1975 Ford Elite

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Out of a combination of a lifelong automotive passion and an unyielding desire to support the people of his Alabama community, the Generous Collection was born. Mr. Greg Rusk, a successful business leader in the cardboard industry, with a big heart for helping families and friends in times of need, would generously pay above-market prices to acquire an interesting vehicle. After decades of collecting and supporting local automotive enthusiasts, the Rusk family is ready for these vehicles, each with their own story, to write their next chapter back on the road, where they belong.

The Generous Collection returns with Part 2 offering over 250 cars in September, all offered without reserve, emerging from years of long-term silent storage. Many additional lots will be offered in the coming months. From the quiet shadows of the Generous Collection to the sunshine of backroads and highways, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to own a piece of a generous car-collecting legacy.

* * * Introduced as a new mid-size personal luxury coupe, the 1975 Ford Elite replaced the Torino Elite as Ford adjusted its lineup in response to changing market demands.

Positioned between the Torino and the larger Thunderbird, the Elite aimed to offer a blend of upscale comfort, stylish design, and relatively efficient performance for the era. It featured a formal roofline, prominent grille, and opera windows, reflecting popular luxury trends of the mid-1970s. V8 engine choices started with the standard 351ci version, but only automatic transmission was offered. Inside, the Elite emphasized comfort, offering plush seating, woodgrain trim, and numerous optional amenities.

This first-year model is finished in Pastel Blue with an Odense Full Blue vinyl top and opera windows. It is powered by a 400ci V8, mated to a C6 3-speed automatic transmission. Features include 15” steel wheels with wire wheel covers, woodgrain trim on the dashboard and doors, and a tachometer.

This 1975 Ford Elite is represented by a Broad Arrow Specialist and is now offered at no reserve with a clean Alabama title in the current owner's name.

Highlights

• Offered from The Generous Collection

• Finished in Pastel Blue (3Q) with Odense Full Blue (GB) vinyl top

• Medium Blue (GB) vinyl upholstery and blue carpet

• 400ci V8 engine

• C6 3-speed automatic transmission

Factory Equipment

• Opera windows

• 15” steel wheels with wire wheel covers

• Power steering, windows, and locks

• Power front disc brakes, rear drums

• Coil spring front suspension/solid rear axle

• Split bench front seat with double arm rests

• Woodgrain trim on dashboard and doors

• Tilt steering wheel

• Cruise control

• The data plate decodes as:

  • Body: 65M – 2-door Gran Torino platform

  • Color: 3QGB – Pastel Blue paint with Odense Full Blue vinyl top

  • Trim: GB – Medium Blue vinyl

  • Trans: U – C6 automatic transmission

  • Axle: 2 – 2.75:1 rear axle ratio

• The chassis number (5G21S236490) decodes as:

  • 5 – 1975 model year

  • G – Chicago, Illinois, assembly plant

  • 21 – 2-door Elite hardtop

  • S – 400ci V8 2bbl

  • 236490 – Sequential production number

Known Imperfections

• While reasonable efforts were made during preparation for the sale, due to the volume of cars in this collection, it was not possible to diagnose or detect all imperfections present in the cars. Please refer to the photo gallery.

• BFGoodrich tires are 10 years old

Ownership History

This 1975 Ford Elite is offered from The Generous Collection of no-reserve automobiles.

Included Items

• Blue carpet/rubber floor mats

• Rearview mirror

• Replacement air filter

• Replacement oil filter

Additional Notes

Motor vehicles older than 35 years (1991) are exempt from Alabama’s titling requirements. In states that issue titles, an Alabama registration converts to a title upon transfer.

A Broad Arrow Representative is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this vehicle. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Matt Lowney   Phone: 623.308.2640   Email: mlowney@hagerty.com

Please note that all lots in The Generous Collection are offered after many years of storage, without operation or service, in warehouse facilities. The seller endeavored to provide very limited mechanical servicing to bring some cars back to running potential; however, not all cars will be running at time of sale. Because of the extended static display, it must be assumed that all cars will require extensive additional mechanical attention before being driven safely and, in most cases, cleaning both the interiors and exteriors. All the cars will have imperfections associated with long-term static storage and require extensive sorting to perform best and safely. The burden of determining a car’s status, both mechanical and cosmetic, rests fully on the bidder, prior to bidding and the close of the auction. All lots are sold as is, where is. 

Additionally, due to the location of the collection and limited access to the facility following the close of the auction, all lots must be retrieved while a Hagerty Marketplace representative is onsite, between the hours of 9AM to 6PM local time beginning Monday, September 14 through Wednesday, September 30. No cars can be retrieved prior to September 14, and any lots remaining after September 30 will be re-located outside in the parking lot for retrieval by their buyers.