There aren’t many vehicles for sale under $5,000 anymore, and it seems like $10,000 is about the minimum for one that’s even remotely usable and somewhat reliable, not to mention something interesting. This 1979 Ford Pinto Runabout is certainly interesting. The seller has it listed here on eBay in one of the greatest cities on the globe: San Antonio, Texas, and they’re asking $2,500 or offer.
We’ve seen many Pintos here on Barn Finds over the years, even Tangerine Orange ones. This one may look familiar, though. It’s hard to miss those white wheels and the somewhat rugged overall appearance. Our own Russ Davis showed us this same car a year ago here, but we don’t know if it sold or what the final price was if it sold. It’s still located in San Antonio, so maybe they’re trying again? I believe the wheels are original, as seen on page 4 of this brochure.
We didn’t get to see any close interior photos on the last listing, but here’s the driver’s view of the steering wheel and dash. Who’s in for $2,500?! Nobody? Most of this damage is, I’m assuming, heat-related from the hot Texas sun, but dang is it rough inside. Ford offered the Pinto from 1970 for the 1971 model year until the end of 1980, and the ’79 Runabout had a unique glass hatchback. The seller shows a photo of the spare tire well back there, and it looks pretty solid.
Oddly enough, the back seat area looks great, or at least the orange plaid seats do. The 1979 and 1980 Pintos have rectangular headlights and a different grille, and they all had the bench-warmer bumpers by this time. The back bumper is really huge, as you can see in the second photo. The seller mentions some rust in the floorboards that was patched, and they also included a Marti Report listing!
The last time this car was shown, there wasn’t an engine photo, but here’s one showing the dusty 2.3-liter OHC inline-four with 88 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque when new. This one sends power through a four-speed manual to the rear wheels, and the seller says there’s a knock, so be prepared. Here’s a video they posted on YouTube. This car has power steering and air-conditioning, though, so it may be worth fixing. Maybe? Any thoughts on this rerun Pinto?
Unfortunately, a sad Pinto. In its day it would have been quite flashy, with the Tangerine paint and Tangerine/White plaid upholstery. Very well equipped. It sure does look sun-baked, I presume from decades of Texas heat. That engine knock doesn’t inspire confidence.
A Marti Report on a Pinto? While we beg for one on a six-figure Mustang? Kudos to the seller.
Maybe there is a person who will give it some love.
Good job SG.
I must say. The price is more reasonable than what we are used to seeing as of late. I don’t remember seeing many fancy Pintos like this as a kid. Usually more plain commuters. Somebody wanted their Pinto to stand out a bit!!! I just can’t help thinking of a Creamsicle when I see this with the white rims, but I like it. I can’t see this getting restored but who knows? Maybe a new dashboard and steering wheel. Or just run it as is? Thanks Scotty.
Demo Derby.
I liked these later Pintos.They were soon to be replaced by the Escort, which while a better car, was even more mundane than a Pinto ever thought of being. At least these particular Ponies went out with a little flash. You never see them anymore, as they didn’t sell nearly as well as the earlier Pintos did. A word about that knocking 2.3 engine. They were known to be sensitive to dirty oil, and their small camshaft lubrication passages would get plugged up, scoring the camshaft. If this engine’s noise is coming from the top, you know why.