For Sale 1976 Ford Elite Junkyard Find

Another old Ford makes it into the junkyard. This time its a 1976 Ford Elite that they habe decided to try and sell. They are asking $2500 if not mistaken. She's been sitting for at least a couple of decades if not more. She's all thete but time has not been too good to her aa the interior is pretty funky as well as some rust on the body. I must say i was kind of digging the white with green interior. Under the hood the 351 Windsor appeared to be all there as well. I like these for some weird reason. Maybe it has something to do with my mom owning one back in the day so I had to check it out. Will it sell, im not so sure. I think this one may probably end up in the yard for parts sometime in the future.

[@googleusergp]

Whoa Nelley, 1976 and hit the bricks. Ted Arendale Ford was located at 201 East Division Street, Arlington, TX. It is now an auto trader and a towing company. They were sued in 1969 when a car that they sold (and didn't fix) caused personal injury to someone. The case is online. We got the VIN, we win: 6 for 1976 model year, G for Chicago, IL assembly, 21 for Ford Elite, H for 351 V8 with two barrel and the rest is the production sequence. The Chicago, IL plant still operates today under Ford. The 351 V8 in these years was saddled with sloppy carburetion, ignition, fuel and emission control. The Motorcraft two barrel (and actually all Motorcraft carburetors) was a complete junker. Add that with sloppy steering, terrible quality control and these were heaps from the start. We got the tag, we can brag: 65H for Ford Elite, 9D for Polar White exterior paint, GG for Odense full style Green vinyl top, CG for Green bench seat interior trim, W for C-4 automatic transmission, 2 for 2.75:1 rear axle ratio, non-locking and 52 for Dallas, TX sales district. Whoa Nelley, 351 and it's done. Elite was always a heap. 1976 and time to deep six. That's it, time to quit. C-4 and soon to be out the door. Motorcraft needs a life raft. FOMOCO and gotta go. Going to be flat and that's that. "Lend a Helpin' Hand" (Lynyrd Skynyrd, First and Last, 1978), and this one is ready for the trash can. Going to get squished and perhaps Benny, maybe a few here, the FOMOCO faithful, but you guessed it no way the Google Man is going to be the slightest bit pissed.

[@garymckee8857]

Not even a C6 transmission.

[@googleusergp]

@@garymckee8857 A real heap.

[@NJRangerGeorge]

Looks like a big white brick

[@googleusergp]

@@NJRangerGeorge The Elite was always a heap........

[@kennethsouthard6042]

I'll be pissed if it don't get squished

[@libertysgarage8411]

I always liked those too. Solidly built and great driving cars! My profile pic is my 76 Gran Torino. They may not be powerhouses but I'd rather look slick than be quick!

[@nickfortunato2938]

Salvage yards always want too much, that's why they end up getting parted out

[@harrymiller8538]

Yup and then crushed. Sad end to salvagable cars.

[@falconman9554]

Reason they ask "too much" us because they can make more off parting them out. When I was in the business we had a 77 monte Carlo it ran but the body was pretty rough. Had swivel bucket seats in it tho. Tried to sell it whole for $1500 had lots of people offer 500 for it never sold it....parted it out and made about 4k before we crushed it

[@carlinshowalter1806]

When you sell to them your cars worth $50 but if you want their car it's worth $2500

[@falconman9554]

@@carlinshowalter1806 Typically the price there willing to pay is determined by two things...if there buying the car to sell the good parts off it. The kind of Junk yards that don't let you walk the yard, they pay alot more. Now if the junk yard buys them in order to scrap them or are a pick-n-pull style yard then what they pay is determined by what the scrap metal price is...which can be VERY volitile price wise on a given day. And there paid by the ton. And depending on the car $2500 is cheap..expecially down here where I am. If your buying that Ford Elite off an individual down here..there gona want anywhere from $3-5K

[@kennethsouthard6042]

@@falconman9554 I think they're just fishing and there's also not enough room in the yard right now. There's like a 99.9% chance that this car is going to hit the crusher. I'm also going to guess that when it hits it's going to be pretty intact when it goes in as not much will be taken off of it.

