Say you want something fun and funky to rock on your “part-time at Taco Bell” budget. Basic society would suggest taking what you can get, shutting up, and moving on. Manufacturers would suggest something that has the size, cargo capacity and, in some cases, the shape of a refrigerator box. But what would a gearhead offer up? Let’s take a look at this 1978 Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon for a moment and see what can fit the bill. First off, we will address the obvious issue: the wagons were not fire-prone like the hatchbacks were, and it is all due to the added sheetmetal between the rear bumper and rear axle. You can still order your “KABOOM” license plate if you wish.
Is it stylish? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder…hey, even the Nissan Juke has it’s fans…but compared to what’s available today, we’d jump for a Pinto over a Scion tC or a Honda Fit. Nothing wrong with those cars…they’re small, fuel-efficient, and all…but the Pinto is far less plasticky. Is it fast? Ehhh….it is the 2.8L V6 found in the 1970s era Mercury Capri, but in stock tune a 1978 Pinto would crank out 90 horsepower with that mill. Hooked to the automatic, it’s not going to be a barn-burner or even a little rally artist. Nope, this Pinto is meant to be seen, and that’s where the blinding Tangerine Orange paint comes into play. You couldn’t lose this car anywhere unless you were suddenly struck blind. Even the materials inside are orange, including a funky plaid for the seats.
At $5,000, it’s a good thing that this Pinto is as nice as it is, because your budget is at the max, Jack. Now, all that’s left to do is to hop in and ride! That, and convince someone to ride along with you. Good luck on that last bit.
Craigslist Link: 1978 Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon
I know where there is a pair of the side panels, NOS in the box. They’ve been on eBay, no one wanted them.
It\’s dark with a decent gold pinstripe. That won\’t last. I\’m going to strip it to exposed metal. I have something cool I need to attempt with it.
I almost bought a pinto wagon exactly like this in 1980 , same colour & everything . I was struggling to afford fuel and insurance for my 440 4speed Charger because I was just a kid with a crappy part time job . I took the Pinto wagon for a drive , and cooler heads prevailed . I decided I would rather walk to school & my part time job every other day than drive Something this gutless – I mean anemic , even by 1970’s standards .