In 1968, Ford's new Torino was launched, a car that would eventually replace the old Fairlane intermediate-sized models.
58,695 Original Miles:
1971 Ford Torino Country Squire
Sports Wagon!
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During the heyday of the muscle car, Torinos were equipped with engines that were quite potent. By 1971, compression ratios were down a bit and the emphasis started to shift towards luxury again. The Torino Country Squire wagon seen here was part of the top-of-the-line "Brougham" series. 15,805 were made.
Recognizeable by its simulated woodgrain trim and upscale interiors, very few of theses interesting Country Squires survived, mainly due to corrosion and reliability isuues that plagued Ford's intermediates back in the day.
Built in Atlanta but delivered new to Los Angeles (DSO 71), this fine station wagon is a true survivor. Owned by an industry executive for the past 25 years, the car was driven sparingly - mainly to car shows in the San Fernando Valley - and leased out several times to Hollywood studios for work on movie and TV show sets. This careful use has kept the mileage low. Today, the car's odometer shows a mere 58,695 actual miles.
A plethora of original documents accompanies the car, among them all factory books and manuals, a multitude of past registration and insurance cards, maintenance records, as well as many fliers from car shows around town. Along with numerous spare parts we also discovered some old magazines and newspapers in the cargo area.
The Torino is powered by Fords "other" big block, the 351 Cleveland engine, here in the 250 horsepower version and backed by Ford's reliable C-4 auto trans. Rear end features a 3.00:1 ring and pinion, which makes it ideally suited for lively acceleration and quiet freeway cruising as well.
Engine bay is spotless, just as you'd expect on a low-mileage car. We've just had the car fully tuned and serviced and also replaced the water pump. The carburetor was rebuilt by the fine specialists at Pacific Caruretor here in Ventura.
Originality abounds!
Neat and clean underneath as well.
Incredibly perhaps, but this Country Squire still features most of its original, factory-applied white paint, which contrasts very nicely with the woodgrain applique. Not a speck of rust is to be found anywhere as this wagon was always garaged and stored properly. Chrome and weatherstrippping are in very good to excellent condition, too.
Torino rolls on its stock steel wheels fitted with the attractive factory center caps and polished stainless trim rings. Steel belted radial whitewalls of the size 215/75R15 round out the pleasant picture.
A well-kept specimen, indeed!
It's hard to walk when you have a beautiful woodie!
Torino's interior looks simply stunning. From the headliner to the carpeting, it presents truly as new.
Not a single crack mars the expansive dashboard. Ford's designers did a marvelous job matching all the different interior components to their color of choice, in this case Medium Ginger.
Perfect steering wheel. All gauges work. This is an A/C car, and the air conditioning actually works and blows cold!
Beautiful wood graining on the dash, too.
Some detail photos, showing the incredible condition of Torino's interior.
No wear, no tear and all original: you are looking at what surely must be one of the most well-preserved '71s in the country.
Beautiful ginger-colored vinyl graces this top trim level "Brougham" Country Squire.
Plenty of space for six made these station wagons so popular in the day, long before the advent of the minivan.
Torino features Ford's famous Magic Doorgate that opens in two different ways: down or to the side.
Pristine undercarriage. You're looking at one of the very few rust free surviving Torinos. Only in California!
Fabulous original floors. Full dual exhaust.
Thursday, March 14 was a beautifully sunny day here on the Pacific Coast and we were looking forward to our test drive and photo session.
The Squire starts, runs, drives, handles and stops as good as it looks.
Note functional vent windows, a neat touch.
Considering it to be a big car by today's standards, the Torino wagon, aided by power steering and power brakes, is easy to maneuver and feels very "modern" to drive. Visibility is excellent.
Returning to the showroom, we are amazed by the wagon's powerful engine. The Torino is the first muscle car station wagon we've ever encountered.
Rarer than the proverbial needle in the haystack, this 1971 Ford Torino Brougham Country Squire six-passenger station wagon is a prime collectible, one that's utterly useable even today. Easy to maintain and keep going, this low-miler will be a welcome addition to any stable, be it as a fun daily driver or a cherished member of a muscle car collection.
Addendum:
We sold this Ford in summer of 2019.
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