A rare 1970 Ford Torino Type N/W is preparing to cross the auction block at Mecum’s Dallas/Fort Worth sale on October 23. Finished in striking Grabber Green, this unusual muscle car belongs to a limited-production series created specifically for dealerships in the Pacific Northwest.
According to Mecum, only 395 examples were delivered to participating Northwest Ford dealers during the 1970 model year. That makes the Type N/W much rarer than many of Ford’s better-known performance models from the same era.
This car features a rebuilt 351 Cleveland V8, an automatic transmission, and distinctive black exterior accents. It has also undergone an extensive restoration, although earlier sales documentation reveals some interesting changes to its original mechanical specifications.
With its unusual regional history and aggressive styling, this Torino represents a fascinating chapter in Ford’s muscle-car era. It also offers collectors an opportunity to acquire a special edition that rarely appears at major auctions.
A Special Torino Built For Northwest Dealers
Ford introduced the Type N/W, also known as the Northwest Special, as a promotional package for dealerships in Washington and Oregon. Based on the redesigned 1970 Torino two-door hardtop, it combined distinctive styling features with familiar Ford mechanical components.
The package included a blacked-out hood, chrome hood-lock-style pins, color-matched racing mirrors, and black rocker-panel stripes with N/W lettering. These additions gave the Torino an aggressive appearance without requiring buyers to choose the more expensive Cobra or GT models.
This particular car was originally delivered to Snow Ford in Lynden, Washington. It’s accompanied by a Deluxe Marti Report, documenting its factory configuration and production history.
A Rebuilt 351 Cleveland V8
Under the hood, you’ll find Ford’s M-code 351-cubic-inch Cleveland V8, originally rated at 300 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Mecum confirms that the engine has been rebuilt, although a Hemmings advertisement provides additional details.
According to that listing (yes, it’s the same car listed at both sites, as confirmed by the VIN), the numbers-matching engine was stroked to 393 cubic inches and fitted with an Edelbrock intake manifold, Holley carburetor, and aftermarket headers. The original intake, exhaust manifolds, and carburetor come with the car.
There is also a discrepancy concerning the transmission. Mecum lists a Ford FMX three-speed automatic, while Hemmings states that it was replaced with a rebuilt C6 automatic.
Grabber Green Paint And A Restored Interior
The Torino retains its factory-specified Grabber Green color, complemented by black accents and styled steel wheels. Power front disc brakes and a black bench-seat interior complete its classic appearance.
Mecum states that a comprehensive restoration was completed in 2019, supported by receipts and documentation. However, the Hemmings listing describes a restoration completed in 2014, leaving the exact timeline unclear — it could be as simple as a typo… or not.
Hemmings also recorded approximately 104,599 miles, with just 300 reportedly added following the restoration.
Heading To Auction On October 23
The Torino is scheduled to cross the block as Lot F148 at Mecum’s Dallas/Fort Worth auction on Friday, October 23, and the Hemmings advertisement listed the car for $39,900.
With only 395 examples delivered to Northwest dealers, the Type N/W is an obscure but interesting piece of Ford history. Its upcoming sale should offer a useful indication of what collectors are willing to pay for one of these unusual regional specials.