Proving that finding a classic and driving it to a car show doesn’t require a federal bailout are Steve and Tina Lencioni of Pacifica, California and their 1973 Ford Pinto Squire station wagon. Steve has owned this top-tier optioned Pinto longroof for a little over a year now after spying it in a garage as part of his travels as a roofing contractor. The previous owner wanted the car gone, and told Steve to come and get it. After a 18-year garage nap, the wagon is back on the road as the result of a deal that was essentially better than free. The Pinto has 73K original miles, features a roof rack, acres of brown vinyl and carpeting, and a set of factory aluminum slot mags for sporty style. The Pinto was a budget standout in a sea of entries, and stands as the Clunkbucket Choice from last weekend’s Goodguys Rod & Custom bonanza.
I love it! The Pinto needs more representation in car shows. I think the shape has aged well, even in hatchback form. Look at the profile of the greenhouse, it hints at a little sportiness as it kicks up a little bit. It begs the question, “What junk lies in that trunk?”
[crosses fingers and hopes linked image works…]
clickez moi
Just got a tip from a another previous Pinto wagon owner that Pledge® works great to keep the genuine simulated wood paneling looking shiny.
There’s a Mercury wagon sibling of these cars that lives way out in the sketchier part of my hometown in such a gorgeous shade of poo brown. I remember seeing it and somewhere from the extra side pillar, the huge dent in the side and the astounding shade of paint, the wagon just felt like it came from another era altogether from the one I had, up until the moment I spotted its unfamiliar taillights, had been living in.
Love it…but can’t help but think it’d be approved by the addition of an angry 289 and T-5 over the factory 4-banger.
I love slot-mags, me.
Has there ever been a bad coupewagon?