New member in Buffalo NY |
Post Reply |
Author | |
wallster
New Member Joined: 15-April-2021 Location: Buffalo, NY Status: Offline Points: 18 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: 16-April-2021 at 7:09AM |
I bought a '73 Gran Torino about three weeks ago and there's a story behind the car. One of my best friends passed away two and a half years ago. He was about twelve years older than me and I got to know him through a mutual friend. Over the years I hung out at his service shop as well as his collision shop. He was an local stock car legend and was one of the most winning drivers in the modified class locally. I restore old items in my spare time (like gas pumps, signs, etc) and one of the items I purchased around the time of his passing was a 1970's bumper car. I ended up restoring it to resemble his modified number 09 racecar, I even had his painter paint the racecar colors on the bumper car for me. In the 1980's he was in California (for some reason) and bought this '73 Gran Torino (and another car) and placed it in storage. I had seen the car once and didn't think much of it but when he passed away his eldest son got the car. He made it road worthy and had a few minor body issues repaired (vinyl top was replaced and the rust under it was also repaired). About a month ago, he decided to sell the car and buy another that his Dad gave to his sister instead. We listed it and within a week I decided to buy it myself. I own a '56 Chevrolet restomod and a 2000 Plymouth Prowler but I really think the car had potential so what's one more car right? I've been slowly detailing the car to make it a head turner again. Every evening and weekend I've been working on it so I can enjoy it this coming summer. It's unique because it's a hardtop Sport with a 429, and bucket seats with the center console. Even though my friend didn't drive the car it's nice to know I have something he owned to enjoy. Thanks for having me!
|
|
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck
|
|
72 RS 351
Senior Member Joined: 04-September-2014 Location: Knoxville TN Status: Offline Points: 2765 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Welcome and thanks for caring for another nice old Ford.
|
|
Don
73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000+ rpm 351-4V &4R70W 73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later. 92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W |
|
dan0R30
Senior Member Joined: 30-June-2020 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 634 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
The memory of your friend will live on! Enjoy and welcome.
|
|
Dan
1970 Ford Torino hardtop - 351C 4V - FMX - 9" 3.89 TrueTrac |
|
72FordGTS
Admin Group GTS.org Admin Joined: 06-September-2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Status: Offline Points: 5802 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Welcome to the forum! I upgraded you to a full member so you have full forum privilege's. That's a really cool story about your Torino. The 429 or N-code cars are the rarest of all the GTS. Post some pics of he car when you can.
|
|
Vince
1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car GTS.org Admin |
|
californiajohnny
Moderator Group Joined: 05-October-2013 Location: winlock, wa Status: Offline Points: 14606 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
welcome! cool story, i too have restored a gas pump and windshield paper towel dispenser from an old station, as well as collecting over 350 different qt oil cans.
post pics when you get a chance... of everything |
|
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE 74 VETTE CUSTOM 90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED 77 CELICA CUSTOM 75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED 79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED 75 VEGA V6 5 SPD 70 CHEV C10 P/U 68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION |
|
handsofstone
Senior Member Joined: 13-April-2018 Location: Northeast Status: Offline Points: 3941 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Great story. Your friend must be smiling down on you. Yes please on pics. Cannot get enough to satisfy the masses. What is the VIN if you don't mind sharing? First five or door tag maybe.
|
|
wallster
New Member Joined: 15-April-2021 Location: Buffalo, NY Status: Offline Points: 18 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Engine compartment before... Engine Compartment today. Trunk before Trunk today Front view Passengers side Another right side pic Interior pic Wheels... hand painted the black over At home in the ManCave/Shop From the rear odometer N code, Sport Hardtop |
|
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck
|
|
handsofstone
Senior Member Joined: 13-April-2018 Location: Northeast Status: Offline Points: 3941 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Great set of wheels and sweet garage. Not sure what you are looking to do with the Gran Torino, it looks great.
|
|
handsofstone
Senior Member Joined: 13-April-2018 Location: Northeast Status: Offline Points: 3941 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Are the seats factory? Is the paint medium goldenrod?
Edit: For some reason, I am unable to fine the code page with all the juicy details. Edited by handsofstone - 17-April-2021 at 7:26AM |
|
wallster
New Member Joined: 15-April-2021 Location: Buffalo, NY Status: Offline Points: 18 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
They're factory seats but I think they may have been recovered (the front seats have to original upholstery on the sides and backs) The color code is 6F, Gold Glow
|
|
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck
|
|
wallster
New Member Joined: 15-April-2021 Location: Buffalo, NY Status: Offline Points: 18 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Just cleaning her up, she just needed "finishing" so a few weeks of evenings and weekends cleaning, painting, and fixing loose ends got her looking cruise night ready.
|
|
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck
|
|
handsofstone
Senior Member Joined: 13-April-2018 Location: Northeast Status: Offline Points: 3941 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Found it. Gold glow.
|
|
handsofstone
Senior Member Joined: 13-April-2018 Location: Northeast Status: Offline Points: 3941 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
No idea what you paid for it but I would say it was worth it based on being an N code and pretty much original. Are the body and control arm bushings in good shape?
