Subcompact Shooting Brake: 1979 Ford Pinto Cruisin’ Wagon – Sold?

June 1, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

If you are of a certain age, there is only one Ford Pinto model you might ever consider allowing entry into your ultimate garage: the 1977-1979 Pinto Cruisin’ Wagon. With its panel delivery styling and period-correct rear porthole windows, these subcompact American take on the classic British shooting brake body style made a great alternative to driving a full-size custom van as gas prices rose in the late 1970s. Coming across a Crusin’ Wagon is hard to do these days, so we jumped at the chance to feature this customized driver-quality 1979 example originally listed in April 2021 on Craigslist in Bradenton, Florida for $4,900. Comparing that price against the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool confirms the seller has their Pinto correctly priced between this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $3,000 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $5,650.

Hoping to improve sagging sales by capitalizing on the custom van craze, for 1977  for designers gave Pinto wagons a new option package. Dubbed the Pinto Cruising Wagon, it was a sedan delivery version of the Pinto styled to resemble a small conversion van, complete with round side panel “bubble windows” and a choice of optional vinyl graphics. The package was purely cosmetic and was updated each of the three years offered.

As with many customized cars, the current caretaker’s tastes may not align with yours.  We like the fact this car continues to rely on a mildly massaged inline-four mated to a four-speed manual transmission.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1979 pinto dr wagon
Lightly built 2.3
4 sp
Short shifter
Long tube header
Racing seats
Nice interior
Nice Lil cruiser
Rare 2 door wagon
Port hole windows“

Further modify or drive as-is: what would you do with this Pinto Crusin Wagon?  Comment below and let us know!