We’ve featured a lot of Pintos/Bobcats lately, but to our credit they’ve all been different! This 1978 Pinto is especially different in that under the can be found a Ford 2.8 liter V6 instead of an inline four cylinder. Though this Pinto is still a project, the previous and late owner had it fully repainted in preparation for restoring it and it is now being sold by his son. Though it needs some work, this Pinto would be a great starting place for a “quick” project. Find it here on Craigslist in California for a somewhat optimistic but not unreasonable $3,500. Thanks to Pat L. for keeping the Pinto submissions coming!
To be honest, I had forgotten they made Pintos with the 2.8 V6. I have seen so many with I4s lately that I genuinely thought the seller was mistaken, but one look under the hood told me that this was indeed a V6 Pinto. According to the ad, “This was transportation to and from work for my Dad for many years in So Cal. He liked it so much he wanted to restore it,” which says to me that this has been a reliable car for someone. The mileage shows 29,485, and one can easily assume that is at least 129,485 if not more! Presumably, this car runs as it sounds like it has been serving its purpose as basic transportation for quite some time.
The interior definitely shows age, use, and mileage. However, it is complete albeit in dire need of new covering, carpet, and other components. It sounds like the seller’s father was intending to restore the interior as well as everything else, but unfortunately ran out of time to do so. The wear pattern on the interior (driver’s side obliteration) shows that this was definitely a single person commuter vehicle, which is what it sounds like the seller’s father was doing with it. While mint survivors are cool, so are cars like this Pinto that survived only because they were being used.
Though this isn’t a particularly valuable car, it is a little less common than four cylinder Pintos and to be fair, the paint job looks quite nice. Somebody was taking this car in the right direction, and it is up to the next owner to continue. With new interior, a freshened up and repainted engine, white stripe tires and polished wire wheel covers, this would be a sharp car. Though Pintos were once throwaway cars, and maybe still are to some, they have become affordable classics that take people back to a time gone by. Would you finish what the seller’s father started? Or start over from scratch?
I had a 74/75 wagon with the same V6. Cool little car until I found out the starter is wedged above the crossmember and you have to unbolt the motor from the mounts and raise it to gain access to the starter.
A flaw that sent many to the wrecking yard in the 90s
I don’t recall a 90s Pinto? In or about 1981_ they started making the Ford Escort!
Possibly the nicest car in the trailer park.
For it’s condition I think the price is out of line.
People only look at the year of the car and think it is more valuable than it has ever been.
You can get a really nice one that doesn’t have the problems this car has, like the A/C, for not much more.
If they redo the interior then maybe it could be worth the $3500 asking.
It is a 1978 after all.
That was more than it was new… LOL
Technically not. The base price was $3400.00 but you have to add the V6, auto and air.
With that said you can get a really nice wagon for the same price.
Automatic what a shame, Perhaps the seller could have purchased a carpet kit and cleaned it up just a little.
The 2.8 V-6 was offered from 1975-79 in the Pinto and Bobcat with automatic transmission only.
Here’s the ad archive with all the images http://www.craigslistadsaver.com/view.php?name=1978FordPinto
And as a hatchback, it has the fuel filler neck from the wagon so it isn’t a fire bomb
I always liked the glass hatchback on the later cars. But hate the Big Bertha Butt bumpers. If the timing gear set has not been replaced with a metal set. Then beware of valve and piston crash. As the age and the mileage dictate very soon demise. I like these. And if a manual transmission. It could be added to my stable. (Sorry for the pun. But I had to do it. As I also have a couple of Mustangs.)
Had one of these, lots of fun. Peppy and rack-and-pinion steering, good mix.
I’d say it’s time to put old Wilber out to pasture to die.
Another example of an economy car just begging to become a sleeper.
Very cool, bronze stallion!
After a nice detailing job, I’d add some slot mags, seat covers and drop her ~2″.
Even here in Tucson, I rarely see a Pinto, or Bobcat, anymore. Kinda bums me out, as I drove a ’72 for a spell during collage. I have fond memories of the cars, while understanding why many do not. :)
This—- exact—–Car—- . High school transportation. Same motor, same hubcaps…….same color (plaid seats).
Have to remove the battery just to change the spark plugs.
But yes, that motor would do a hole shot! Hand me down car my sister bought with my dad as co-signer and was going to let go…….