Hardware store runs would be lot more interesting if people drove cars like this 50-year-old Gran Torino to pick up supplies.
The Pick of the Day is a 1973 Ford Gran Torino Squire listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Fairfield, Connecticut. (Click the link to view the listing)
“It is rare to find a Torino Squire in this good of condition,” the listing begins. “Rust-free car, runs well, fun to drive.”
This unique Gran Torino comes from the Torino’s third generation which was launched in model year 1972 and sold in hardtop, fastback, sedan, and station wagon body styles. Designers of that era sought to emphasize a “long hood, short deck” aesthetic with the overall silhouette, and one of the most prominent features up front was its eggcrate grille centered between quad headlights. That grille was later toned down after just one model year, to the version seen on today’s example.
Along with a new body-on-frame chassis in 1972, the Torino also grew in size: The Gran Torino was lengthened by six inches, and the station wagon could now carry a four-by-eight sheet of plywood completely flat in the cargo area with the tailgate open. One interesting thing about the tailgate was that it could open either as a swing-away traditional door or as a drop-down tailgate. Ford named it the “Magic Doorgate” for these reasons.
This wagon has plenty of wood accents both inside and out, as one would expect from a people-hauler from the 1970s. The exterior has been upgraded with a set of five-spoke chrome wheels for a sportier stance. The seller notes that there is a slight dent on the right front fender as shown in the photo gallery, and some of the woodgrain paneling has faded. On the interior, the front seat cushion has a tear, but the cabin materials are otherwise in nice condition for being 50 years old.
Providing motivation for this big wagon is a 351cid V8, and the seller states that the carburetor received a rebuild in 2020. A three-speed automatic transmission sends torque to the rear wheels.
“Great for a cruise night or going to the store,” the listing concludes. Not to mention, this car is guaranteed to turn more heads at the Home Depot curbside pickup than a late model truck.
The seller is asking $13,990 or best offer for this versatile cargo-carrying wagon.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Beautiful Wagon!
Sweet long roof, if it had a roof rack it would be perfect!
Perfect for the long roads of Western Australia
How long is it? Will it fit in my garage?
No one knows how big your garage is.
Had a ’78 full sized Country Squire, LTD based wagon I bought from the estate of the original owners. Hidden headlights ala the LTD Landau, 460ci 4bbl factory dual exhaust, metallic gold with the obligatory fake wood appliques. Interior was regrettably a diaper contents tan/yellow, but almost large enough to play tennis in; used it as a camper often. After a couple of years I was offered almost twice what I had in him, so the big guy, who did not fit in my garage, went to South Dakota. I regret that transaction daily, now. Sigh.