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

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

It could be argued that 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 the one we decided yesterday is still a modern car, despite being almost two decades old. In particular, the same probably wouldn’t have been said about the 1986 Benz when our CLK was new. That fact, along with a pleasing presentation and a desirable amount of equipment, made our “classical” CLK a winner for its $9,500 price. That left Nice Price with a solid 82 percent win.

Yesterday’s Benz was good, reasonably priced, and modern enough to be a daily driver with a little panache. What are we to make, then, of such a true classic? 1971 Ford Torino GT convertible? Can it be used logically every day? Well, sure. But with its price and 70s technology and safety, would that be its best use? Or, has this elder statesman ascended to the lesser role of weekend commuter and car show performer?

Ford introduced the Torino as a trim option on the mid-size Fairlane for the 1968 model year. By 1970, the Torino ruled the roost with the Fairlane nameplate playing second fiddle. By 1971, Ford had dropped the Fairlane name altogether, opting to enter the Torino as its mid-size nameplate.

The 1971 model year was also notable for being the last year that manufacturers rated their engines in horsepower rather than more literal numbers. That means that in 1971 the two-barrel Windsor 302 V8 powering this GT was rated at 220 horsepower. For 1972, standardized SAE ratings, along with additional cuts from emissions updates, lowered the number that rated up to 140 horse power only. Sheesh, good thing this is ’71.

Along with the 302, this Torino has a C4 with a three-speed automatic and a convertible top. The GT package came standard with the 302, and the 351 as an extra-cost option. Also with the model were GT badges for rockers and a grille with a non-functioning scoop mounted on the hood.

One nice option that was overlooked on this car’s build sheet is the hidden taillights. The fixed headlights of this car still look good, placed on the split nose and covered by the arched brow bars and blade-style bumper, but the hidden lights look better. At the rear, the car has a full-width headlight assembly with a reflective panel that encloses the lights on both sides. It all sounds more ’60s than ’70s, which is a nice thing to see as it’s kept from the larger bumpers that plagued later cars.

The seller describes the car as being in “very good condition,” and notes a recent service that replaced the radiator and thermostat, as well as the power steering pump and includes a transmission rebuild. BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires are also said to be new. Those are wrapped in stylish Magnum style wheels. Additionally, the blue color appears to be in service form and matches what appears to be a black tonneau and top. We don’t actually get to see the top built—nor much, if any, of the interior—so we’ll have to judge the car on its best features. What we do know is that the car comes with over 108,000 miles on the tick and a clean title. Asking price is $34,500.

What do you think of this “real” Ford convertible with a $34,500 price tag? Does that sound right for the old Fairlane? Or does that price make you want to pass on the time-tested Torino?

You decide!

Austin, Texas, Craigslistor go here if the ad disappears.

H/T to Paul Sadler for the link!

Help me with NPOND. Call me at remslie@kinja.com and send me a quote for a fixed price. Remember to include your Kinja handle.