The 1972 Ford Gran Torino is a 370-hp, 450-lb-ft star thanks to its 429-CI V8, but it’s been sitting for two decades outside.
Hagerty on YouTube has a popular ‘Will It Run’ series, and today they’re back with another – featuring a special classic car.
Some people will be fans of the Ford Torino, others less, but it’s hard to deny the appeal of a big, V8-powered car from the golden age of muscle. This particular machine does not look like it will run in the freezing, snowy climate of North Michigan in December, especially as it has been sitting parked-up since the year 2000.
The team commit to the task at hand though, so with gloves at the ready and friendly banter in large supply, they will attempt to turn over the Torino – offering tips on how to start up an abandoned car in the process.
The Abandoned 1972 Ford Torino 429 Cobra Jet
It isn’t going to be easy, but Davin and Jeff will do everything in their power to try to start the car’s engine – a 429 Cobra Jet V8, that got transplanted into the car. This engine would have made 370 hp / 450 lb-ft back in its day, but presently it won’t even start.
Two decades of sitting outside won’t help any car, but in the Torino’s favor; it has a big engine bay and a simple engine to work on. Despite the cold, the team get to work, and an important anecdote soon gets revealed: a member of the duo knows the car, and he actually got to ride in it as a teenager, remembering the power of the car and how it pinned him to the seat. That’s encouraging and gives the project even more meaning. First-up, the pair decide to remove and clean the spark plugs, and the battery terminal clamps also get a cleaning which get connected to a new battery.
If the fan spins by hand that’s a good sign, as is the fact that the engine actually turns over with the starter motor, showing that it’s not seized-up. An engine full of reasonable oil is a good thing as is the lack of white ‘cream’ which would signal a worn head gasket that allows water to mix with the oil.
How Much Is The 1972 Ford Gran Torino Worth In 2023?
Another tip they reveal is to spray lubricant into the spark plug holes to help the pistons/cylinders on startup. Blowing air through the carb (which is still attached) and installing an auxiliary fuel line to bring in new fuel is next, and on start-up there is a brief gushing of fuel over the engine bay – the fuel tank has gas in it.
Starter spray and more starts follows, with the carburetor proving to be a sticking point – literally. Removing the top off the carb and cleaning it down with air and spraying lube through the holes should free it up from gunk and when replaced, it works; the car springing into life. Success.
It won’t be a runner for now, as the carb-fuel system needs some work – albeit simple work – but this project shows promise.
Third-gen versions of the Torino (1972-1976) were the final run of Torinos, getting replaced by the Ford LTD II and top-of-the-line luxury variants like this one wore the ‘Gran’ Torino badge. Over the final generation, Torinos are worth an average of $20,000 according to Classic.com’s auction listings aggregator, with 1972 models worth $26,000 on average. A lot of car for the money.
