What If Wagon: 1970 Ford Torino Squire Wagon Street Machine – Sold?

December 1st Update – We just confirmed the Craigslist ad for this ride expired and with no replacement listing found, we’re assuming this car sold.  This one may have got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.

Parts interchangeability combined with a robust reproduction cottage industry now make it relatively easy for some ambitious enthusiasts to create a car that never came from the factory but from the outside could pass as a plausible example of what the manufacturer might offer.  Our latest example of this trend comes in the form of this 1970 Ford Torino Squire Wagon originally listed in September 2020 on Craigslist in Indianapolis,  Indiana where the front clip was sourced from a same-year GT model. Sporting fresh paint, a custom leather interior, and what the seller states to be the factory 351 cubic inch V8, the current asking price is $18,500.   Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Squire priced between the #1 “Concours” appraisal of $21,800 and the #2 “Excellent” estimate of $15,200.  The Collector Car Market Review Online Tool provides a second data point indicating the asking price falls between their #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $13,200 and their #1 “Excellent” estimate of $21,300 before factoring in the fifteen percent premium for the factory Cleveland V8.  Consequently, with the private seller’s already somewhat optimistic price, we disagree with his assessment his car “will be worth mid- to high-20’s with some additional work”. 

Ready to be confused?  Ford of North America produced the Torino in three generations between 1968 and 1976 as an intermediate segment competitor. The car was named after the city of Turin (Torino, in Italian), considered “the Italian Detroit”. The Torino was initially an upscale variation of the intermediate sized Ford Fairlane, which Ford produced between 1962 and 1970. After 1968, the Fairlane name was retained for the base models with lower levels of trim than those models which wore the Torino name. During this time, the Torino was considered a subseries to the Fairlane. By 1970 Torino had become the primary name for Ford’s intermediate, and the Fairlane was now a subseries of the Torino.  To add to the complexity, we won’t go beyond just mentioning Ford moved the Falcon brand name to an entry-level trim selection based on the Torino.

For 1970, Ford moved away from emulating the boxy lines of their full-size cars to a completely new body for the 1970 Torino/Fairlane line influenced by coke bottle styling. Just as tailfins were influenced by jet aircraft of the 1950s, stylists such as Ford stylist Bill Shenk who designed the 1970 Ford Torino were inspired by supersonic aircraft with narrow waists and bulging forward and rear fuselages needed to reach supersonic speeds.

The 1970 Torino had more prominent long hood short deck styling, and was longer, lower, and wider than the 1969 models. All models had a lower and less formal roofline compared to previous years. The windshield rake was increased, and the SportsRoof models had an even flatter fastback roofline. The Torino had a pointed front end and overall styling appeared much more aerodynamic than years previous. The grille covered the full width of the front fascia and surrounded the quad headlights. The front fender line extended to the front door, sloping downward and gradually disappearing in the quarter panel. Both front and rear bumpers were slim tight fitting chromed units, that followed the body lines. The taillights were situated in the rear panel above the bumper and were now long rectangular units with rounded outer edges.

The model line-up for 1970 initially featured 13 models. Station wagon models for 1970 were offered initially in three different levels: the Fairlane 500 wagon, the Torino wagon, and the Torino Squire wagon. Mid-year 1970, the Falcon wagon became base station wagon. The sheet metal on the station wagons was not changed as drastically as 2-door and 4-door models. The majority of the sheet metal behind the front doors was carried over from the 1968-69 body style. As a result, the wagons appeared more upright and square than the sedans and coupes. The Torino Squire, the top-level wagon, featured simulated woodgrain sides, headlamp covers, and a trim level similar to the Torino Brougham sedan. The Squire came standard with a 302-2V V8 engine and power front disc brakes; other wagons had 4-wheel drums and the 250 CID I-6. All wagons used Ford’s “Magic Doorgate” two-way tailgate, but the power rear window, rear-facing third seat, and roof rack were options. Ford offered a trailering towing package for all Torinos that would allow Torino to have a Class II tow rating (3,500 lb (1,588 kg)). This package included heavy-duty suspension, heavy-duty battery and alternator, extra cooling package, and power front disc brakes. The 351 cu in (5.8 L) or 429 cu in (7.0 L) engine, power steering, and the Cruise-O-Matic transmission were required options.

In this 1970 Torino commercial, Ford claims they asked the wind how to design a car.  If that’s true, the wind knew how to make a very handsome car line:

Other than the somewhat optimistic asking price, we like the look and the concept of this Ford Torino Squire Wagon street machine.  This appears to be a great example you can enjoy while you make your own subtle upgrades as your time and budget allow. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Very rare low mileage wagon with factory 351 Cleveland 4- barrel engine. Car has a 70 GT front end added to it and then re-painted to 2020 Mustang Twister Orange. Very low mileage. Car has just been painted and is a zero rust car with no bondo or patch panels. To take to a full show paint finish you could cut and polish it to that level. Bumpers are good and straight but would need to be re-chromed if you want a full show quality look. Magnum 500 wheels with new tires,14”. Power steering, power brakes, dual exhaust. Was originally an AC car but no compressor on it. Interior is mildly customized, with the original bench seat removed and replaced to leather bucket seats and console. 6 passenger. Great buy as this car will be worth mid to high $20’s with minor work.“

Do you have a Ford Torino story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!