Why I bought this 1970 Torino

[@stephenhotzjustdriveit]

Was an honor being part of the story of this car

[@bondking501]

Great story. I still have my first car. A 64 Falcon Hard Top. 260/4 speed. I'll always have it. It's a long term box of parts retirement project now. Some of the guys that used to hang out in the passenger seat are gone now. My dad loved that car. He passed in 2020. To most everyone else, it's just a car. But not to me.

[@hotrodray6802]

YeeeeHaaaaw!!!

[@bighank796]

I love those cars. The 260 was a excellent motor, particularly in a light car

[@bjsteg79]

Thank you for sharing this story and part of your life

[@ddm220]

Thanks! Haven't been in touch with my best friend in 25 years. You changed that. Thank you.

[@ProtoType99468]

I bought my friends 65 2+2 when he moved away after college grad, I still got it and my brothers legacy harley

[@markwilliford7471]

Really nice tribute. Probably the best thing about cars is how they can help us build friendships and create memories.

[@peterdabrowski2328]

Most people just see a big lump of metal….but it’s more than that to some people. It’s the storeys, it’s the memories, it’s the experiences that make these cars so special. I’m so glad you got to keep onto those memories but having the privilege to own that car. Love the videos, all the way from Australia 🇦🇺

[@MrPoppyDuck]

Am sorry for your loss of a great friend. Great story. We are all getting older too quickly. Am nearly 60 so I can relate to what happens to people. Many are gone too soon. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnd4273]

Great memories of a great friend. Loosing close friends is hard but I have great memories which I always look back on. There are certain people who you meet on your journey that have a impact on the rest of your life. Having his car is a great memory. This video touched me.

[@clevelandmaker386]

Thanks for sharing that with us .....and that car most definitely needs a restoration...not some big fancy concourse.... no no just take it back to that time....that beach....those memories...... And when you get through with it...take it back to that spot as a tribute....to him... and to the one thing more important than any numbers matching , big fancy pants high dollar one of four mustang with all the original window sticker Pebble beach concourse Mecum auction ride A GREAT FRIEND.

[@alexhaynes7483]

I hear ya/ I bought my 70 Torino GT, 302, 3 on the tree, thinking Ill have this as a daily driver in 6 months. Here I am 10 yrs later and still tinkering. Maybe it'll get back on the road next year. LOL. But for some reason, I can't let it go. Bless you for keeping John's memory alive.

[@scshelton44]

I would the same exact thing. You’re a good man.

[@1968fordman]

I completely understand where you're coming from, Jeff. I feel the exact same way about my 68 Fairlane. My mother bought it new and was used in my parent's wedding. It was also our family car and my first car in high school. After I got it back on the road in 1999, I took her for a ride. When she got in, she said "oh, the memories." She was dealing with lung cancer at the time and would lose the fight in 2000. It's not just a car to me and can't be replaced by another one. It's a part of our family!

[@matthewmckee9914]

Your right that car can't be replaced, keep it in the family.

[@1968fordman]

​@@matthewmckee9914 Yessir!

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

I've known my best friend for 50 years now. We met in a Radio & TV class in high school. He's not really a car guy but he has owned some cool stuff. One of us calls the other at least 4 or 5 times a week. And I know that one day that's gonna stop. He's the brother that I never had. In that 50 years we been thru some good times and some bad times , but we've always managed to get thru what ever has come our way.

[@denniskwasnycia1950]

Thanks for sharing, Great friends can't be replaced. Look forward to seeing what you do with the Lizard!

[@jamestravis1147]

I watch your channel for the repair guides, but I really liked seeing this side of you and hearing you honor your friend's memory. I'm within a year of your age so I have also lost friends over the years and know one of these days, it will eventually be my own turn to start pushing up the grass instead of mowing it. I hope when I get there that my friends who are still here will remember me fondly like you do your friend John, and even though much of the Stuff that I (like everyone else) accumulate over a lifetime will likely end up in the landfill I do hope that a few things that I still have at that time will be kept by my friends and they will remember me fondly by enjoying them just like you and your friend's car. Because it's not so much about the stuff; it's about the bit of our souls that we leave touches of ourselves within them. Our mark, so to speak- a legacy of sorts. I hope to see you fix it up on your channel with an eye toward making it able to last until after you leave it behind someday and whomever winds up with it next carries the torch of The Lizard forward. I've got a 1972 Gran Torino Q-code formal roof project myself that I figure may well be my last project car (of more than a few in my youth) and for what it's worth if you find yourself looking for parts or details on these (since unlike say, a Mustang, much of these are not available as repos out of a catalog yet) if you are not already familiar with it, go look up and join forum.grantorinosport.org Probably one of the best resources on these Torinos out there I have found so far. My own is there in the "project forum" under "Resurrected Torino" if you are curious to take a look. It's not going to be some ultra-fancy concours frame-off restoration job. More like what our generation would have had back in the late 1970s/early 1980s in or just after high school, with a few low budget and period mods at most. Anyway, thanks for posting this video again. I think your friend would be honored that he lives on your memory and in that big green memorial; plastic lizard and all. (Got to keep the lizard)

