, in this case, “Medium Saddle” (looks more like brown) vinyl upholstery is pretty tough stuff and holds up well. The view here isn’t bad though the driver’s seat bottom has a seam that has decided to let go. But the rest of the environment i.e. the door panels, dash, headliner, and carpet are in great shape. This is an A/C-equipped Gran Torino but the belt’s off of the compressor so I imagine it is inoperative for one or several reasons.
When I see a Torino of this vintage, I think of either Starsky and Hutch or Clint Eastwood’s epic Gran Torino. Yeah, I know the model years aren’t exact, but other than those two suggestions I draw a blank on these cars. The seller suggests. “A great car to bring to the next level or go full Starsky and Hutch with it!“. I think that would be a travesty – why not leave well enough alone and keep it as an ode to the era? To each their own of course. Finally, the seller states, “Impossible to find at this price“. Yeah, I agree with the difficulty of actually finding one, but what do you think of the price?
So it’s a Windsor yes?
According to the add yes
Hardly a S&H clone with opera windows and a plastic hat.
Some years ago another site found a street-spotted MkI Ford Fiesta (US-spec) with S&H-inspired graphics. They worked far better on the Fiesta – whose classical hatchback shape and slim C-pillar forced the stripe to be carried all the way to the back of the car and constrained its’ width – than it ever did on a Gran Torino.
To answer your question on the header line I hope not I think it’s more valuable kept original as possible price is not bad
I have a 74 gold torino without the opera window and vinyl top. Used to be a detectives car. Bought it for the 460 police interceptor to put in a mustang, but never followed through. Picked it up for 400 dollars in 92′. It may be time to bring it out of the warehouse and revive that beast. Never would’ve believed that they could bring that kind of money.
My Dad had a 74 4 door Gran Torino also with the 460 Police interceptor in it. I remember driving it once and a while, usually to pick up relatives for Christmas/Easter or Thanksgiving get togethers. Driving along at 30 MPH and punch it and the rear wheel would start to spin! The gas gauge would also drop quickly! LOL Good memories!
Thank Clint Eastwood :)
Blake, let me know if it’s for sale, I would be very interested.
I sold my ‘74 for $850 in 1989…😖
I was never a fan of these but with prices still sky high I think it’s fair and looks to be in great shape.Someone took care of her. Used to see these everywhere.I don’t remember the last time I saw one on the road.
It would cost more than it’s worth to make a STARTER & CLUTCH clone. I had a 76 Elite, Beautiful car, but like this WAY UNDER POWERED. Unless it has a special place in your heart. Leave it where it’s at.
My Dad had a 74 4 door Gran Torino also with the 460 Police interceptor in it. I remember driving it once and a while, usually to pick up relatives for Christmas/Easter or Thanksgiving get togethers. Driving along at 30 MPH and punch it and the rear wheel would start to spin! The gas gauge would also drop quickly! LOL Good memories!
I think I’d leave this one alone. It’s just too nice to turn it into a starsky and hutch clone I drive it everyday with a big smile on my face as people are paying huge amounts of money for a new car so what if it’s underpowered at least you didn’t pay over 50 Grand for a new car. Seems that Ford indeed had a better idea.
Unless you’ve got a real Starsky and Hutch Torino? Please don’t add another one to the mix. They looked sort of cool in 1976. Now? I’d much rather see this one.
C, I didn’t think they looked cool even in 1976. My friend bought one back then similar to this car only red with a black vinyl top. He even put obligatory slotted rims on it and people still made fun of it. Plus, it was a gas hog, he traded it after six months for a new Pinto.
Love that ginger interior. This is a gem for the price. The right paint shop can treat that rust, repair and blend in the gold paint. Seen it done before. Minty ride!
Starskey and Hutch, there’s some old stuff. I towed a S&H replica once, nice looking car. My boss and I stood side by side, the front bumper touched my leg and the rear bumper touched his leg. It hit a big oak tree (6 feet across) at about sixty on a turn. I’ve never seen a car bent into a precise u shape before or since.
High school kid late for school. Good thing was he just got minor cuts and bruises, unbelievable he didn’t die it it
My wife had one back in 89. Paid $500 , However $6500 is a fair profit the car.
Old Joke . Stuffskie and crotch LOL!!!
I liked the show Neighbor had the starskey torino was cool….
Can you say circle dirt racing. Colonade GMs and these were circle dirt kings 35 years ago. Dealers actually offered a Starski and Hutch package. I bought one in the 90s for next to nothing which was the going rate for these for the low mileage 460 for a buddies truck. I was never a fan of this Era Torino for the simple reason they were cheapy, inside, huge ugly bumpers and so on.