[@nathankim7664]

I absolutely LOVE the green interior. It's definitely savable! The 351 is a good engine, although I'd prefer the 302. However, the $2500 pricetag is a total *CRACKPIPE* For only $4000 more, you can buy a cleaner example that you can drive away! It's worth $700 bucks at *MOST* considering all that rust and the fact that it's been sitting for a long time. However, if you have another Elite for parts, you can save this one because the roof is not all rotted out! You can tell that the yard really does not want to sell it whole, they know it's worth more in parts.

[@cammontreuil7509]

Which 351 ?

[@richroggio]

Yes Benny I think $2500 is too much for the car. it will end up in the back.

[@googleusergp]

$2500 too much.

[@JasonSheppard-uy9ij]

​@@googleusergpikr damn

[@googleusergp]

Yup.

[@GreyRockOne]

Love these! 74-76, Thanks Benny

[@jdpinbaytown]

$600-800 Max!

[@randallderr8519]

always like when you show Fords and Mercury's....thanks

[@randallderr8519]

ooook !

[@aa64912]

If the motor and transmission are good $800.00 tops

[@sadie1095]

The length of the hood is longer than a Chevy Spark 😂. Thanks for the video as always 👍👌

[@ronaldmiller2740]

THANKS BENNY ,, WAS ONCE A GREAT CAR ,,..NOT WORTH IT ,,JUST PARTS..THANKS FOR GOING THREW THE TRAFFIC TO MAKE THE VIDEO!!!!

[@OneManGarage]

I bought one for $150 one time. 351W ran fine. I took the C6 out and converted Dad's 85 F150 300 L6 manual to automatic just stuck it in old mystery condition worked fine

[@tyebirchsr1058]

That price little steep not bad shape price got to come down very restorable car

[@onlyhereonce7290]

It needs to be saved. But it won't be.

[@tyebirchsr1058]

Sad to say but true

[@lancehudson6327]

Great ! Fine Benny but it definitely ain't worth it for that price and I didn't know that they came with power windows my brother had one his was midnight blue and manuel windows and black interior bought it used but he didn't keep it very long. Like the videos by the way do you still have the Versailles and are you interested in selling it the one that you bought from an auction.

[@johnhill8046]

Some yard owners are dreamers.

[@carlinshowalter1806]

Most are greedy dogs!

[@sneakerfreak2002]

Love that dusty green interior. But man that thing is cooked. Unless that’s someone’s bucket car, I can’t see throwing money at it

[@reedb9039]

Its going yo end up in the yard

[@oldyellow8120]

I never liked these Fords, particularly the front end. But, with so much time gone by now, they have more appeal and definitely scream "70's"!!

[@jsciarri]

Many 1970s Fords are extremely ugly, esp the Gran Torino and the laughable Mustang II. Even the later Granada and Fairmont cars were just beyond bland and not at all unique.

[@terrencegiordan2775]

Benny and the jets that's a pretty good solid car if that is the. Milage that's not too bad just put a patch panel on the quarter and sport mirrors and clean the interior it would probably be a good car.

[@mattmaverick703]

Seen a vintage blue Regina Electrikbroom on the backseat floor that alone is worth something if it works!

[@xnotx2]

I like those

[@Crispychicken4u]

That things pretty rough for $2500 . Looks like mice went to town in there. They also came with the 351 Cleveland motor

[@jdpinbaytown]

No Cleveland in 1976!, 74 was the last Year, Only 351W and the junky 351M in 76

[@googleusergp]

@@jdpinbaytown Correct, 1974 was the last year for the Cleveland.

[@stepheng3667]

@@googleusergp What was the difference between a Cleveland and Windsor? Which was better? Does it refer to the cities where they were built?

