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1971 Ford Torino Cobra Apparel and Accessories by Legend Lines

“Ford”For the 1971 model year, Ford limited changes to its intermediate line to minor revisions. The Torino line-up consisted of 14 models. The base model was the "Torino", available as a 2-door hardtop, 4-door sedan and 4-door station wagon. Next was the mid-level "Torino 500", available as a 2-door hardtop and SportsRoof, 4-door sedan and hardtop and a 4-door station wagon. The top of the line Torino remained the "Torino Brougham", available as a 2-door and 4-door hardtop, while the "Torino Squire" remained the station wagon equivalent to the Brougham. The "Torino GT" was offered as a 2-door SportsRoof and convertible, while the "Torino Cobra" was still only available as a 2-door SportsRoof. The styling was mostly unchanged for the 1971 models, save for minor revisions to trim and the grilles. The grille on the 1971 Torinos was divided by a vertical division in the centre for all models except the Cobra. The Cobra used the same grille the 1970 model. A revised emblem was located on the vertical grille divider for all Torinos except the Cobra. The Torino 500, Brougham, Squire wagon and GT models had the hideaway headlamp option available, which included a unique grille with a less prominent divider bar. The engine line-up remained almost identical to the 1970 model year. The GTs continued to have the 302 as standard, while the Torino Cobra was downgraded to a 351 as its standard engine. All engines, other than the 429s, saw a slight drop in compression, which also resulted in a corresponding drop in power ratings. Other manufactures were following suit, including Torino's main competitor Chevrolet's Chevelle, which had an even larger drop in compression on all of its 1971 engines. Ram Air induction was an option on the 351, 429 CJ, and the 429 SCJ. The Torino Cobra came with a 351 rated at 285 hp and it also included a 4-speed manual with a Hurst shifter, Cobra emblems, competition suspension, hub caps, and a blacked out grille. A new option for Cobra models was the reflective laser stripe, formerly an option for just GT models. Although the high-performance 429 Cobra Jets were still rated at the same power as the 1970 models, Super Stock and Drag Illustrated had disappointing results from its test of a 1971 Torino Cobra. They tested a Cobra equipped with the 370 hp, 429 CJ, C-6 automatic, and were only able to turn a best quarter-mile time of about 15 seconds at 97 mph. The article states "this car would really respond to a good ignition system, a better intake manifold, a larger carburetor and a set of headers." Cars magazine had better luck with their test of a 1971 Torino Cobra equipped with the Ram Air 370 hp, 429 CJ, C-6 automatic. They went through the quarter-mile in 14.5 seconds at 102 mph in the Torino. The former time was obtained after the Cars staff did some "proper tuning." The GT was the Torino's sporty/high trim model and included a 302 engine, dual colour keyed racing mirrors, GT identification, a non-functional hood scoop, hub caps and trim, rings, chrome trim on the foot pedals, full width taillights with honeycomb effect. Torino GT's had a shaker scoop when equipped with the Ram Air Induction. The Torino Brougham was Torino's luxury oriented model. This model included Brougham ornamentation, additional trim, full wheel covers, additional sound proofing, and cloth upholstery. Hideaway headlamps were no longer standard, but remained an option. Motor Trend tested a 1971 Torino Brougham 4-door and stated "The seat cushioning and support was excellent. .. the upholstery was magnificent."

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