5k: SVPintO: 1972 Ford Pinto Wagon Turbo 2.3
The Ford Pinto was the last of the rear-drive subcompacts built in the USA – finally replaced in 1981 with the front-drive Fiesta, but it did leave a lasting impression on a generation of drivers. That impression is sometimes also called a “bad taste in your mouth” as the Pinto isn’t exactly a cherished classic…but some have survived and are now experiencing a bit of a renaissance in price and popularity. Find this 1972 Ford Pinto wagon with turbo 2.3 liter engine offered for $5,900 in Chula Vista, CA via craigslist.
The Pinto was a competitor to GM’s Vega and AMC’s Gremlin – and as such was available in several different forms, none as the cool as the 2-door wagon. This example has had a rather large hood scoop added and rides on what looks Fox-body Mustang wheels.
This Pinto has a 2.3 liter turbo engine from what was probably a Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe that would have put out 155 horsepower when new – not exactly a barn burner, but enough to get the 2,000 lb Pinto moving in traffic.
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I have always wondered what the airbrake affair above the rear window was for….
That is to keep the rear window clear.
A "turbo"'d Pinto……….Armageddon is at hand
Such a car could have been made in the factory if Ford had decided on it. The last year for the Pinto was 1980 and they were using the 2.3 turbo in Mustangs that year. A turbo 1980 Pinto would have been a cool send-off. I am still looking for a 1980 Turbo Futura survivor complete with fake hood scoop.
Good luck with your search! I've never seen one. This was before the advent of intercoolers and electronic fuel management so most turbos of that era gave up the ghost early.
Props to the pinto… In a time when all the Cheap imports had barely 1.6 liters, my early gear head self, parked my corolla lift back and easily laid rubber in my buddies pinto 4 speed with 2.3 liters of high mileage, pimple face torque! Ah, the high school years and cheap used cars! Easily forgotten, but the chevette was still a RWD sub that survived at least until 85 or 86, right? Just in time for the Yugo-Serbian invasion!
I am interested in this particular vehicle. The air dam on the rear door was an add on not a factory ordered option. I purchased one and installed it myself on a yellow wagon exactly like this. Did this car come from Ohio?
Anybody remember the Pachanga? R&T reviewed. Nutty #'s and price if I remember it right.