Theoretically, purchasing one of the final examples of a particular model car to roll off the production line should mean the buyer is getting the best the company offers. Years of development and evolution allow the manufacturer to identify any design or engineering defects and address those shortcomings to a high standard. History shows that Ford’s Pinto had some early problems, but by the time this 1980 model landed in its original owner’s driveway, they were a distant memory. This Pinto presents well for its age and needs a new home. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the seller has listed it for sale here on eBay. The bidding has raced to $4,494, which is short of the reserve. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this excellent survivor for us.

Ford produced 185,054 examples of the Pinto during the 1980 model year, with our feature car being 1-of-84,053 Two-Door Sedans. That made it the most popular version among buyers, with the Hatchback finishing a distant second on 61,842. It presents nicely in a combination of Diamond Blue and White. The seller doesn’t indicate whether it has received any restoration work, but there are no apparent signs of such work in the supplied photos. The paint shines well, with no patchiness or inconsistency in the metallic shade. The panels are straight, and the underside shots confirm it is rust-free. The glass and trim are in excellent condition, including the damage-prone hubcaps. A set of narrow whitewall tires adds a classy finishing touch to this tidy exterior.

By 1980, buyers were left with a single motor to power their new Pinto, although the company offered a couple of transmission choices. The engine bay features the 2.3-liter OHC four-cylinder unit that sends its 88hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Performance figures are all you might expect with such a modest power output, with the Pinto taking a leisurely 19.3 seconds to wander down the ¼ mile. Earlier Pintos were more sprightly, even though they rolled off the line with smaller engines. Weight increases landed the killer punch. While a 1971 sedan tipped the scales at 2,066lbs, that figure had ballooned to 2,507lbs by the time our feature car rolled off the line. That represented a weight gain of nearly 25%, which was always going to show when the driver hit the gas. The listing indicates an odometer reading of 56,000 miles, although there is no mention of evidence to verify the reading as genuine. The seller also supplies no information on how this survivor runs or drives. The engine bay presentation is tidy for a classic of this age, which could be a positive sign regarding its mechanical health.

When we turn our attention to this Pinto’s interior, we are confronted with a sea of blue trim. The seats wear vinyl in that shade, and while they are generally good, the driver’s seat has splits and wear. It is bad enough that it may motivate the buyer to source replacement covers. The door trims are wrinkled, but some careful work may allow the buyer to stretch these back into shape. There is a crack in the wheel, but the remaining trim and carpet present well for their age. A previous owner installed an aftermarket radio/cassette player and speakers, but there are no further additions. If the buyer elected to install slipcovers over the front seats instead of spending money on new upholstery, this interior would present well without costing a million dollars.

The thinking behind the Ford Pinto was sound, representing a bold design and engineering endeavor for the company. Sadly, its reputation became tarnished by what many saw as a design shortcoming in early cars. Later independent statistical analysis demonstrated that the Pinto was no more dangerous than any similar car to roll off a North American production line during the 1970s, but the damage was done. The car’s badge suggested freedom and enjoyment; carrying it onto later models should have been a no-brainer. However, the negative connotations saw Ford permanently retire the Pinto name after 1980. Like many similar vehicles from the era, most Pintos were considered disposable goods that their owners drove until they’d served their useful purpose before being scrapped. That this one has survived more than four decades in such remarkable condition makes the bidding action no surprise. It may not be the most desirable vehicle to emerge from the era, but you won’t spot many nicer examples on the road today. Are you tempted to join the bidding party on this survivor?