If you are a “glass is half-full” kind of person, you probably believe that if you hunt hard enough, ask the right people the right questions, and keep up the work, that sooner or later you will find that barn-find gem that will be either the ultimate dream car or the ultimate flip at a big auction. I am not one of those people. I believe that what’s left is getting harder to find and more expensive to own, and that’s before you try to restore it. But sometimes you come across something so unique and cool that maybe a little more hard work is worth the effort. And that’s where today’s Question of the Day comes in, and it starts with a 1973 Ford Torino.
According to the seller, this is one of 191 “Q-code” formal roof Torinos. I won’t act like I know everything about Fords from this era, I don’t, but a 351 and a four-speed in the same body is a good start, a Track-Lok rear end is even better, and that the whole package is pre-smog and build-ready, even in California, is a plus. There is one big negative, however: the roof. That padded diaper that Ford put on it during assembly did this Torino no favors, collecting rainwater and turning the roof into a porous material. But the seller, the good guy that they are, is providing an all-metal roof conversion piece, so that if you’re ready to take a deep breath and put your welder to some good use, you can wind up with a stout mid-size Ford that even David Starsky would be jealous of.
It’s a lot of work, no question about that, and the rest of the car could use a once-over as well. But could this car be worth the hassle? We’re all about saving what’s left in the world, but 1972-73 Torinos aren’t exactly loved like other cars. You make the call, readers!
eBay Link: 1973 Ford Torino
I would put the new top on, paint the whole car same color and run it like it is. He is a little high on price, but it is absolutely worth saving
I would be worried about all of the other rust this car has………
Believe it or not this is someone’s dream car and putting the money into it will be worth it to them. I think it’s a cool car, but I’m biased because it’s nearly identical to my first car.
Stick a ’72 nose on the car and it’s all good.
Depends on the rarity. If the Flintstone mobile I find in the field is a ZL1 or a SCJ or a Hemi, then I’d dump all my money to save it. If it was a 318 Cuda or a 327 Camaro with the ultra lightweight floor and trunk, then I’d just spend just enough to get it back on the road.