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Ford Torino 1971

For 1971 the Fairlane name plate has been dropped altogether now as well Falcon, but there are still 14 Torino models in ‘71. The entry level car is simply a Torino offered as a two door hardtop, a four door sedan, and a four door wagon. Higher on the rung is the Torino 500 with an added fastback and sport roof two door while the Torino Brougham is the uptown model which can be had as a two door or a four door hardtop. The Country Square luxury wagon is also on the table and just as upscale as the Brougham while a sport version is offered called the Torino GT-available with the sport roof or as a convertible with the Torino Cobra still offered as the power option in a two door coupe only.

Ford Torino 1971 front© Mybaitshop | Dreamstime.com – 1971 Ford Torino Photo

However the names are the biggest change in the ’71 lineup; with minor trim upgrades and grill getting a vertical central divider although the Cobra grill is unaltered. All models except the Cobra sport the Torino logo on the grills center bar,as well, the Cobras cannot be had with hideaway headlights. The hidden light models have a distinctive grill design with a less obvious center bar in ‘71.

Ford Torino 1971 side© Mybaitshop | Dreamstime.com – 1971 Ford Torino Photo

The power options remain the same as ’70 although the EPA mandate is reduced emissions. There is an across the board decrease in compression which lowers the horse power ratings slightly on all engines offered to the public. The 429 cu in engine series is an exception but this is not available for retail markets this year. The Torino now has the entry level power in ‘71 of the 250 CID six, or a 302 cu in with a two barrel, which is standard on the more upscale models. The Ram Air option with the shaker hood still is available for select models. Emissions regulations and high insurance rates for more powerful engines are the major reason for the power changes.

The Brougham in ’71 also undergoes some change as the hidden headlights  are optional this year although any engine available on the choice list,  but wheel covers, the ornaments, and added trim are all there as basics. The interior is color keyed and does have some additional sound proofing to making the ride quietly luxurious. Motor Trend comments for the ’71 Brougham include “seat cushioning and support is excellent…and the upholstery is magnificent.”

The Torino GT sport model comes with chromed trim on the foot pedals; color coordinated racing mirrors, GT badging, decorative hood scoop, full width taillights, wider 14 inch tires, with hub caps and trim rings as basic equipment.

The “Torino Cobra” performance option is the Windsor 351 cu in engine with a four barrel on the basic package offer and is now rated at 285 hp (213 kW). The four speed manual transmission and  a Hurst shift kit is also included.  The basic pack further adds a blacked out grill, Cobra badging, beefed up suspension, F70-14 inch tires, and upscale hub caps.

Cars Magazine took a stock racing version of the ’71 Cobra 429 CJ and then did further adjustments to  “properly tuned the engine” with performance in mind and not emissions. This car was equipped with Ram Air, the C-6 automatic, and 3.51:1 gearing completes the standing quarter in 14.5 seconds and reaches 102 mph in the process. The Cobra can have the optional laser stripes this year for the first time, the same as offered on the GT editions. As a sign of the hard times to come all muscle cars sales are down this year and the Torino is no exception.

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2 thoughts on “Ford Torino 1971”


  1. I had a ’68 Torino with a worked 390 in it. Great car!!! I bought it from my brother-in-law’s brother when he got discharged from the service.

  2. my dad had a 1970 until i hit a pole with it boy he was pissed …. lol

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