7557 original miles (not a typo). Virtually as-new throughout. Great colors, 351/auto, cold factory A/C. Freshly and extensively serviced, recent tires, very well documented with build sheet and Marti Report. Unusual ‘70s Ford that’s a slam-dunk in preservation class judging.

You may not recall the Ford Elite, but it was designed to fill the gap created as the Thunderbird moved upmarket. Based on the Torino, it has great proportions and the standard 351 cubic inch V8 made it feel more sporting than the Lincoln-like T-Bird. With just over 7500 original miles, this incredible survivor is pretty much a new 1976 Ford. It showcases Ford’s build quality of the period (not bad at all) and obviously it’s in fantastic shape. It has never seen winter weather, so the bodywork and undercarriage are outstanding and the chrome shows extremely well. There’s also a padded vinyl half top with twin opera windows that give it an awesome ‘70s look. Even the pinstripes are painted on, not tape! From the side it has an awesome long hood/short deck look that’s still very appealing. Lenses, emblems, and glass are all original as well and in pretty much new condition. I don’t know where this car spent its life, but someone was looking after it.

The red cloth interior is as beautiful as the exterior and just as well preserved. The split bench seat looks a lot like buckets and adds to the sporty feel of the Elite, as do the round gauges ahead of the driver. Interestingly enough, those gauges are complete: tachometer, oil pressure, temperature, ammeter, and they’re all fully operational. It’s also equipped with factory A/C that works properly (still R12!) as well as dual remote sport mirrors. The Philco AM radio isn’t particularly exciting, but that’s how it was originally equipped and it, too, is fully operational. We’re guessing the back seat has never been used and even the seat belts are bright and supple. Heck, this car is so original that the seat belt warning label is still on the driver’s windshield visor. Nice! There’s also a good sized trunk with original mat and what appears to be the original spare tire that’s never been used. That’s pretty impressive.

The engine is a 351 cubic inch Windsor V8 topped by a freshly rebuilt 2-barrel carburetor. Like any new car, it starts easily, idles nicely, and just goes about its business with a minimum of fuss. The engine bay is clean and correctly finished, as it should be, with only items like the battery, belts, and hoses being replacements. There’s still bright Ford Blue on the air cleaner and block, factory decals are still completely intact and legible, and all the systems are working properly. Underneath there’s a C4 3-speed automatic transmission spinning 2.75 gears in the 9-inch rear end and yes, that’s a 100% original factory exhaust system! It rides and feels like only a good original car can—tight, smooth, and well-controlled. Floors are obviously solid and unmarked and if you look around you can find factory markings on the driveshaft and rear axle. Even the brake pads and shocks are 100% factory-issue. You’ll note that the Magnum 500 style wheels are not on the Marti report, as they were dealer-installed when the car was new and they look excellent mounted with fresh 225/75/15 Firestone whitewall radials.

Documentation includes the original owner’s manual, build sheet from under the back seat, period advertising, and a Marti Report.

If you’re like us and love untouched, original cars with low mileage, this Ford Elite will delight you. It literally drives like a new car. There’s just nothing like it. With a great pedigree, entertaining performance, and classic good looks, you’ll love owning it while it racks up trophies in preservation classes at almost any level. A really impressive car. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.