Media | Articles
The 1970–71 Ford Torino Cheated the Wind, and Some Soared in Value
It started with sketch of a “rakish front fender line that disappeared into the door panel,” as told by Ford designer Bill Shenk. Shenk was the only person who touched the design that turned into the 1970-71 Ford Torino, and his story is likely never to be repeated in automotive history. Upon seeing the initial clay model, Lee Iacocca told his department to go back and tell Shenk, “Don’t touch the car.”



Refinements to the original design were inevitable, but it’s clear that Shenk’s original vision from 1967 was elegantly translated into the production 1970-71 Ford Torino. Sales literature from 1970 suggested this Torino was “wind shaped to move with precision” and “gracefully sculptured.” The latter is especially true for the examples with the upscale egg crate grille and hidden headlight doors, namely the posh Torino Brougham and aggressive Torino GT.
But the Torino was a full line unto itself, with basic transportation under the Fairlane trim level, sedans and station wagons with various levels of luxury, and two different rooflines for the Torino coupe.


And what kicked the Torino’s design into overdrive was its potential to rival Chrysler’s Winged Warriors, the Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Road Runner Superbird. Meet the Torino King Cobra, sporting a unique body with a longer and lower nose, and headlight buckets reminiscent of a mid-century Ferrari. While the King Cobra’s look is jarring against Shenk’s sheetmetal, it still needed more time to address aerodynamic discrepancies present in the three prototypes made.
It’s a shame for Ford enthusiasts that the King Cobra didn’t get the resources needed to make production. Then again, considering how long the Winged Warriors suffered from “lot rot” at the dealership level, some Blue Oval loyalists likely breathed a sigh of relief when the King Cobra was mothballed. Odds are any of the three King Cobras produced would command the money you’d expect from a Winged Warrior, but Hagerty has noticed that all production 1970-71 Ford Torinos are appreciating over the past 10 years. That said, they haven’t moved fast enough to keep up with inflation. Median condition #2 (“excellent”) values for all body styles went from $23,100 to $27,600 over the past 10 years, but it would need to be around $31,000 in 2025 dollars to keep pace.

The only major exception is Torino GTs, which went from a median of $34,900 a decade ago to $50,800 in 2025. That jump in value is significantly higher than the Torino Cobra, which is surprising considering the seemingly universal appeal of the Cobra name on a Ford product. That Torino with the most famous name hovers around a six percent increase when equipped with a big block 429 cid V-8, and only four percent with the smaller 351 V-8.
While its unfortunate that Cobras are not trending upward at the rate of the GT, their insured values are shockingly close to the GT model, with an average value of $50,380. While that is $420 less than the average Torino GT, the Cobras were never offered in an eminently desirable convertible body style, which skews the values in favor of the luxurious GT. That’s especially true of GT convertibles with coveted 429 SCJ (Super Cobra Jet) motor, as they come with a $69,900 median value in #2 condition.




Hagerty’s insurance quote activity for all Torinos (1968-76) is split amongst the age groups much as you’d expect from a vehicle with a wide variety of body styles from this time period. Boomers make up the highest percentage at 42 percent, with Gen X at 31 percent. Millennials come in with 17 percent of quotes generated, Gen Z garners eight percent, and preboomers come in at two percent. Over the last five years, the overall number of quotes for Torinos is up 12 percent and the quoted value is up 13 percent.
The two year run of the second generation Ford Torino is in some ways the best of old and new. It came with the power and performance to embody the free spirit and swagger of the 1960s, but it also foretold a future with longer, lower, wider, and more luxurious mid-sized cars in the 1970s. From shaker hood scoops to trailer towing packages, the 1970-71 Ford Torino offered something for every need and budget. It’s reassuring to see it remains a solid performer in the classic car market with a track record of consistency to this day.
I’ve always really liked these. As a matter of fact if asked what my favorite muscle car in the classic definition this is it. It combines a sleek design with a don’t mess with me attitude. “Gracefully sculptured ” , shoulder, torso, hip, with a sharp right hook.( I have a fondly remembered story there ).Something none of its competitors had. However it was not so aerodynamic as its appearance. Few examples competed in Nascar for this reason. While many think it unfortunate that the King Cobra and Spoiler II never found there way into production I don’t. They’re not as attractive and with the rule changes going on at that time etc. a smart decision to end the project. Besides on the street an unnecessary waste. Of course the Cobra CJs will fetch the most bucks but the GT with a 351 Cleveland 4V will knock you back in the seat even with its a bit too big intake ports. And the laser stripe is pretty cool too.
YES! What a great rundown on one of the most overlooked cars in history. I have ben patiently and silenty waiting for some proper recognition for the ’70-71 Torino. But I’m a bit biased, as I’m a ’70 Torino owner.
I have a 70 Torino Brougham 4 door hardtop, like the one pictures as #10/11 if you scroll through the pictures. However, mine is blue.
This warms my Torino-loving heart. I welcome rising values, as I hope this encourages the aftermarket to step up and start making more part (more 4-door hardtop parts, that is).
But rising values might be a double-edged sword, as it might mean that my dreams of owning one of each kind might only be just that, a dream.
Agreed!
This article refreshed my memory, (and showed me some models I’d not seen before,) as to how attractive they really were.
Much Cougar cross-influence too.
I bought a 71 Torino when I returned from Vietnam. Immediately changed the mufflers and wheels to after market. That 390 could scoot from Travis AFB to Riverside in record time. Made that trip many times. Probably what caused my hearing loss. Loved that car.
Don’t forget that the Ford Ranchero was also based on the Torino, and could be ordered with the same trim and power options, Including the GT and Cobra Jet options.
Also a question- One of the ‘Twister’ versions was supposed to go across the block at Kissimmee ( 429 SCJ 4 speed ) Anybody see it? Know the hammer price?
Starting in the mid-sixties through another ten years or so Ford front ends just look like gaping, far-too-open slabs. I’ve never found them to look attractive nor aerodynamic. It’s as if they embraced a gasser drag car aesthetic and couldn’t let it go.
Torinos are good looking vehicles. I will see one on occasion and always take an extra look.
70 1/2 Falcon. Bargain basement Torino. Odd the options you could/couldn’t get on them . Power windows, nope. Remote side view mirrors, nope. 429 SCJ, Drag pack, no problem.
Fitz _- Yep! The drag racer special. No frills just A to B as rapidly as possible. A bench seat and a locker.