Faux Wood Survivor: 1972 Ford Pinto Squire

In 1971, Ford’s entry into the subcompact market was the Pinto. Previously, it had been dominated by imports like the VW Beetle. Chevrolet also rolled out the Vega at the same time, but the Pinto would outlast it (1980 vs. 1977). A wagon version was added to the Pinto roster in 1972, and it could be ordered with “Squire” trim like its bigger brothers (LTD Country Squire, for example). This survivor was a one-owner wagon for 50 years, has a lot of new parts, and could be one of the nicest examples left. Located near San Diego, California, this pint-size transport is available here on craigslist for $23,777.

Over its 10-year run, more than three million copies of the Pinto were built and sold. And it was largely the same car from start to finish except for some rather bulky bumpers that were added later to satisfy federal safety standards. Besides the 2-door wagon, a coupe and hatchback were also offered and – over time – the trio split sales in roughly equal numbers. When you ordered a Pinto Squire like this one, you got faux wood paneling on the sides and back (and probably some upgrades to the interior).

The first owner no doubt babied this thing for five decades, as all the key elements are said to be original – (most of) the paint, interior, inline-4 engine, and 4-speed manual transmission. When logging its 99,000 miles, the Ford spent its downtime inside the garage. We assume the seller bought this wagon off the original owner and has added a bevy of new parts: brakes, clutch, tires, front shocks, and an alternator. The carburetor has been rebuilt, and the engine tuned up.

The wagon looks solid from all the photos provided, better than you would expect a 100,000-mile Pinto to resemble. Chances are this wagon will turn some heads at Cars & Coffee, but you will be paying top dollar for an early Pinto at the seller’s ask. Another tip from yesteryear brought to us by Tony Primo.