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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