Excellent Interior: 1980 Ford Pinto Squire Wagon

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

Manufacturers produce some vehicles with an eye on longevity, while others are viewed as disposable items that will serve in a given role for a few years before requiring replacement. Ford’s Pinto falls into the latter category, with the company producing it as an affordable vehicle that would function as an ideal second car in many households. The Pinto sold in respectable numbers, but most made their final trip to the scrapyard years ago. Those that survived have gained a second life as quirky but affordable classics, and values are climbing. This 1980 Pinto Squire Wagon is an original survivor with needs that appear to be mainly cosmetic. Its interior presents surprisingly well, and it could be an ideal first project candidate. It is listed here on eBay in Greensburg, Indiana. Bidding sits at $2,125 in a No Reserve auction.

The seller does themselves no favors by only supplying two photos of this Pinto’s exterior. However, they don’t reveal any apparent rust issues or significant panel damage. The Dark Cordovan paint is pretty baked, and the news is no better when assessing the Wagon’s distinctive faux woodgrain. Neither problem is insurmountable. Addressing the paint shortcomings shouldn’t be challenging, while companies specializing in vinyl wraps could supply and install something that approximates the original woodgrain. Restoring or replacing the fiberglass edge trims might not be as easy, although it shouldn’t be impossible if the new owner takes their time. The trim and wire hubcaps are in good order, and there are no visible glass issues.

Powering this Squire is the original 2.3-liter OHC four-cylinder engine that sends 88hp and 119 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. That combination is unlikely to set pulses racing, but it is ideal for an owner seeking an economical commuter or daily driver capable of coping with heavy stop/start traffic. The engine bay presents to a standard you would expect from a survivor of this vintage, but lifting the appearance could be a satisfying undertaking requiring more time than money to achieve a good result. Cleaning everything would be a good start, and while attaining a factory-fresh look is unlikely, it could still receive positive comments with some effort. The seller indicates that this Squire runs and drives well. It seems to have no mechanical needs and could be considered a turnkey proposition by potential bidders.

Opening this Pinto’s doors reveals an interior that could be the Wagon’s strongest attribute. The dashpad has cracked badly, and sourcing a suitable replacement could be challenging. However, high-quality caps are readily available, and the fit of some can be impressive. They generally retail for around $210 and would make a significant positive impact on the interior appearance. Otherwise, this interior needs little. The vinyl and cloth upholstered surfaces show no evidence of wear or UV damage, the carpet is excellent, and the rear cargo area exhibits none of the typical wear and tear seen on older Wagons. It may not be a luxury car, but the winning bidder will welcome air conditioning and the factory AM/FM radio/cassette player.

Tackling a first restoration project can be daunting for some people, and the classic world is littered with owners who have bitten off more than they could chew or who have discovered that their dream car is a bottomless financial pit. Neither scenario seems likely with this 1980 Ford Pinto Squire Wagon, and the finished product could be an affordable vehicle that would serve as a practical daily driver. It could be worth a close look if a first project has been on your radar.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TNMember

    Good write-up Adam. “Those that survived have gained a second life as quirky but affordable classics, and values are climbing” is a good summary of the Pinto. From what we can tell this one isn’t bad at all. That striped interior is an attention-grabber. Some attention to the paint and some new woodgrain would do wonders, and you would end up with a fun runabout.

    Like 10
  2. Dave Suton

    We had a 80 pinto wagon on our family. We bought it new. 2.3 litre and a 4 speed transmission. That car would drive through anything. It outlasted all the Asian junk that was being dumped on our shows from the same era. In fact, that pinto is in the northwest part of Michigan now, in a barn, and still runs with over 250k miles on it. Can’t say the same about any of the Toyota/Honda/Datsun/Mazda vehicles of the same time that were pretty much towed away by the junkyard after the 3rd year.

    Like 10
  3. chrlsful

    lik(ed) em. Just wish they were lighter.
    Lima’s a great motor (use the ranger head w/D shaped ports),
    great carb (weber 2v progressive), auto’s ok as I’d daily it (AOD
    swap?). As above “give it a lill luv” 3M Di-Noc (any 1 know where
    ta get the ‘ash’ perimeter pieces?). Go on later? as time/money
    allowed to the other points (correct wheel covers?) I prefer w.caps.
    Or body matching steelies (or blk) w/chrome closed nut/chrome
    dust cover. Just like the fleets or cops. Highly customized just
    seem off w/any I see. But once we buy I say ‘make it your own’.

    Now here’s akicker: I once attempted to buy a car the gentelman
    refused to sell me. He claimed to know how I’d use fitec or sniper
    to modify for Cali skiing (for drives from ocean level warm up to
    mt. top cold elevation) and refused to sell (he was correct).

    Like 1
  4. chrlsful

    lik(ed) em. Just wish they were lighter.
    Lima’s a great motor (use the ranger head w/D shaped ports),
    great carb (weber 2v progressive), auto’s ok as I’d daily it (AOD
    swap?). As above “give it a lill luv” 3M Di-Noc (any 1 know where
    ta get the ‘ash’ perimeter pieces?). Go on later? as time/money
    allowed to the other points (correct wheel covers?) I prefer w.caps.
    Or body matching steelies (or blk) w/chrome closed nut/chrome
    dust cover. Just like the fleets or cops. Highly customized just
    seem off w/any I see. But once we buy I say ‘make it your own’.

    Now here’s akicker: I once attempted to buy a car the gentleman
    refused to sell me. He claimed to know how I’d use fitec or sniper
    to modify for Cali skiing (for drives from ocean level warm up to
    mt. top cold elevation) and refused to sell (he was correct).

    Like 2
  5. TouringFordor

    Just wondering, can the picnic table bumpers be removed and replaced with the ever more svelte early bumpers?

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.

Barn Finds