[@mechanknuckle]

That GT is fantastic!! Getting that beautiful Torino back on the road looking and running strong will help previous owner's history live on.

[@davidnewelljr1944]

God bless you my friend. Ain't nothing wrong with being sentimental and having the love in your heart for folks like you do. Because of that car, and the live in your heart your friend lives on

[@IndirectConnection1]

I heard some of this story when Stephen was heading your way. I'm really glad I got to see this video today, Jeff. While we all have cars that we think are unreplacable, such as this Torino, it's the friendships that are irreplaceable that have value that's priceless. I'm sorry for your loss.

[@aguyinnc2865]

Great story. I had mentioned on here awhile back how I got my '73 Mach 1 I always wanted, and was able to take my buddy who had one when we were in high school for a ride in it, before he passed. I also had a friend, named John, that was given a '55 Chevy back when we were taking auto mechanics at our local community college in 1975. For some reason, he didn't get much done to it, other than installing a 427 Chevy and Turbo 400 in it. And it sat in his garage. He retired, and was wanting to do something with the car this year, but he came down with lymphoma and passed early this year. I wasn't able to do anything with it, so myself and another friend of John's helped sell the car for his wife. I had helped him pick the car up back in 1975, and it saddened me to see it pulled out of the barn and hauled away. But we know the guy that bought it, and know he has the ways and means to do something with it. Great memories, I miss you John W.

[@kerrymcdonagh1327]

Hey Jeff, this one got to me. I have lost so many schoolmates and life long friends that it makes you think of doing the stuff that makes you smile. I see a mechanical restoration here along with the repairs to make it roadworthy and safe. Those cars, particularly this one, are so special. I wanted to be a procrastinator but never got around to it so (in my humble opinion) keep the car and memory of John as the Lizard, meaning, looking like it does now. Been a long time since we talked and I will be over your way next April. I will message you to get your number so I can call you and organise a hook up. Greetings from Australia mate. Keep smiling.

[@canyoncarver]

Car people are people too, after all. We're not all knuckle draggers, as many pedestrians would like to think... This is a great real-life story, and thank you for sharing it with us.

[@XRod3308]

Your friend John sounds just like my father. My father had three Torinos. 2 70s and 1 71. The last one he had since 1980ish and as a kid I only saw it sit I the garage and later parked at my uncle’s house while my dad built our house. The car always took a back seat to life and family. My dad put me through school and helped me build my Mustang. Sadly my dad passed in 2014 and never got to drive his Torino one last time. I am now working on put that old girl back on the road for my dad. I hope you are able to do the same for John.

[@AmpasaurusWrecks]

There’s always strong connections between certain cars and close friends, we never forget them…

[@waynewhisnand6157]

Awesome story Jeff. Really well done bit of film making as well. Thanks for sharing the glimpse into your life.

[@tomberan1282]

I always enjoy the back story of man’s car. The reasoning can often be very simple as in something they always wanted as a kid. Or, more often, about their father, mother, grandfather or as in this case, a close friend. Nice video…

[@geraldscott4302]

Back in the mid '70s, when I was a teenager, I had an uncle that had a 1970 Torino 429 Cobra Jet. It was the same color as that one, with the fade stripes, and had the shaker hood scoop with Cobra Jet emblems on it.

[@dylanaman6306]

Hello Jeff from South Africa. A great story about your friend. I'm sorry about your loss. Life is too short and as you treat each kindly and love each other. Love the channel and your videos 👌👍👍

[@crapsbear]

Fantastic story, I feel for you. Lost my best friend in 2021. I've always wanted one. Can't wait to watch the story continue. Stay strong 🍻

[@conchitogarcia7791]

Jeff: wow! What a cool heart felt story. Thanks for sharing.

[@cutworm59]

I love your big heart Jeffro. God bless you!

