Roller Coaster: 1977 Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon

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As basically a blank slate, this 1977 Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon is crying out for some smaller bumpers, not to mention a drivetrain to fill in the gaping hole where the existing drivetrain would have been. The seller has this roller and/or coaster wagon listed here on eBay in Clinton Township, Michigan, and they have a $3,000 buy-it-now price listed or you can make an offer. Thanks to Larry D. for sending in this tip!

The seller says that this one has a newer front clip on it, but I never would have noticed, not being a Ford Pinto expert. Some of you would have noticed and maybe you could tell us what the differences would be between a 1977 Pinto front clip and the one on this car? I’ve seen all-chrome bumpers on 1977 Pintos, and this one has black bumper ends and a black strip, but is it the side marker lights or what’s the difference? There is no grille so that’s not a good giveaway.

I can see someone with a nice heated shop restoring this Pinto wagon over the winter, the body looks pretty solid on it as far as I can tell. Ford offered the Cruising Wagon beginnning in 1977 and it was an interesting way to “cruise” around in a factory-custom vehicle for those folks who didn’t want a van to do their crusing in. You can see the incredible amount of work that’s needed on this Cruising Wagon.

Is that the driveshaft on the driver’s side floor? This dash appears to be in perfect condition, which I didn’t expect, but is a major plus. The three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission with floor shifter is either a plus or a drawback, depending on how a person feels about shifting for themselves.

Speaking of parts being stored inside, it looks like there are a few critical pieces hidden in the cargo, or cruising, area. There is no engine photo, but there is no engine. Still, pop that dang hood and show us what the empty engine compartment looks like! GOSH (fake drama). This one had the Ford V6 with 90 horsepower, but it has zero horsepower now. How would you restore this one, back to original specs or with a 302 or something more interesting under the hood?

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Comments

  1. Rex Kahrs Rex KahrsMember

    I would create a cube of compressed metal out of the thing.

    Like 32
    • Bill McCoskey Bill McCoskeyMember

      Based on the look of the hinges, the cube appears to be a Ford Transit Van.

      Like 1
  2. mike

    Like Pinto wagons but this one to far gone…sorry

    Like 12
    • Robert

      It’s a genuine P.O.S., not worth $50 for scrap metal. Someone would have to have a grudge against themself to buy that eyesore junk bucket.

      Like 0
  3. Bob S

    That’s a front clip off of a 79/80, pintos had round headlights through 78. Personally, I think the seller is in dreamland on the price for just a shell.

    Like 21
  4. Bud Lee

    If I had deep pockets I’d make into a late 70’s Cobra wagon . However a manual transmission would be preferred .

    Like 6
  5. Troy

    Oh well dreams die, some slower than others

    Like 6
  6. Keith Hagerty

    My dad had 2 of these as delivery vehicles for his speed shop and they were pretty cool for what they were. He had a 77 and and 80. The front of the 77 had the round headlights and more of a cow catcher nose and the 80 had the rectangular headlights and a flatter larger black grill. I think this is a pretty rare find but needs a ton of parts including hard to find interior pieces which to me makes this project a non-starter at that price point. If I had it, I think I’d look to put an eco-boost in it for something really different.

    Like 0
  7. Grant

    Pinto wagons were good looking little cars, esp in a solid color, but I never liked these. Seemed like a useless gimmick that robbed you of all sorts of rearward vision.

    Like 5
  8. Big C

    When I pay the seller $3,000 for this thing? When should I expect him to show up at my door with the Ford 5.0 crate engine and the Tremec 5 speed? That he’d have to throw in?

    Like 11
  9. Lance

    Artie Johnson flying down to earth in this.

    Like 4
  10. Howie

    What a chick magnet!!

    Like 6
  11. mike gordon

    Had one. Great little car. This is worth about $80 max. heading to the crusher.

    Like 4
    • Christopher Gentry

      500 bucks tops and I love these things but wow. Would have to be a labour of love for certain. For one thing need the 77 front clip back then , engine , seats. What is it Dan Aykroyd says in Ghostbusters about the caddy ? Brakes , brake pads, wiring , wiring harness …….

      Like 0
  12. Emel

    Cruising in this heap.,….will get you heap mess ! lol

    Like 0
  13. DVSCAPRI

    No mention if he has any of the interior trim… as others have said about the price… dreamland! I looked because I was thinking “nice father & sons project for their first car”. Not at that price though, as well as what’s missing. If I’m going to swap meets, it’s not going to be looking for parts for a Pinto Cruising Wagon.

    Like 1
  14. Miguel - Mexican Spec

    People have gotten effing crazy.

    Like 0

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