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No Reserve: 1977 Ford Pinto Squire Station Wagon

One attraction of the classic car scene is the diversity of taste. A vehicle that doesn’t appeal to one enthusiast will readily appear on another’s “must-have” list. That is undoubtedly the case with this 1977 Ford Pinto Squire Station Wagon. Whether or not you are attracted, you will probably agree that its condition and presentation are exceptional for a vehicle of this type and age. Those aren’t its only attributes because the seller listed it here on eBay in a No Reserve auction that opened at $8,000, but they have received no bids. You could become its new owner at the click of a button, and its mechanical good health means you could fly to Ottumwa, Iowa, and drive this classic home.

The Pinto landed in Ford showrooms on September 11, 1970, but the Station Wagon variant didn’t join the range until February 1972. Faux woodgrain was popular on many Station Wagons during this era, and it was unsurprising that Ford produced a Squire version of its sub-compact. This Wagon rolled off the lot in 1977, with its original owner ordering it finished in Code 8G Orange, perfectly contrasting its woodgrain highlights. The seller has been the vehicle’s custodian for eleven years, stating that its paint isn’t perfect. It has a few faded spots, and the panels sport a few minor bumps and marks. However, it is very presentable as a survivor-grade car, and utilizing a paintless dent removal company might eliminate the panel imperfections. The woodgrain is in surprisingly good condition, making the idea of a cosmetic refresh via new paint a viable alternative for those not focused on preservation. The seller confirms this Squire is rock-solid, with no rust requiring attention. The trim and glass are in good order, and the sweet factory alloy wheels perfectly round out the exterior.

The Pinto was typical of many cars from this era, with interior trim and plastic waving the white flag after extended UV exposure. Cracked dash pads and torn upholstery were typical, but this Squire has avoided that fate. The only flaw worth noting is carpet fading, but the lack of apparent wear means it doesn’t require replacement. A new carpet set retails for around $160 for those wishing to lift the interior a notch, but I probably wouldn’t prioritize it. The rear cargo space is one of the more damage-prone areas, but this has survived without significant faults beyond minor carpet marks. The seller says the air conditioning blows cold for a few months after a recharge, suggesting there might be a slight system leak. Compressor seals are a common source of this problem, but with new replacement compressors retailing for under $300, addressing this issue would be affordable and worthwhile. The factory radio has made way for an aftermarket radio/cassette player, but I can’t spot any further additions to an interior that is one of this classic’s highlights.

It is fair to say that the Pinto had evolved significantly from its original design brief by the time this Squire rolled off the line. Lee Iacocca focused on price and weight, sharing his “2000/2000” vision for the company’s new subcompact. The aim was to achieve a sticker price under $2,000 and an overall weight below 2,000 lbs for the lightest version. He reached the price goal but missed the weight target by a mere 15 lbs by the 1970 launch. The 1972 Pinto Station Wagon tipped the scales at 2,297 lbs, but our ’77 Squire balloons to 2,747 lbs. Additional weight requires extra power to retain respectable performance. A 1972 Pinto Wagon featured a 2.0-liter four under the hood, but this Squire derives its power from the range-topping 2.8-liter V6. It sends 90hp and 139 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission, producing a ¼-mile ET and a top speed identical to the early Wagon with the four under the hood. The news for potential bidders remains positive because the seller treated the V6 to a rebuild three years ago. This beauty runs and drives perfectly and should be considered a turnkey proposition.

A 1977 Ford Pinto Squire Station Wagon won’t make a “Top 10” list for most enthusiasts, but they are practical classics that can serve as effective daily drivers. That this one has survived in such good condition suggests it has been treated respectfully. It has survived when many of its siblings made their final journey to a scrapyard years ago, which makes it pretty special. The Pinto has developed a devoted following, and good ones have experienced recent value growth. The opening bid figure for this one is in the ballpark, and I wouldn’t expect the price to climb significantly before the hammer falls. It is clean, solid, unmolested, and potentially affordable. That must make it worth a closer look as you consider submitting a bid.

Comments

  1. Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TN Member

    Squire wagons rank high on the desirability scale for Pinto enthusiasts. This looks like a nice example. I’d like to see one parked beside a full-size Country Squire at a show, to allow for comparison and contrast. For the right enthusiast this could be a fun little cruiser.

    Like 17
  2. Bill D

    Pretty looking car, in a stand-out color. Not a lot of buyers opted for the V-6, as it didn’t offer much in the way of HP gain but IIRC you took a pretty hard fuel economy hit for the extra half-liter of displacement and 2 cylinders over the 2.3-liter I-4.

    Like 5
  3. Robert Atkinson, Jr.

    The few remaining examples of these cars are available from mild to wild, depending on your taste and budget. All original examples, like this one, are still relatively affordable, but customized versions can be priced close to six figures. I saw one example under construction that was fitted with a custom chassis by Art Morrison Enterprises that was going to receive a Ford Eco-Boost power plant, good for 300 hp, and the live axle was gone, the new chassis was sporting a fully independent rear suspension!

    Like 2
  4. chrlsful

    heavy fora monocoque still lots to like (lima motor, weber progressive 32/36, auto/wagon) ina daily. Just a lill small for me, I’ll keep my fox-bodied wagon (Grande-a, cougar, fairmont, more – all came in wagon).

    I’d use 1/2 measures and do an ol school head swap (the ranger’s, last yrs i4 w/”D” shaped ports), & ign hop-up.

    Like 0
    • Bill D

      Given that it’s a 2.8 Cologne V6 I wonder if a 4.0 swap out of a later Ford Ranger truck would be a possibility. Modern fuel injection, ‘n’ all that. People apparently do those swaps in Rangers and Bronco IIs.

      I’ve heard of people dropping a 302 in there but apparently modification to the engine bay is required.

      Like 2
  5. Big C

    Starting bid at $8,000, and it’s orange. Another seller, looking at dealer prices, and hoping.

    Like 3
  6. Bill McCanless

    Why not just swap in a 3.7 from a late model mustang? That engine made 315 up. I think Ford called it the Mayhem Engine.

    Like 0
    • Clay

      I think that’s a heck of an idea. I had a Mustang II back in the day with this engine. You could spin a tire if you really, really tried. It wasn’t fast but definitely better than that buzzy four.

      Like 0
  7. PRA4SNW PRA4SNW Member

    The official automobile of the Illinois Nazi Party.

    Like 6
    • Paul N

      I hate Illinois nazis

      Like 4
  8. Claudio

    Ok
    A no reserve auction begins at ZERO
    At opening bid of $8k is an $8k reserve

    Nice odd car , it would need a real engine , trans , brake upgrade and would be unique !

    Like 2

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