Recently Viewed

Saved

Car Tales: Stinging Muscle, Ford Torino Cobra

The proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing, the addition of the 429 SCJ-backed Drag Pack transmogrified the sedate 1970 Ford Torino Cobra into a stunning classic, a slayer of rival high-profile muscle cars with enough power to defenestrate almost all its rivals. As its name suggested, the Torino Cobra had a distinct sting in its tail.
1970 Ford Torino Cobra 429CJ for sale
That year the Torino was awarded Motor Trend magazine’s Car of the Year, principally a consequence of its Cobra V8s and redesigned heads, larger valves and ports, high-lift cams, dual header-type exhausts, and high-riser manifolds.

Buyer / Seller Questions? 310-975-0272

The 1970 Ford Torino Cobra gained an inch of wheelbase and five full inches of length, making it among the very largest of the muscle cars. And a two-inch increase in tread width allowed Ford to squeeze in a new high-performance engine befitting of a muscle car: the now aged 428-cid V8 was replaced by a 429-cid V8.
1970 Ford Torino Cobra 429CJ side view
Interiors were all new for 1970. The dashboard used a linear style speedometer centered on the driver and a new ‘ribbon’ style tach was an option. A temperature gauge was the only available gauge; oil pressure & electrics were monitored with warning lights only.
High-back bucket seats were available for all 2-door models, as was an optional console. All 2-door hardtop, SportsRoof and convertible models had ‘DirectAire’ ventilation systems as a standard feature, which eliminated the need for side-vent windows. The ignition switch was moved from the instrument panel to the steering column, in compliance with Federal regulations. The steering wheel and column-mounted shifter locked when the key was removed.
In a 1970 Motor Trend test of a Torino Cobra, the magazine described the competition suspension as ‘completely different: The car goes through tight turns in a confidence-inspiring controlled slide. It’s all very smooth and unusual.’
See for yourself in the 1970 Ford Torino Cobra 429CJ we presently have at Beverly Hills Car Club. Finished in its factory color Calypso Coral, complimented with black interior, this Torino Cobra exudes timeless style – and as you might rightly expect from a vehicle of this caliber, one that has all the accoutrements.
1970 Ford Torino Cobra 429CJ rear view
This Cobra 429CJ comes equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, 429ci V8, 4-barrel carburetor, dual exhaust outlets, Shaker hood scoop, center console, sport slats, Wagner Halogen headlights, chrome trim/bumpers, 2-spoke steering wheel, and 15-inch chrome wheels dressed in BFGoodrich tires. Convenience features include forward-folding front bucket seats, a rear bench seat, manual-crank windows, dual-side rearview mirror, sun visors, glove compartment, and a center console.
This particular Torino Cobra is replete with a copy of a Deluxe Marti Report, which provides valuable information about the car’s history and original specifications. This report adds to the car’s desirability, making it a truly special find for any Ford enthusiast. If you’re in search of a classic car that combines style, performance, and heritage, look no further than this American classic that is mechanically sound.
1970 Ford Torino Cobra 429CJ interior
If there is an auto manufacturer who ruled both the racetracks and the streets in the 1960s it is Ford. Ford’s Total Performance program saw its sports and muscle cars take on anything that seemed challenging. From the American strip drags and the large NASCAR ovals to Safari Rally, Africa’s most famous motorsport, Ford cars helped define the muscle era in a big way.
The company had a winner reputation, with most of its victories being attained from the big ovals of NASCAR, international sports car competitions, and in organized drag-strip challenges.
And so you wonder if there is a carmaker’s in-joke in the Torino’s name? For Torino – Turin, as you might know it – is the home of Ferrari, the ultimate supercar. And was on the short list of prospective names for a car that Ford launched in 1964 with a galloping horse on its front grille: what became the Mustang, of course.
Wouldn’t we have liked the thoughts of Enzo Ferrari here?

After the Mustang had proved the winner, the Torino name was archived for later use, and its time came in 1968 when the intermediate Ford Fairlane received a high-end sub-variant.
1970 Ford Torino Cobra 429CJ engine
The spin-off proved so popular that in 1970, Ford switched places, making the Torino the mainstay and the Fairlane its diminishing expression.
A year later, the Fairlane was axed, leaving only Torino to rule supreme in the intermediate lineup of Ford automobiles. The nameplate lasted until 1976, spanning three generations, and the Cobra and Cobra Jet engines were a two-year build. Coinciding with the Torino’s second generation, the two performance V8s saw action only in 1970 and 1971.
The Ford Torino Cobra was a car with real style and attitude.
-Alex Manos, Owner
Ford Torino Cobra buyer Alex Manos

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1 × four =


 

Sell us your car

Pick up from any USA location - Any condition - Top $$$ Paid

 
 

Hand Wave

Chat With Us!

Buying or Selling? We're One of the Largest Classic Car Dealerships in the World. Let's Talk!

–Owner, Alex Manos

Chat Now