Vehicle Description
1977 Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon
The 1970's were the age of discos, bold colors, Battle of the
Network Stars, bell bottoms, and macrame. In the American
automotive landscape, things were a bit less exciting. With the gas
crunch and emissions strangleholds, cars were generally
underpowered and mundane, and the malaise period was born. Imports
began filling the void U.S. manufacturers unknowingly created by
keeping cars and engines relatively large. Along came the Pinto
coupe and the wagon for a downsized experience and to appeal to a
groovy, younger crowd, the Cruising Wagon was conceptualized and
offered a smaller alternative to Ford's Cruising Van which came out
a year earlier.
For consignment, a surviving 1977 Pinto Cruising Wagon that's not
completely original, but retains remnants of that over the top
graphic styling and epic porthole. With some TLC and good old elbow
grease, this would make one heck of a 70's unicorn for car shows
and collection or just leave it as is and let the crowds breathe in
the patina. The original V6 is gone and in its place a 302 V8 tied
to a C4 transmission. Despite the hundreds of thousands of Pinto
wagons that were built between 1972 and 1980, very few are left on
the road and the Cruising Wagon is even more unusual.
Note: Due to modifications of the emissions control devices
installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and
federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on
public highways in your area
Exterior
This car must have been parked with its passenger side facing north
because that side is in decent shape cosmetically; from the door
back the graphics are brighter and the paint is decent. The rest of
the car is in survivor condition but has seen a good deal of
exposure to the elements. The roof is coated with surface rust and
the entire car needs paint. We love patina at the mall, but this
car is all about the graphics and could benefit from restoration.
You'll have a decent start as the body is fairly straight, the
glass and lenses are intact, and a roadworthy set of 14-inch
American Racing Wheels and tires are present. Hood pins and a
functional hood scoop have been added. There are areas of rust,
body filler and other repairs which would likely be addressed in a
full restoration. It's drivable as is, of course, and will still
turn some heads.
Interior
The vinyl black door panels are in good shape and the windows are
operated by crank. Cruising Wagons had their own interiors the
remnants of which are seen in the driver's red vinyl and multi-hued
cloth bucket seat. The passenger seat is period correct but a black
vinyl instead of red like that of the driver. The back seats are
also standard black. The correct steering wheel is in place and
could be restored and the main gauge cluster consists of two
pieces, a tachometer and speedometer. The top of the dash is
cracked and will need attention. The center stack in hard plastic
trim contains three gauges, fuel, alternator, and temperature.
Below that an AM/FM/Cassette radio and vent/fan control. The floor
mounted shifter is standard Ford fare, a T-handle used in millions
of cars. The low pile black carpet is in decent condition and so is
the headliner. The way back is lined in carpet pieces and might
benefit from paint where the trim leaves off.
Drivetrain
A 302ci Ford V8 fills the bay and is fed by a 2-barrel carburetor.
This is all tied to a 3-speed automatic C4 transmission. It's got
Cobra finned valve covers and a small air filter element. A Ford 8"
axle takes the power handoff and turns the rear tires with ease.
Equipped with power brakes, it has disc up front and drum in the
rear bringing this wagon to a halt with ease.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with areas of surface rust, some pitting,
dry bushings, oil residue on the rear diff, oil lines and oil pan,
and area of previous repair with fiberglass and paint. Flaking rust
appears in one area as well. The dual exhaust enters glasspack type
mufflers and exits through chrome tips on both sides just before
the rear wheels. There are no catalytic converters present.
Independent coil spring suspension is on front and leaf springs are
bolted on back.
Drive-Ability
I pumped a little gas into the 2-barrel and with a turn of the key
the 302 came to life with a surprising rumble. Thumb on the T and
we shifted into drive and immediately understand how important side
mirrors are, there are blind spots with any panel vehicle and this
one is no exception. She runs well and has decent acceleration,
albeit not without the accompanying squeaks and rattles not
uncommon in even pristine Pintos. The brakes work as they should
and we take our groovy ride back to the garage.
Here's a car that's great if you want to thrash around repping the
70's or as the start of a full on restoration project. For some
inspiration, check out world famous ventriloquist Jeff Dunham's
videos on his Cruising Van and Cruising Wagon which have matching
graphics and portholes. He had to have both and maybe you do too,
and this car can start you on that way cool journey.
7T12Z116214
7-1977
T-Metuchen, NJ Assy Plant
12-Pinto Base Station Wagon
Z-2.8 Liter V6
116214-Sequential Unit Number
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collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
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acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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