For the 1972 model year, Ford rebuilt its mid-size Torino from the ground up, wagons included. The 70s Gran Torino wagon rode on a separate frame for the first time and came with a tailgate that could swing open like a door or fold down flat (Ford called it the Magic Doorgate).
The Torino name dates to 1968, when it debuted as a dressier version of the Ford Fairlane. By 1970 it had become the main name for Ford’s intermediate cars, and the 1972 redesign was a hit, with Ford selling more than 496,000 Torinos in each of its first two years.
The wagons came in three levels, from the budget Torino wagon up to the Gran Torino Squire with its simulated wood siding. Seating was for six, or eight with an optional rear-facing third seat.
As the decade went on, the Squire leaned into comfort, and by 1975 buyers could add a Brougham option with plush vinyl seats and thick carpeting. The Torino line ended after 1976, and its replacement, the LTD II, offered a Squire wagon for just one more year.
Here’s a look back — and be sure to check out the non-wagon Ford Torinos, too!
Classic Ford Gran Torino station wagons of the 1970s
Mid-sized, mid-priced-with many fine standard-size wagon features. Ford Torino Wagons have always been a great value.
But this year they come to you with more standard features than ever before: Fuel-saving, steel-belted radial-ply tires. Solid-state ignition. Power steering. Power front disc brakes. Automatic transmission. A bigger 351 CID V-8 — and more.
Torino Wagons pack plenty of cargo, too. And Torino’s 3-Way Doorgate makes it 1-2-3 easy! With over 7 feet of carpeted load length, Torino gives you 84.9 cu. ft. of cargo volume above deck, 8.1 cu. ft. of lockable stowage area below.
Three models to choose from: Torino Wagon, lowest priced in the line … the popular Gran Torino Wagon … and the top-of-the-line Gran Torino Squire with woodlike trim and other special luxury touches.
Roomy Torino Wagons seat six—or eight with the optional Rear Facing Third Seat. And just about any option you might want is available on our 1975 Torino Wagons, including two optional V-8s and the luxurious Squire Brougham Option.
Test-drive a mid-size Torino Wagon today. You’ll find they give you a full measure of what you want in a wagon.
(A) Gran Torino Squire, top-of-the-line Torino Wagon with classic Squire styling. Whitewall steel-belted radial tires and full wheel covers come standard. Saddle Bronze Metallic (5T).
(B) Gran Torino Wagon shown in Dark Yellow Green Metallic (4V), one of 14 exterior finishes available for 1975. Bright moldings on wheel hp, rocker panel and tailgate window are standard.
(C) Torino Wagon, our budget-priced mid-size in Pastel Blue (Code 30).
(D) Squire Brougham Option. Inside if features deep-pleated Super-soft vinyl split-bench seat with dual armrests, extra-thick cut-pile carpeting, electric clock (see pg. 10). Outside you get unique stand-up hood ornament and deluxe wheel covers. Saddle (Code G7).
(E) Torino All-Vinyl interior trimmed in choice of Green (Code AG) shown, Blue or Tan. Comes with color-keyed 12-oz. cut-pile Boor carpeting.
(F) Full 6-passenger comfort—with seating for eight with optional Rear Facing Third Seat. Pleated all-vinyl trim, standard in Gran Torino and Squire models, shown here in Blue
(G) Below-Dock Stowage adds another 8.1 cubic feet of loadspace to your Torino flagon. Standard in all models.
GO BACK 10 YEARS: See the 1960 Ford station wagons, including Tudor & Fordor Falcon Wagons
Ford Gran Torino Squire for ’74
If you think all mid-size wagons are alike, look close at Torino. Wagonmaster again in ’74.
ALSO SEE: The ’73 Ford Torino: More car than you expected (1972)
Ford station wagons – Squires (1972)
Ford wagons stop, store, hold, haul, make room, swing up, down and out for more people than any other wagons
Ford LTD Country Squire (top) shows why more people choose Fords than any other wagon. A proven 3-way Magic Doorgate and Ford’s exclusive dual-facing rear seats.
Standard 351-CID V-8, 3-speed SelectShift, power steering and power front disc brakes. What’s more, Country Squire offers the comfort, luxury, and quiet that made LTD famous.
Ford Gran Torino Squire (bottom) is the mid-size wagon that’s completely new this year. Now with 3-way Magic Doorgate, four-coil suspension and body-frame construction. Its smooth, quiet ride will surprise you.
Both wagons are shown with optional luggage rack, whitewall tires, and deluxe wheel covers. The Ford LTD Country Squire also has optional luxury vinyl trim.
See them both at your local Ford Dealer. When it comes to wagons, nobody swings like Ford. Another better idea for safety: Buckle up.
3-way Magic Doorgate, power front disc brakes, room for 4′ x 8′ panels. Lockable rear compartment option & dual facing scats on LTD.
ALSO SEE: 20 classic Lincoln Continental cars from the ’70s – including an old ad with Tom Selleck
Fourteen reasons to get your new 1973 wagon where most people do. From Ford.
When it comes to wagons, nobody swings like Ford.
SEE MORE: ’77 Ford cars & trucks: See 25+ of the latest and greatest Fords from 1977
2 Responses
You don’t see too many of these behemoths out on the road today, so it’s hard for younger people to appreciate just how big and unwieldy they were, and how difficult they were to drive, even with power steering. Even the largest vehicles today handle more nimbly than station wagons of the 60s and 70s, though their massive V8 engines gave them power that today’s cars can’t match. Of course, every ’70s kid has memories of being piled into the back of one of these beasts for carpools and road trips.
Hey there. The image of the girl with the doll in the station wagon looks incredibly like me. I’m wondering where the image came from. Given my dad was a graphic artist working during this time period, I had this identical outfit/hair/coloring/doll during this time period, and my grandfather was Henry Ford’s personal physician, I can’t help but wonder … Are you able to give me any detail on the image? Thanks so much.