The Pinto was Ford’s entry in the subcompact space, designed to do battle with the VW Beetle, Japanese imports, and the domestic competition that was brewing in 1971. More than three million copies were built before and including 1980, and a large percentage of them were wagons like this one. As a 1972 model, this Pinto gave up its engine and transmission years ago, as the owner was planning on a V8 upgrade that has yet to happen. Located in Tacoma, Washington, this rough roller is available here on craigslist for $400. Thanks for the tip, “Curvette”!
Most Pinto’s were built with an inline-4 and a 4-speed manual transmission. That’s likely the pairing this 1972 Pinto once shared, but it’s long gone, giving way to a gaping hole. This vehicle has been garaged for at least 20 years, so rust has been held to a minimum. However, some frontal damage must have occurred, witness the blue fender where the rest of the wagon is yellow in color.
Perhaps the seller was planning to drop in a tweaked 302 V8 with a shifter that had more guts than the standard Pinto offering. Whatever the case, the seller lost interest in the project and is no doubt trying to free up space that this stalled project has been eating up for years. The interior photo shows it full of this and that, the seller says the interior is all there, but its condition is in question.
Somewhere in the mix are the front bumper and two grilles for the buyer to choose from. But if you decided you didn’t want to follow through on the seller’s V8 plan, would you bother restoring this wagon as a 4-banger Pinto from 54 years ago? Or maybe you can go one step further and turn it into some sort of track car for Friday nights?
Looks like a great parts car for another pinto wagon.
Scrap metal, needs to be taken to the crusher.
‘scrap’ ?, the vintage, US steel, solid and straight 2 door wagon , ‘scrap’ ??
Ok, other than that tailgate, the doors, glass, pop-outs, hood, roof rack, fenders, a number of interior parts, .. and then, sure, if the solid chassis isnt of any value, ‘scrap’ it.
Now, thats NOT why its posted here, on Barn Finds, the site for those of us who value vintage cars.
Regardless, it already SOLD =)
So much for ‘scrap’ .
Now, that new, cheap, import you got ?, thats scrap right off the lot. It costs 25k plus interest, and will never be featured as a classic car.
This pinto wagon, will likely one day be featured again, on a site with a father/son story about a $400 body and a Mustang motor needing a cradle. Yup, another chapter, another life.
Thanks to those who know.
This year is the better looking of the run imo, and was a made into a ‘cruiser wagon’ from Ford, which i have the panels and glass for; if anyones looking..
Its a Pinto no amount of money you pour into it will change that so yes scrap metal. If it was a Chevelle or mustang ,something actually worth saving it would be a different story.
If it’s in good enough shape body wise, it might make a good candidate for finishing the V8 conversion. The price is right, someone that is industrious could finish the build for not much money.
Steve R
You are correct Steve R! They make kits for this swap. (Ford sb) But one thing I never saw in a kit is the V8 Mustang II oil pan you will need. A better choice might be to scavenge a Turbo T-bird for its drive train. I hopped one of these with a very hot 2.0 and assorted suspension goodies. Wish I still had it.
Duct tape drag car potential.
I’d restore it and continue the build, but not with a V8, though. Can you say Ecoboost? Sure you can! Put it on a full frame, with an IRS rear end, maybe remove the fixed side glass, weld in metal and make a Cruisin’ Wagon tribute car! 300 hp, 300 pound-feet of torque from 2.3L, and much less weight in the nose than a V8, for better handling and less understeer. Whee!
Great ideas, Robert!
My F150 has the twin-turbo 2.7. It hauls, but it’s buh-Tugly. Wires & hoses everywhere.
Keep the roof rack!
no surprise it sold.
I would say put a Zetec or Duratec in it.Keep it Ford.
I have a 351W and a 9 inch that needs a lighter body. Oh well.
302 w/4-5spd, 8.8 rear, mustang 2 nose. Why not?
Or a hopped up 4 cylinder, easier.