[@googleusergp]

@@stepheng3667 The name reference refers to the plants (Cleveland, OH and Windsor, Ontario Canada) that assembled them. There are several differences: valve cover bolt difference, fuel pump mounting differences, etc. Generally, Ford performance folks like the Cleveland better. The Windsor was more of an emission/passenger car engine, but the right person can make a Windsor run well.

[@daleclontz5421]

@@googleusergp That used to be the case, Ford guys wanted the 351 Cleveland engine, because they made better power. But now, that's all changed. Lots of aftermarket performance companies are making some serious high performance goodies for the 351 Windsor. And, the Cleveland was only produced for a short period of time, so a true Cleveland engine is pretty hard to find now. Lots of folks mistake the 351-400M for a 351 Cleveland, and they share the same heads, distributor fuel pump ect, but the blocks are not the same. Easiest way to spot a 351 Cleveland from a 351-400M is to look at the transmission bolt pattern at the back of the block. If the transmission pattern is the same as a 289-302, that's a Cleveland. If the transmission pattern is the same as a 429-460 big block, that's a 351-400M.

[@anthonycoach4551]

Well we got us another ferd Ltd... basically the same car inside and the side look goes another good demo car if you ask me I'll take the engine and that's it..

[@debbiebermudez5890]

not a fan but so few ! would make a driver ! Mr. B, Here !

[@harrymiller8538]

2500 is a bit much. 1500 would be about right. I had a cousin who had one with the rally, bucket seats & console. Was a beaut of a car. His was a 1976 Elite. Sharp ride back in the 70s.

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Cool 🥰

[@corghhh]

Can smell the burned oil and mold from here. Crushhhhhhhhhh! Engage!

[@googleusergp]

Can hear it stall from here and run like crap.

[@tonyfriend7413]

wow summer of America's 200th. Birthday, and i was 15 years old when this princess was brand new. Soon she'll be on Toyota Jan's lot some where here in North America dressed up as a brand new toyota.

[@kennethsouthard6042]

Probably two Toyotas

[@tonyfriend7413]

@@kennethsouthard6042 Weight wise Yes. and Metal wise.. Thank You My Fellow American..

[@oldskool1979]

What a boat... its hot eh ?

[@blinddiecast]

🍻

[@Slowgroovin]

600-800 dollar car in that condition.

[@seanpool8028]

Be careful of the extreme heatwave down there, you don't need heatstroke or worse. As far as the car, it's pretty rough.

[@diedonner299]

You sure it’s wasn’t $250?

[@garymckee8857]

I couldn't get that for it.

[@roger628]

As an FYI, the Instrument Group was not a stand-alone option on these. It was bundled with the "Interior Decor Group", which included split bench seats in nylon trim, better door panels, thicker carpet, a vanity mirror and automatic seatback release. This option really made the car as the standard interior was not nearly as nice.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Ive also seen these gauges with the bucket seats and center console

[@roger628]

@@ClassicRideSociety good point...you are right...heres the fun fact on that...there were 2 different bucket seat interiors on these....standard and decor. They had different door panel styles and carpet weights as well as the latter having the gauges.

[@googleusergp]

@@roger628 I believe this one has an optional interior.

[@JamesWoodring-mu2iz]

thanks benny for the vid. we know its hard to get out in heat to make these junkyard adventures. the elite looks like it crushing time, the baby sh_t color interior was a diaper full too much

[@sooverit5529]

Its a shame it is priced at $2500. This Elite has the Decor interior, AC, speed control, power windows. So many of these were not as highly optioned. Bummer it is probably not gonna find a new home.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Yea I think this one is destined for parts bedore ultimately meeting the crusher

[@shanepoole527]

Yeah I had the same idea thank you said 2500 yeah I think she's probably worth about or at least what I would give for repeat maybe 12:00 to 1300 who's more likely she'd need a total restore but yes sadly enough I don't think they're going to get any takers Maybe but I highly doubt it or unlikely what's going to happen to her they'll probably put up for parts eventually get crushed sadly enough but I see potential in her though So what had some bread to put into her I didn't see the floors or the trunk in its shape but overall the car looks solid at least from what I've seen of it but honestly here in about another 10 to 20 years he's older cars and trucks would probably be non-existent are so high you can't afford them but hopefully someone becoming take this car and do a restore on it be great to see her back out on the streets again really like the video.