|
|
72GTS351CJ
Senior Member Joined: 30-November-2010 Location: NY Status: Offline Points: 1481 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
love this!!!! Ultimate sleeper
|
|
72GTS Clint Eastwood Special
|
|
wallster
New Member Joined: 15-April-2021 Location: Buffalo, NY Status: Offline Points: 18 |
Post Options
Thanks(1)
|
$10,500. (I also received the original wheels and their old inspection sign that was hanging outside), I'm pretty close to the family. I could probably sell it and make a few bucks but I want the car because it's a nice keepsake from my late friend.
|
|
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck
|
|
handsofstone
Senior Member Joined: 13-April-2018 Location: Northeast Status: Offline Points: 3941 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
You are fortunate to have such a tight relationship with his family. I am sure they are happy to see it in your hands where it has meaning to you both. The only thing I would change is the grille logo. My OCD would make me move it to the center. LOL
I lost a good friend years ago and helped to find homes for a lot of firearms and ammo. I accepted a nice silhouette pistol and a van load of reloading/casting equipment as a gift for my help. He was one of a kind. Brings back lots of good memories. |
|
wallster
New Member Joined: 15-April-2021 Location: Buffalo, NY Status: Offline Points: 18 |
Post Options
Thanks(1)
|
Nice! I think that's what it's all about, good memories!
|
|
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck
|
|
72 RS 351
Senior Member Joined: 04-September-2014 Location: Knoxville TN Status: Offline Points: 2765 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Beautiful car, it reminds me a lot of mine when it was nice.
|
|
Don
73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000+ rpm 351-4V &4R70W 73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later. 92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W |
|
hogfiddles
Senior Member Joined: 19-September-2016 Location: Central NY Status: Offline Points: 1490 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
wallster , I’m a few hrs east of you, just a bit below Utica.
Dfox
|
|
1973 Gran Torino Sport - Q code “Q-Clone” project-on-hold
1972 Gran Torino Sport - Q code new project 1972 Gran Torino - parts 1969 Torino GT - M code 95+/- mid-80's Yamaha XJ-Series (10 trophies) |
|
72FordGTS
Admin Group GTS.org Admin Joined: 06-September-2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Status: Offline Points: 5802 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Very nice Torino!! Did you get a Marti Report? I am curious how many N-Code formals were made in 1973.
|
|
Vince
1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car GTS.org Admin |
|
wallster
New Member Joined: 15-April-2021 Location: Buffalo, NY Status: Offline Points: 18 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I've considered it, I'm curious as well.
|
|
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck
|
|
californiajohnny
Moderator Group Joined: 05-October-2013 Location: winlock, wa Status: Offline Points: 14606 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
very nice! pumps look good too as far as moving it to the center of the garage... i'd take that silver car off your hands to make more room
|
|
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE 74 VETTE CUSTOM 90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED 77 CELICA CUSTOM 75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED 79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED 75 VEGA V6 5 SPD 70 CHEV C10 P/U 68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION |
|
wallster
New Member Joined: 15-April-2021 Location: Buffalo, NY Status: Offline Points: 18 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
You might want to grab the red and white one too! |
|
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck
|
|
Big Bird
Senior Member Joined: 25-August-2013 Location: New York Status: Offline Points: 4194 |
Post Options
Thanks(1)
|
Hi and Welcome! Nice car!
|
|
"What we do in full frontal view, is more honest than your cleaned-up mind."
Randy 1979 T-Bird 2005 F-150 STX RCSB 4.6, 3.55 LSD How the Heck does a REGULAR CAB SHORTBED weigh over 5200 pounds? |
|
wallster
New Member Joined: 15-April-2021 Location: Buffalo, NY Status: Offline Points: 18 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I have no idea how I didn't notice that! thanks for the keen eye! (btw, that was on there like that when I bought it!) All fixed!
|
|
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck
|
|
californiajohnny
Moderator Group Joined: 05-October-2013 Location: winlock, wa Status: Offline Points: 14606 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
of the tri fives... i prefer a 56! but with the belair separated side trim
|
|
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE 74 VETTE CUSTOM 90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED 77 CELICA CUSTOM 75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED 79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED 75 VEGA V6 5 SPD 70 CHEV C10 P/U 68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION |
|
wallster
New Member Joined: 15-April-2021 Location: Buffalo, NY Status: Offline Points: 18 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Rec'd the Marti report... only 201 N-Code (429-4V)/U-Code (C-6 AT) in a '73 Gran Torino Sport 2-door hardtop. I don't know if that means beans to anyone or the value of the car but it's interesting. Edited by wallster - 19-April-2021 at 8:23AM |
|
No amount of planning will ever replace dumb luck
|
|
72FordGTS
Admin Group GTS.org Admin Joined: 06-September-2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Status: Offline Points: 5802 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Thanks for sharing! Like I said, N-codes were by rarest. FWIW, there were 938 1973 GTS Sportroofs N-Code fastbacks in comparison. Yours also looks like it was equipped with the Rallye Equipment group, which gave the car the competition suspension, and the gauge package.
|
|
Vince
1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car GTS.org Admin |
|
78FordLtd2
Member Joined: 19-April-2021 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 160 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Wow! Beautiful Torino! Thanks for sharing! :)
|
|
legend onirot
Senior Member METAL GOD Joined: 18-January-2009 Location: hattiesburg ms Status: Offline Points: 3038 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
absolutely beautiful car. welcome aboard wallster
|
|
---------------------
malcolm 1973 gran torino sport (formal)... "Stacy Lynn" 1972 gran torino (formal)... "Mackenzie" 1973 gran torino sport (sportroof)... "Leela" |
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet |
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |