This is one of those “really” cars. As in, this thing exists…really?! You are looking at a restored 1980 Pinto Station wagon that is on its third owner. The car is immaculate and likely better than new in most every way. No, the engine has not been swapped, the thing is still powered by the sad little 90hp 140ci four banger that was in it from the factory when Ronald Regan was took office. The only deviation from bone stock was the addition of some 1976 “Stallion” flavor. The “Stallion” package, one of the saddest in automotive history (in our opinion) was only available in 1976 and it was basically some stickers and a set of shocks. We’re nearly 100% sure those are Appliance wheels that have been painted on the corners.
The southern car is completely rust free according to the seller and it has less than 65,000 miles on it, to boot. The four banger/auto combo means that you and a city bus can have a spirited acceleration contest pulling away from a curb but outside of that the only race this thing cares about is the human one.
The interior is amazing and we dig the back bucket seats. Those are actually kind of neat instead of the traditional bench seat that most cars like this have. 1980 was the height of refinement for the Pinto as it was their last year of construction. That means you have the pinnacle of styling and engineering here. Yeah, we just face-palmed ourselves for saying that.
The car was optioned up from the factory. Automatic transmission, sport mirrors, air conditioning, front AND rear defroster, and other high falutin’ stuff that rich folks like to brag about. All this thing really needs is an entirely reengineered suspension with high performance parts and a 2.3L Ecoboost engine under the hood backed by a six speed stick shift. We’d leave the exterior the same as it is now and just give the thing a few hundred more horsepower, making it totally, 100% boss.
eBay link: Restored 1980 Ford Pinto station wagon
why
Why not?
In addition to swapping the C-Pap machine, errr 2.3L, for an Ecoboost 4-banger this one needs pre-73 bumpers and a round headlight front clip.
I’d buy it and add the 2.3 of course but mine transmission choice would keep it an automatic, with paddle shifters. And cruise control of course. Otherwise I’d leave it alone.
Appliance wheels? Damn Brian, I haven’t heard about them wheels since well, 1980!
For those in the know, add a turbo, big valve D-port head, and a Ranger roller cam and you have yourself one hell of a sleeper.
Looks great to me.. just needs a turbo 2.3
And let the fun begin..
I’d argue the early small bumper versions were the pinnacle of styling for these cars. And the stock type suspension can be made to handle – it just needs more power.