[@jeffreybaker100]

My Grandma once had a 74 Elite

[@backpi]

Benny I don't think that car is going to sell. A realistic price is around $900 that car is going to end up back in the yard and you will end up with the gauge cluster LOL.

[@stevenaldaco8078]

Where are you guys located? I'm looking for a fair condition 76 elite. I'm in San Antonio TX Steven Lmk

[@ClassicRideSociety]

this car is at the Apache Wrecking Yard in Kennedale, just south of ft worth. but the junkyard put it out back for parts

[@grabasandwich]

Malaise Era smog junk 😂

[@googleusergp]

The Elite was always nothing but a heap......

[@chriskoloski8881]

Is that a fancy LTD

[@josephwatson2711]

Something like a Ford Torino

[@carminecrapanzano1407]

Benny does anyone actually buy these junkers for these high prices?

[@ClassicRideSociety]

This yard does sell some. Others get put out for parts after they sit for a while and don't sell

[@ohioyodertoter6827]

1500 tops

[@user-wc4uh4rl3z]

351 Cleveland engine was a tractor engine

[@OrangeBoss-ww8eb]

that price they dont want to sell right LOL?

[@ClassicRideSociety]

i think it'll end up in the Yard for parts. for a little more there are some nicer driving examples out there

[@bobmorrison5636]

2500, ? Maybe 250

[@JasonSheppard-uy9ij]

2500 for That. 500 Tops...😂😂

[@ClassicRideSociety]

yep 😄

[@cootersgarage4408]

Nope. 750 at the most. Not too pleased with that yard. I bet they gave no more than 200 for it. Scrap prices are way down. Man they won't sell you nothing if it come of of a car. Found that out.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

They freaked out on me once cause I pulled an aftermarket steering wheel from a 95 caprice. Dude was talking about how was he gonna sell the steering column now with a missing steering wheel. I tried to explain it wasnt a factory wheel but he wasn't hearing it

[@cootersgarage4408]

@ClassicRideSociety I was walking around there, saw a pile of decent chain link fence, took a pic to show at the office and ask what they wanted for it just as big black dude came flying up in his yard car and told me to delete my pic. Then found out that stuff that I found that wasn't from a cars, they wont sell. BS

[@carlinshowalter1806]

@@ClassicRideSociety You can't tell most countermen anything,they know it all! And most have a crappy attitude.

[@kennethsouthard6042]

@@carlinshowalter1806 Been that way as long as I can remember like when I was a kid taking parts out of cars in the 80s.

[@DanKirchner5150]

500

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Probably close to what they paid for it

[@DanKirchner5150]

@@ClassicRideSociety if that even ,we got these in nevada w 0 rust for $500

[@tonyfriend7413]

i wouldn't wanna give #$ 250.00 for that pile of junk.

[@josephwatson2711]

That car not worth 2500.00 it would take at least $25.000 to restore it

[@garymckee8857]

NO🙃

[@googleusergp]

"Motorcrap".

[@AjAJ-qr4vo]

Too much $. Body looks straight but does it even run? A glorified Grand Torino.

[@tonyfriend7413]

Those big hogs were such gutless dogs, that they couldn't even get out of there own way.. having ford products has always left a foul taste in my mouth being such junk.

[@jsciarri]

Ford made some very ugly cara during this time, the Gran Torino and the Mustang II being at the top of the list. Even the later Granada and Fairmont cars were just beyond bland and boring.

[@carlinshowalter1806]

Fairmonts were a tin can on wheels. The value dropped by 50% when you drove it new off the lot.

[@rudyflores9395]

$ 2500 FJB