If it isn’t $32,500 for a 1974 Pinto Runabout, this 1974 Ford Pinto Wagon is on the other end of the spectrum at $1,750! I’m not sure what’s going on with some parts being dull and some shiny, but I’m assuming the shiny ones have been painted. The seller has this one posted here on craigslist Queens, New York. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Roger for the tip!
I tend to believe a seller when they show the bad parts rather than just mentioning them. In this case, they do both, saying it has some rust and they show it, mostly on the bottom of the passenger side. It won’t be a quick fix, but it’s straight metal so that’s good, right? The Accent Group wheel covers are a nice touch, but I’d want them in the Medium Brown Metallic color.
As you can see, the ’74 Pintos have huge bumpers, thanks to safety regulations. Despite the huge bumpers, 1974 was the best year for Pinto sales, with over 500,000 sold! No wonder they keep showing up, even in areas where rust is an issue, like on the East Coast. Their listing mentions that the price has been lowered – I don’t believe we’ve seen this one before?
One other thing they mention is that “One window is now broken, easy fix.” It must have happened after the photos were taken, as they all look perfect in the photos. The automatic transmission is a bummer for those of us who prefer shifting for ourselves, but a wagon typically isn’t made for sport. The interior looks great to me, other than some carpet wear and fading, and the seats look good, both front and rear. I don’t see any big issues inside, even in the rear cargo space.
The engine is Ford’s 2.3-liter OHC inline-four with 82 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by the three-speed automatic providing power to the rear wheels, the seller says the engine is rebuilt and runs great, and the transmission shifts well. This wagon has new leaf springs and many other new parts. For $1,750, it’s hard to go wrong here if a person is handy with a welder or, as I used to use, an oxy/acetylene torch. Any thoughts on this cheap wagon?
This is close to “any running and legal car” money these days .
It runs and starts at that price?! Looks like a great car to get to and from work! It also reminds me of my teenage years.🤔
Well I would pull the drive train and use it for something else like the 34 ford truck that’s on co part right now I believe in Tennessee says it can’t be titled do to flood but their are ways around that title hit.
Needs a four speed. Color is poor choice. These always looked better in lighter/brighter colors. Lose the ugly wheel covers. Only an old person would like those, probably the original owner was elderly. Might explain the color to. These were handy hauling things. Not as nice as a hatchback Omni (they had higher ceilings, I actually once got a large recliner in my 1979), but plenty of room in general. Roof racks on these were also helpful. 99% of the hauling that your average Silverado owner does these days, could be handled by something this size. Shame on the American car companies for thrusting large over priced trucks and SUVs on us and dropping small practical cars like this. If we had a decent government, they would give us real regulations, but I have lost hope to ever see common sense return in that regard.
Climbing in the sack with Uncle Sugar was the main reason these poor Pinto’s were saddled with those goofy bumpers, and that strangled 2300 four cylinder. Move up 50 years, and you get your $35,000 box on wheels with 8 air bags, an 8 speed electronically controlled slushbox and enough computers to run NASA. Way back when, the automakers should have just said no. And let the market decide what folks wanted.
This is a very nice car for the money, I think. We’re not sure about the rust underneath. The seller seems honest though. Costly interior work not required. True, I’m old enough to appreciate the conservative brown and old-fashioned wheel covers. Great for shopping around town. Might even be okay at 65 on the turnpikes. Check those brakes!
Let’s assume it runs and drives as the seller said. The interior is not trashed which saves one big bucks and a scavenger hunt for parts. Get a detailer to clean the engine compartment, any competent shop can fix the rust it doesn’t look that bad. Hell, take it to Maaco for that with a paint job and you have a nice cars and coffee or cruise night special for under 4k. As is, it’s the dream winter beater. Put some tube sand or a fat relative in the back and you’re set for next winter.
Ah, I worked on many Pintos back when I was a mechanic. My friend had a beat up one he proudly called a Dento. Yeah, I’d buy this as a grocery getter.
I like it.
The Good: Mechanically sound, and engine upgrades, from wrecked SVO Mustangs or crate engines are available. The Bad: Automatic transmission, no optional gage package, just idiot lights. The Ugly: Rust, puppy poop brown paint. A nice start for a project car. Get one before they’re all gone, as rust is rapidly claiming the few surviving examples. They made million of these, but few survive today, victims of 1970’s build quality.
Wait, that’s METALIC “puppy poop brown”, and doesn’t it almost match the rust? What’s not to like here?
Whether unbelievably overpriced or almost giving it away, it’s apparent that Pintos are very slow seller.