Among the Big Three, Ford was the only one with a completely new mid-size series. From the Fairlane 500 to the new Torino Brougham, Ford offered something distinctive among the restyled rehashes from Chrysler and General Motors. Ford also had an answer to them under the hood thanks to an all-new 385-series 429 Cobra Jet V8. This 1970 Ford Torino GT convertible available for bidding at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction January 17-25, 2026 is a showcase for both the new car and engine.
As the replacement for the FE-series 428 Cobra Jet, the 429 was available in three versions: The 429-4V was rated at 360 horsepower and had been available in large Ford vehicles since 1968, often marketed as the Thunder Jet; next was the 429 Cobra (429 Cobra Jet without ram air, coded “C” in the VIN), which was rated at 370 horsepower; almost identical was the 429 Cobra Jet with Ram Air (“J-code”). Add the Drag Pack to either of the latter two and you’d have the 375-horsepower 429 Super Cobra Jet.
This engine was most popular in the budget-friendly Torino Cobra but, if you wanted to be stylin’, you chose the Torino GT. Available as a SportsRoof fastback or convertible (the hardtop was discontinued), the larger (117-inch wheelbase) unibody mid-sizer had a wider stance, long hood/short deck proportions, and low roofline. Base GT power came from a 302, with two 351s and the three 429s as options.
Only 3,939 folks took Ford up on this opportunity to order the 1970 Torino GT convertible. When it comes to both versions of the Cobra Jet, no one could have predicted how rare it would be: 94 built, of which 64 had the CJ with Ram Air. This 1970 Torino GT convertible is one of 37 J-codes with the C6 SelectShift automatic. Outside, you’ll find perks like original Wimbledon White paint, hidden headlights and “Laser” stripes; peek inside that red interior and you’ll note options like bucket seats, console, power windows, air conditioning, AM/FM radio, and more. This is a special opportunity to own one of the most spectacular Fords of the muscle car era, and you can only get it at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction from January 17-25, 2026. Click here to register as a bidder; if you wish to see your car cross the block, go here.