[@icantintyou]

be glad to come help work on this car with you. i am currently doing a 68 torino for myself

[@ID10TGARAGE]

These have really becoming popular. I swear when i first started building my 71 on my channel you couldnt find one on KZbin.

[@OlysGarage]

Thanks for sharing that story. John seemed like a really interesting and great guy and pretty cool he worked at the same dealership all his life. He must have really9 like working there. Cancer sucks, how I lost my dad, who was my reason for the car addiction. You're no different from any other gearhead when it comes to cars or car related things as memoirs or keepsakes. I think we all do that it different forms, including whole cars. You're still young yet.... and moving around pretty good for a fellow in his 60s. I'm 46 and I'm pretty sure you move around better then i do these days. I think you've got time and you'll be able to get headway on it. I'm sure John would appreciate it too!

[@HarleyPebley]

Loved hearing the back story! Peace!

[@paulclark5243]

Great story, can't wait for you to start on this one

[@erikswensen425]

Jeff, I'm sorry about loss of your friend. If I had the money to or won the lottery, I would without a question donate to you to help you with this Torino. You are a good man deserve everything good heading your way in life. A hearty handshake and manly bear hug, I'm sorry Jeff

[@sheldonkepley4585]

Jeff, i appreciate your heart man, and this channel.

[@blakeneysanders4264]

Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@-Dave-is-not-here]

Why do we all have these old cars................ Memories of who we were, where we have been and because we miss the people place and things from back than. Good luck on the journey.

[@diegoburgos5420]

He is your friend forever, he’s not gone. I love the lizard.

[@christopherdlivesey9273]

nice car fix in memories of friend john i no how you feel i lost my best friend my wife we were together for 30 years see die in 2020

[@MrMudmantwo]

Great vid made me think of my good friends that are gone

[@michaellydon9870]

Thank you for the personal video. I will be looking forward to your progress on the "lizard" . Being a procrastinator myself, I am a year into building a 1970 Fairlane 500 which was given to me without engine or transmission by my youngest. I want to get it back on the road and gift to his older brother. Your video inspired me to get on with it...

[@mitchf1508]

I'm 61 too and still am in touch with my old HS buddies to this day.. I have always liked the Torino's of that era and a GT fastback is my favorite.. Even with a 302 3 speed, at least it has the third pedal to play with! It's great that you have the "list" of things to do with it. Maybe try doing at least one thing on the list a month or something? You don't have to make it a show car.. Just get it running again so you can drive it and enjoy it. It don't have to be "perfect".. If you go for that, you'll never get it done and never drive it. Make it "good enough" and enjoy it!

[@grantstanborough]

Great story Geoff brought tears to my eyes.

[@jeffreymichell2300]

That is great... I have a 70 Ranchero GT in Vermillion. I hope to follow along with you... glad you have the Lizard! Rancho Grande is watching!

[@72442conv]

I wish you and that car were still in Texas, I would love to volunteer to help you bring it back to its old glory. The story really broke my heart.

[@Thunderbird1968]

Great story! And nice car hopefully you can keep it alive and running

[@garymckee63]

The 70-71 Torino, in my opinion was the best-looking body style of the Torino's . I bought a 70 GT Torino in dark green with the 302 and automatic on the column for 125 dollars and the only defect was a cracked windshield, mine was excellent on fuel. Traded for a 72 Roadrunner with a 400. I miss the 80's.

[@DominatorGarage]

My 71 Torino is a family member at this point. will never leave even if wrecked.

[@ericjohnson8364]

Fantastic story, that car is priceless

[@davidlaborde4788]

Finally the T-Rex on the show! Been waiting to see this one for a while... The "Fabulous Forgotten Ford"...

[@timmiller260]

Fixing only broken stuff 😊driveing

[@coupeseven]

That's so cool! After a while, cars become part of the family, just like your pets.

[@M6T7Y]

I get it. God Bless ya my Friend.

[@johnbarker5009]

Great story. I've been building a '70-71 Torino 4 door in my head and on paper lately, I just don't have the right car.

[@BarryCorcoran-fj2td]

While I tend to favor the GM's for my old iron preferences, you really can't go wrong with any of the manufacturers. This body style Torino is one of my favorites. Hopefully he can give it some TLC and clean her up some.

[@jasonschneider3043]

Thank you for sharing

[@Mavaholic]

Sad but cool. I know all about the memories a car can provide.Owning my 72 Maverick Sprint since new reminds me daily of all the friends I've made along the way just because of the car. Thankfully most are still around but a few have passed.Heck, good or bad, I even met you because of my car. LoL. Good luck with the Torino.

