Images: David Conn

Motor Trend magazine’s Car of the Year for 1970 was Ford’s full Torino line: Fairlane 500, Torino Cobra, Torino, Torino GT, and Torino Brougham. Said MT, “Not really a car line in the old sense, but a system of specialty cars, each for a different use, from luxury to performance.” But, despite the accolades, the Torino today fights for attention in a Mustang and Chevrolet world. David Conn’s Torino GT convertible is a strong reminder of this unfair imbalance.

The Torino GT was always more of a sporty car than a performance car, unlike most of its contemporaries with standard 6.6 liter motors. Standard for the GT was a 302v2 for both the “SportsRoof” fastback and convertible.

Full-width taillights set the rear apart from the rest of the Torino line, and a non-functional hood scoop shrouded everything up to the 429 Cobra Jet. Rear fenders had five louvers with GT badges set above. Notable options were Laser stripes, hidden headlights, Sport Slats, and a functional Shaker hood scoop.

The first step up from the standard 302 was the brand-new 351v2 “Cleveland,” then the 351v4, the 429 Thunder Jet (360 horsepower), and the 429 Cobra Jet (370 horsepower). Interestingly enough, even though the Shaker was available for the more powerful engines as a stand-alone option, it was different for the 429 CJ: There were two versions, one with and without the Shaker.

If you wanted 3.91 or 4.30 gears for the CJ, you ordered the Drag Pack, which turned the motor into a Super Cobra Jet 429. SCJs received an oil cooler, Holley carburetor, four-bolt mains, forged pistons, and solid lifter cam, among other upgrades. The factory increased the horsepower rating by five when the Drag Pack was ordered.

As the only convertible in the 1970 Torino lineup, the Torino GT held a special place in Ford’s roster. David Conn’s Long Island-based Medium Blue metallic GT is one of 3,939 convertibles built. According to the Marti Report, it is one of 1,289 built with the 351v2/automatic combination. Only 597 GT convertibles (of all engines) were pained in the same color as this one, but only 89 of those came with blue bucket seats. David added the Shaker, Laser stripes, hood locks, and hood blackout.

Looking at the photos, it’s hard to believe these cars are worth a fraction of a comparable Chevy or Mopar. David’s eye should be commended because not only has he chosen a beautiful car as his own, but also because he’s snappy with a lens, as these shots at 5 Pointz will attest.