This is an informal poll, but how many of you have owned a Ford Pinto? I’m betting that a solid 25% of Barn Finds readers have owned one at one point in their lives and probably close to half have known someone who owned one. This 1980 Ford Pinto hatchback is listed here on craigslist in the Olympia, Washington area and they’re asking $1,650. Thanks to Matt H. for sending in this tip!
Other than that small dent on the end of the driver’s side quarter panel and a small ding on the left-rear wheel arch that made the trim piece sag down there, I don’t see any big damage or rust on this 41-year-old Pinto. Most of you know that if you open a craigslist ad and right-click (if you’re using a computer with a mouse) on the photo and click on “open image in new tab” it’ll open a separate image in a bigger size so you can see the details easier. Here’s another poll: how many folks look at Barn Finds using a computer and a mouse, or are you usually visiting the site with your phones or tablets? Or, all of the above? Back to the Pinto.
1980 was the last year that Ford made the Pinto so this was it. I always like first year and last year cars but I don’t know if it makes them more collectible or not. A Pinto with giant bumpers and an automatic transmission may not be the most collectible model. Next up for Ford would be the Ford Escort which was arguable a better car, if not as retro-cool and/or quirky as the Pinto.
This is the only interior photo and overall, the seller is very, very slim on photos. These five photos are the only ones that they bother to put in the listing. They’re 19 photos short in my world but it is craigslist after all. It appears that the fabric portion of the front seats is in good shape and the surrounding black vinyl is a no-brainer to fix so that’s good. We wouldn’t know that this car has a Ford C3 automatic if they didn’t list it as being an automatic since we don’t see the business end of the interior. If I’m selling something for $1,000,000 or $1, I’m still putting as many photos as possible in the listing. I will never understand that.
The missing engine photo would have shown a 2.3L inline-four with 88 horsepower. The seller says that it runs but this car has been sitting for a few years so it’ll need to have the systems checked out and flushed and the usual routine. Or, they mention it would make a good V8 swap candidate. Would you stuff a V8 in this Pinto or just fix it and drive it as it is now?
Contact to buy; https://barnfinds.com/v8-candidate-1980-ford-pinto-hatchback/