[@jwrockets]

Man, I haven't seen a '72 Sprint anything since the late '70's.

[@jeromesanders7799]

Thanks for sharing brother ❤😊

[@abriseno71]

We want more content on this please!!!

[@ROYALPRIX]

"We called it, the TURD" (insert Patreon graphic) classic! hahaha.

[@jeffdiehl8394]

Well that's a fantastic story. thank you for sharing. I believe in the weight of memories attached to inanimate objects. I have a pocket watch from my Grandfather, definitely makes me think every time I get the chance to wear it. other than Super Thanks, can this community help with parts? labor? pizza? glad to hear the story is still unfolding.

[@joeytacey743]

It makes me think of my friends that have passed

[@bassettraceengines]

Great story. Clean it up and drive it. It will be like riding together.

[@sartorialdriver6528]

I looked at Torinos of this type for a while, but a 1970 Mustang came on my shopping radar and grabbed that instead.

[@chrisrye9128]

Fix it just the way John wanted and raffle it off for his wife and kids.

[@jessemontgomery60]

Love the color. Mine was a fairlane. Same color

[@terremolander5243]

A wonderful story.

[@dalelawson28]

i had a 70 falcon 2door post with a 429 man i miss that car

[@gunjiweber42]

Enjoyed your video

[@matthewmckee9914]

I always loved these cars, my uncle had a 69 or a 70 Ford Torino it wasn't a GT but i thought it was a cool car with a race car style to it.

[@FE428Power]

TY for sharing

[@tombryant1104]

Cool story!! A no option '70GT listed for $3105.00(302 std), AM radio another $61.00

[@danielshute1409]

thank you.

[@hiitsstillme]

Nice that you have it now. We'd probably just make it run and drive safely, and move on. It's probably more memorable as it is, to you.

[@WalksInThunder]

My older brother had a 70 Torino about that green. His wife was driving it and didn't see the STOPPED traffic and totalled it in the ditch.

[@GabrielGiron-g5o]

That's a nice ride 🇺🇲🙏

[@charlieseidelmann6702]

It will be a tribute to John. Build it!

[@randywitt5288]

This is a friend project in remembering him.

[@hotrodray6802]

🔔😎 Jeff, I fully understand. To this very day, every day after 31 years, I still carry my Dad's key fob in my pocket on my main key set. I understand. 😎

[@TT-hr7py]

You sir.. are alright.

[@marcbondi8462]

Sounds like the list is a good plan on this one.

[@karltite128]

Does the reverse lights work? If not, l need the fix. I inquired before and the answer was for 69 which is combination of neutral and reverse located at base of steering column. Mine only has two wires. No wires on c4. ??? Anyone reading this that can help would be most appreciated. It's a great you bought the car. Don't worry about completion, you have the reason you bought it.

[@et76039]

Every car has a story.

[@erikc.1087]

Cars aren't built with a soul, but they can certainly have one imbued.

[@jwrockets]

Hey, Jeff. Have you started on that Torino yet?

[@GabrielGiron-g5o]

That's a nice and if I was yo i.would keep it and enjoy it 🇺🇲🙏

[@JohnnyJohnson-i8b]

never knew you was from the houston area

[@SixRoundsStudio]

Nice….story 😢😔

[@1HotRob]

Uh?…That’s a yes! Do, do that, and then some. Good looking car, special car. Maybe at one point you can wake up that 302, if you know what I mean. John wanted you to have that car and when you didn’t call about it, John put a little bug in her ear & had her call you and tell you, that’s what he would’ve wanted. Let’s start with gettin’ those wheels sorted, yeah?😉

[@ronsmith2587]

Thanks for sharing. Some friends go away, some grow away, and unfortunately others 😕 someday. 🤔 Wouldn't if be nice if the turd motor could be found, and transplanted into the lizard 🦎 👍

[@williamrose8944]

Time is moving to Fast now a days after 60 yrs old

[@hughphillips67Mustang]

I'm selling a 1970 Torino for $1500 obo. It would be a good parts car. But I'm in Ohio. Unless you and Cam want to take a road trip. Bring a trailer with a good winch.

[@RaiderX948]

What are you waiting for.....drive it.

[@jawaniahaycraft3928]

I Love the story I’m stripping a couple of Torino. If you need any little things please reach out I would love to help out in any way I can.

[@ArthurBatten]

I don't like people who sets in front of a car,tell a story ,but you look around them to try and get a climps of the car ,,, myself I like to see the car not them

[@johnnix4370]

Time is a thief

[@joeshepherd5697]

Legit