The Ford Pinto predates me by at least three years, so I simply have to take older folks’ word on just what the little rolling ball of dynamite from Ford truly meant when sold. Was it supposed to be an import fighter? An economical Ford in the face of fuel crisis? The answer for every bloated Gran Torino and LTD that had trouble selling? Hard to say, really. But the Pinto held on, despite Ford’s ability to turn the car from a well-praised subcompact into the epitome of everything wrong with 1970s American auto manufacturing almost overnight.

For years, the Pinto was a rolling joke of sorts, but we think it’s a neat little car when they are cleaned up and tweaked on a little bit. They are small, nimble, and wake right up with a V8 swap. This 1980 Pinto wagon is just about exactly as we’d take one. Let the seller do the talking here:

“Holy cow, this is one bad ass ride! First, start with a super clean Pinto, add a modified 302 V8, a 5-speed manual transmission, and an 8.8 rear end, paint it a sweet burnt orange color, mount up some 17″ Cobra Mustang wheels and hit the streets with a killer ride that hauls more than grocery’s. Sounds like something you need in your garage? Read on my friend:

1980 Pinto Wagon – Performance Built Ford 302, Edelbrock Intake, Holley Carb, Crane Cam, MSD Pro-Billet Distributor and 6A Spark Box, Headers, Dual Exhaust, 5-Speed Manual Transmission, Performance Clutch, 8.8 Posi Rear, Traction Bars, Power Steering, Manual 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, Electric Fuel Pump, 17″ Cobra Wheels. The body is super straight and no rust. The underside is solid. The paint is base coat clear and smooth. A fiberglass hood adds clearance for the V8. The interior is original and clean! The seats show no wear. The dash isn’t cracked. It has a complement of Autometer Pro Comp gauges – Tachometer, Oil, Water, Volts. Pioneer AM/FM/CD Stereo, Dual Remote Mirrors, and Rear Defroster.

This Hotrod runs strong and drives nice. It has a LOT of power for this little ride and it will put a smile on your face the moment you blip the throttle. This car definitely turns heads! Perfect for cruising with the family, car shows, and maybe even a night at the track or two.

Priced perfectly at $7,900 – This is a lot of car for very little money! I do not negotiate over the internet or phone. Bring cash, check the car out, and lets talk.”

Craigslist Link: 1980 Ford Pinto station wagon