Not every car has a presence. Some cars exist to just blend in the background and do their own thing, which covers just about 98% of what is on the road. Some cars demand attention…most supercars and a lot of custom builds go in that direction. They don’t blend in, but instead scream out with bright colors and flashy stripes. Then there are cars that, just sitting still, can elicit a response in your brain. It doesn’t have to be showy, it doesn’t have to even be loud, but there is something that captivates you: the deep paint, the care someone has shown the car over the years, the stance. That is a car with presence…it can get your attention without shouting about it.

This 1973 Ford Torino Sport does just that. Sure, a green Torino fastback has a bit more respect after being represented in two Hollywood blockbusters, but this isn’t the prettier 1972 version with the small bumpers like the ones featured in Gran Torino and Fast and Furious. No, this is the in-between between those cars and the other end of the scale for Ford’s midsize: The “Striped Tomato” Starchy and Hutch cars, with the U.S. Mag slot wheels, red light on the roof, and a very annoyed Paul Michael Glaser behind the wheel (who absolutely hated the cars.) The 1973 Torino was a mildly facelifted version of the ’72, with most of the changes occurring up front: in order to meet Federal bumper laws, the scoop grille and small bumper of the prior year’s car were ditched for a railroad tie dipped in chrome and a newer, flatter face. This was the last year for the fastback look, which kept the Torino looking muscular, especially compared to the opera-window equipped 1974 and later luxury boat Torinos.

The theme is green, no doubt about that. Outside and in, it’s green. If it’s not your color, this isn’t your car, but unlike some of the more horrid 1970s offerings, this Dark Green Metallic is a pleasant color, one that would work on just about any car nicely, and in a rare occasion, the green interior isn’t bad, either. It’s excellent condition after forty-something years of use certainly helps, as does the full instrumentation and the B&M shifter poking up from the floor. In fact, the only thing missing out of the interior is the center console (which does come with the car in the sale).

Under the hood is a pretty predictable find, a 351 Cleveland V8 hooked to an automatic. While it’s not the all-out beast that the 429 Torino Cobra had been just a couple of years earlier, it’s no slouch and something tells us that this one is a fair bit away from being stock. It’s no big-block, but there is plenty of power to have stupid levels of fun with here.

The Torino has always been an under-loved option from the Musclecar Era, and not being a pre-1972 version doesn’t help matters, but this Ford checks just about every good box. Clean paint, gorgeous interior, decent running gear, and some nice custom touches like the non-stock Cobra Jet scoop rack this Torino high on the desirability index.

eBay Link: 1973 Ford Gran Torino Sport