I acknowledge that the 1979 Ford Pinto Runabout is unlikely to appear on many people’s list of the ten most popular classics in automotive history. However, most readers will agree that even the most mundane vehicles can draw attention if the condition is good enough. That’s where this Pinto comes into its own. The seller states that it is a true barn find with a genuine 31,000 miles on the clock. Its presentation, especially the interior, supports that claim. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder JDC for spotting the Pinto listed here on Craigslist in Maple Grove, Minnesota. The seller set their price for this amazing survivor at $9,200. They state that they may consider offers, but only after an in-person inspection.
Ford released the Pinto for the 1971 model year, fulfilling Lee Iacocca’s desire to produce an extremely low-cost sub-compact model to rival European vehicles that were selling strongly. I’ve always considered the Pinto a slightly odd decision, because Ford already had a sub-compact in the European Escort. Reengineering the existing platform and updating the styling to appeal to North American buyers would have been far cheaper than starting with a clean sheet of paper. Some critics suggest that the Pinto was born from the swelling Iacocca ego, and that is certainly possible. This Runabout rolled off the line in 1979, and its condition is pretty astonishing. The seller states that it recently emerged from a South Dakota barn, but doesn’t indicate when its hibernation commenced. The storage environment must have been favorable, because there is no evidence of rust or other structural problems. Close inspection will probably reveal flaws in its Dark Jade Metallic paint, but the pictures paint a positive story. The glass is clear, the trim looks exceptional, and the Pinto rolls on its factory alloy wheels.
From a mechanical perspective, this Pinto was as basic as they came in 1979. Its 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine sent 88hp and 118 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The buyer didn’t tick the boxes beside power steering or power brakes, suggesting they may have been on a relatively tight budget. The power and torque figures are modest, but outright performance was never the aim of the exercise. What this Pinto offered was excellent maneuverability, tiny exterior dimensions, and exceptional fuel economy. It should cruise at seventy on the open road, but its true home would be in heavy city traffic, functioning as an effective daily driver. The seller doesn’t indicate when they revived this classic. We’re also in the dark about the hibernation period, or whether they hold evidence verifying the mileage claim. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition, and with the seller encouraging in-person inspections, it suggests they have total confidence in this beauty.
If this Pinto has a genuine highlight, its interior scores that honor. If this car is an unrestored survivor, the presentation certainly supports the mileage claim. The color combination won’t appeal to all tastes, but there is seemingly nothing about the appearance that warrants criticism. The cloth and vinyl are excellent, with no wear or stains. The same is true of the carpet, while I don’t believe the back seat has ever seen occupants. The dash is immaculate, and the only visible aftermarket addition is the wheel cover. My belief that the first owner ordered the car with one eye on their wallet is supported by the fact that the only interior option beyond the cloth trim is the AM radio.
Ford sold over three million Pintos during its production run. Volumes dropped toward the end of the 1970s, but rallied slightly in 1979 when 199,018 buyers took a Pinto home. Many cars reached the end of their personal road years ago, and only the strong have survived. This 1979 Runabout falls into that category, courtesy of its rust-free status and overall condition. The seller’s price is at the top end of the market, but could be justified if its history and odometer reading are verifiable. They say that the buyer could hit the show circuit this weekend, and I tend to agree. If everything checks out, would you consider arranging that in-person inspection?
Well Adam, you did it again… I forgot about my older sisters friend Sue, her Dad bought her an either brand new or very slighly used brown Pinto for her graduating high school. I think her Dad drove it more than her!!! But I remember that nose design clearly. The rear bumpers were so big on these as you can see in the photos. I’m not going to comment to the mileage claim, but this sure looks like it had very favorable storage conditions, and that interior looks to be in great condition, something thats kind of rare with a “Barn find”. It could very well be legit. The only thing that’s out of place, but adds to the look that I like are those rims. My sisters friends just had the plain wheel covers. I would have thought these rims were optional, but again, a nice option that dressed it up a bit. I can understand why the previous owner installed mud flaps, and that may have actually helped preserve the lower panels, but maybe they’d go if this were mine. Nice one Adam. Thank you.
I prefer the early small-bumper Pintos (as most of us do), but it is good to see any Pinto which has survived. Looks to be in good shape. The wheels do dress it up. Dig that cool upholstery.
As long as speed/ flashiness/ “mainstream popularity” aren’t priorities for your collector car, this could be fun to own.
When I was a 3 or 4 year old a neighbor had a silver one next door. With gas prices the way they are this is really a great car even if the reputation precedes it. I love the color and interior combination too.
Nice looking Pinto but this is a sedan. The runabout was the hatchback.