By the early 1970s, the U.S. auto manufacturers were coming out with all sorts of products to defend against the onslaught of fuel-efficient subcompacts originating in Japan and Europe. The Pinto would be Ford’s entrant and it had a 10-year run between 1971-80. Though more than three million copies were sold, not everything was coming up roses because of the safety debate regarding rear-end collisions that could go up in smoke (literally). This 1978 Runabout (aka hatchback) looks like a nice survivor and can be found in San Andreas, California. It’s available here on craigslist for $7,500.
Other than changes in the sheet metal to accommodate bigger bumpers in the mid-1970s, the Pinto was not drastically changed over its lifetime. Initially, just a 2-door sedan, hatchback and station wagon versions would quickly emerge. As you might expect, 1974 was the biggest sales year for the car as more than a half-million buyers flocked to autos like this to save on fuel, thanks to the 1973 OPEC oil embargo. Things cooled off a bit by 1978, and the car’s reputation had been tainted by safety recalls, yet 10% of Ford sales in 1978 would be the aging Pinto at 189,000 units. The Runabout was the biggest seller at 74,000 copies.
As the story goes, this sharp-looking ’78 Pinto is owned by a gentleman in his 80s and he’s decided to finally let the car go, suggesting he has owned it a long time and put on most of its 68,000. It’s been garage-kept which has helped to protect the body, paint, and interior. It also has a contrasting vinyl top that has survived nicely. Under the hood should reside a 140 cubic inch Inline-4 engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. While not a barn burner, it should be fun to put through its paces.
No trades will be considered because the seller is trying to downsize. One interesting accessory is a tow bar to haul it behind your RV, which may be how the seller had been using the car. The only flaw the photographs reveal is some fading in the interior and a tear in the driver’s bucket seat. While this is a sweet survivor, it was not a rare car when new. The same auto was also offered by Mercury during the second half of the 1970s and it was called the Bobcat.
Looks like a well-kept example. Period-correct colors, inside and out. The 4-speed is a bonus with me. I’d walk past lots of cars at Cars & Coffee to take a look at this Pinto, and to talk to the owner.
I had an earlier-year Pinto, it treated me well and I thought it was kind of fun to drive.
Be careful with this craigslist seller or “u” will be deleted…..
I’d be right there too Bob.
Returning from summer in Europe bought a 1971 Ford PINTO Runabout on a suggestion over the Vega by a gal that had previously dated and was so glad I had that Pinto commuter from my home in Southern California 500 miles to Northern California and it turned out approx/ 37 mpg, had a mattress in back to sleep it was such a fun car, it went everywhere; was like having a friend on the road, one time in the middle of the desert crossing to Phoenix and no one on the road middle day this Jet was on my right, didn’t hear it coming or going the Pilot gave me the high sign and i waved back.
My ex-wife had a 78 pinto when we met. It was everything that I hoped it wouldn’t be. It didn’t stay in my driveway for very long.
That’s why she’s you “EX”
Back in the day….late 70s thru early 80s we had 3 Pintos. Mom had 2 and dad had one. Cheap to buy and operate, which is what our working class household needed back then.
My first car was a 77 Pinto with the 2.3 4-spd. If this one was not across the country from me here in the east, I would be tempted to do a personal inspection and possibly make a reasonable offer. I’d want to check the underside for the tin worm, fire it up and take it for a spin.
I think the motor was not the best for fuel economy ..
Were under powered
Very slow (even with my 4-spd) yet also very easy on gasoline. 88 BHP is a mighty hurdle to overcome.
If you thought Pinto was under powered, you were not paying attention to it;s competition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9J00ovBiGM
A Gremlin would blow the doors off a Pinto any day of the week. ;-)
Price seems fair for today’s market. I prefer a ‘72 model year and in orange should your ever come across any for sale. This one needs a good cleaning, and some minor interior driver’s front seat repair, but appears to be original and miles could be actual. If I were closer I would take a look.
Good luck dealing with the seller, or freind of the seller that listed it, he sounds difficult.
If you’ve ever listed anything on CL before you’d know that the seller is quite reasonable. It’s the people responding to the ads that are usually difficult. 90% of the contacts you’ll get are people asking if the item is still available. When you respond, “Yes, when would you like to come see it?” you hear crickets. Some amount of vetting is necessary so you don’t waste your time. I’m sure he doesn’t want his 80-year-old friend bothered by a stream of low-balling tire kickers. I also never agree to meet with anyone unless I speak to them by phone first. Basic CL survival tactics.
That Craigslist “Is it still available?” response is one of the many standard scams on CL designed to get your info.
If you’re currently driving a gas hog truck or SUV you will wish you snatched this up later this summer when gas hits $7.00 A gallon
Even if the Gremlin had a 4 cylinder VW engine the weigh alone would make it slower.
I think the Pinto looked lots better after they cribbed the all-glass hatch from the 1972 Volvo 1800ES
Nice…..was our base cruiser back in the early 70’s…..what did we know !
I agree with Troy, gas prices are getting ready to sky-rocket. The asking price for this Pinto is fair for a car that is easy to maintain and in great shape. Inflation is out of control and nothing will be cheaper than it is now. With values of these little gems going up, I would go look at it with cash in hand if it weren’t so far away.
Odd the front bumper does not seem to stick out as far as i expected, especially compared to the rear bumper.
Could 1 get cloth seats in a ’78 Pinto in that color?
Amazin the steering wheel is even that color on Ford’s cheapest car!
Compare that to the “colors” you get inside in today’s “cars”.