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2026 Ford Maverick Review1970 Ford Torino GT – The Muscle Car Mountaintop?
The Mustang, Charger, Chevelle, and GTO were at their peak in 1970, but the Ford Torino may have been the muscle car to rule them all.
What the Torino Says About Cars in 1970
For those nostalgic or otherwise enamored with classic muscle cars, the 1970 model year is arguably the pinnacle of the era. Peak horsepower met peak styling, and white-hot sales figures had every Detroit-based brand clamoring for a piece of the action. The fervent competition gave us a host of indelible classics that reads like a rogues’ gallery of muscle car greats: the Boss 429 Mustang, Trans Am Firebird, Hemi ‘Cuda, Plymouth Superbird, the Charger R/T, Chevelle SS454, the list goes on.
With a graduating class that impressive, it may surprise that critics at the time looked to the Ford Torino as that year’s top car. Then again, once you see the show-stopping 1970 Torino GT we found on Carsforsale.com, it doesn’t seem so far-fetched after all.
1970 Ford Torino Background
Some of those legendary muscle cars were purpose built, like the Mustang, while others, like the Ford Torino, were offered as one of several body styles. That the Torino could be had as either a two- or four-door, and as a coupe, sedan, or wagon is probably a major reason why MotorTrend named the 1970 Ford Torino its Car of the Year.
In addition to the Torino Brougham’s semi-luxury appointments and the Torino Squire’s family friendly spaciousness, Ford offered the Torino GT and Torino Cobra, two-door coupes in the same vein as other muscle cars of the day complete with Coke bottle curves and the classic long hood/short deck proportions.
The 1970 model marked the launch of the second-generation Torino as part of Ford’s intermediate line that included the Fairlane. Styling was updated, and though the workaday straight-six and smaller V8s were carried over from the first-generation, new larger V8s arrived to up the Torino’s already impressive performance numbers.
Indeed, the Torino was blessed with a wide selection of V8s starting with the 302 and 351 Windsor V8s, 220 and 250 horsepower, respectively. The Cleveland 351 was good for 300 horsepower and a stout 385 lb.-ft. of torque. Not to be outdone by the Mustang’s 429, the Torino was given three different versions, the Thunder Jet 429 with 360 hp, the Cobra Jet 429 with 370 hp, and the Drag Pack option’s Super Cobra Jet 429 with 375 horsepower.
Performance versions of the Torino included the GT and Cobra trims. The GT added a non-functional hood scoop, bucket seats, and unique GT badging and striping. The Torino Cobra came loaded with performance upgrades like a Hurst shifter, Mag 500 wheels, shaker hood scoop for optional Ram Air, high-lift cam, and four-barrel Holley carburetor.
The first-generation Torino had seen major success in NASCAR. The Torino proved such a dominant force that Richard Petty jumped ship from Chrysler to Ford for the 1969 season. The arrival of the Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Superbird aerocars ended the Torino’s reign (and convinced Petty to return to the Chrysler fold). Not to be out done, Ford began work modifying the 1970 Torino with a new nosecone, completing a “King Cobra” prototype. NASCAR’s aerocar ban effectively killed the King Cobra and only three Torino King Cobras were ever completed.
This 1970 Ford Torino GT
The 1970 Ford Torino GT we found listed on Carsforsale.com is among the cleanest examples of any muscle car you’re likely to encounter. The full rotisserie restoration has spared no detail, top to bottom, front to back, inside and out. The result is a car that’s nearly indistinguishable from how it left the factory 55 years ago. Eye-popping red paint, side graphics, and a long sloping roofline make for one of 1970’s strongest visual statements.
Under the hood is the original, numbers-matching 351 Cleveland V8 with two-barrel carb paired to a three-speed automatic (column shifted). The 15-inch aluminum wheels are wrapped in BF Goodrich radials with power front disc brakes improving stopping power. As a GT, this Torino comes with the non-functional hood scoops as well as a chin spoiler adding extra menace to the intimidating front end design. The Torino’s interior is likewise impressive with its gorgeous black leather upholstery, original gauges, and two-spoke steering wheel.
With its flawless restoration and head-turning looks, this 1970 Ford Torino GT is priced at $99,900.
