The Pinto was Ford’s first subcompact automobile and was in production from 1971 to 1980. Only a single generation was built, though obvious changes were made over time. The Squire model was added in 1972, a 2-door wagon with faux wood paneling. This one from 1975 is in rough shape and was donated to a charitable group for resale. Located in Orange, California, this weathered little wagon is available here on eBay, where the no-reserve auction has generated bids of just $295 so far.
At one time or another, most Ford station wagons were offered in Squire trim, which included the use of simulated wood siding and a higher level of creature comforts. Most Pinto Squires came with a 2.3-liter inline-4 engine with a 4-speed manual transmission. That’s the case with the seller’s Pinto, but a V6 and an automatic tranny were also offered. This wagon, with a reported 44,000 miles, is being sold via Just Donated, Inc., a charitable vehicle donation program.
Because the wagon was donated, no information is available regarding its 51-year history. The seller tried to jump-start it with no success, with no further efforts made. The condition of the vehicle suggests it’s spent years, if not decades, out in the Sun as everything is well-baked and probably beyond saving. The driver’s side door is stuck and will not open. Rust seems to be everywhere.
This Pinto begs the question, “What would you do with it if you bought it”? This doesn’t appear to be a viable restoration project, and the usable parts you could harvest may be few, if any. Perhaps you could get it running and enter it into a demolition derby (those used to be fun to watch; I haven’t been to one in ages).
Sad Pinto. Double-sad, because Pinto Squires restored to high condition are desirable vehicles, and bring solid money. I don’t know if there is enough here to work with, even as a parts car. Although that simulated walnut shift knob is cool.
This once-attractive little pony probably was pulled out of the weeds and is well past its prime, probably good only for parts because I’ve a feeling the engine is toast as well. As for Pintos with a V6, only the wagon got that option and only for the ’75-76 models.
V6 was not wagon only..
$295 dealer document fees add another $250 for a car that would bring $250 in scrap. It is one of the older engines I would love to try and get running again would need to change the timing belt but it would be a good canvas for teaching yourself how to paint a car.
This Pinto looks very solid in my opinion. It does have surface rust, but probably has not permeated through the sheet metal. The body & especially the bumpers appear to be straight as an arrow. I think the car should be quite a worthy candidate for restoration (so many people are quick to opine the scrap/parts car option as only option). Now one would have a decent monetary investment in order to do a thorough restoration, but a cheaper option could be employed to simply make it a reliable daily driver or interesting conversation piece. Reman engines & transmissions are available to get it running fairly easily. The 2.3 four banger was the first American engine that had metric specs & Fomoco manufactured millions of them over 3-4 decades. They’re not making any more of them & think saving it would be a worthy pursuit
You are right, it’s sunburned and ugly looking, but any rust is likely superficial. It’s been sitting outside for a long time likely due to some form of mechanical issue. As you mention replacement engines are available, it’s also easy to upgrade to something larger. This is worth checking out by someone wanting a Pinto wagon or a project which could be completed inexpensively.
Steve R
Anyone else notice the trailer hitch? What in the world did they try and pull with it?
Chevrolet Vega 😁
looks pretty beat up but if it could be bought cheap enough it could make a good project
Pfft… ROTFLMAO
What does “ROTFLMAO” stand for? I’m well into my eighties, and this sort of computer shorthand might just as well be Greek, to me. Please, verbalise it out. Thank you!
ROFLMAO = “Rolling on the floor laughing my a** off”
It would make a good little drag car
Looks crispy enough but if you look low it seems solid. Would be worth a look for someone close enough looking for a cheap project. Plenty of labor would be involved but it could be worth the effort to get a solid runner.
The Good: The price, only surface rust, no salt exposure. At any bid under $500, it’s worth a look, and even up to a grand, if you’re feeling generous (the money goes to charity, after all)! The Bad: The general condition, not running. The Ugly: Pretty much everything! The Verdict: A good first project for a trade school shop class in auto body repair and restoration, or as a first project for someone who wants to try doing a restoration themselves. These are unibody cars, so stripping the body down to an empty shell would be step one, before sending the entire body out to be stripped and/or dipped. Media blasting or chemical stripping depending on your preference. This one would be a good candidate for an often mentioned engine swap with an SVO Mustang (2.3L Turbo) or a T-Bird Turbo Coupe (V6 Turbo).
Fully baked.
Blackta, your “Fully Baked” comment made me think of the 1948 Marle Travis hit, “So Round, So Firm, So Fully Packed” (smile). I’d better look out: my AGE is showing!
What does “ROTFLMAO” stand for? I’m well into my eighties, and this sort of computer shorthand might just as well be Greek, to me. Please, verbalise it out. Thank you!
Rolling on the floor laughing my arse off is the usual interpretation
Thank you, Robert Rollins!
you are quite welcome
Sold of 5/6/2026 for a high bid of $780, there were 28 bids from 12 bidders.
Steve R