1978 Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon - The Grooviest 70s Compact Van Throwback

The 1970s unleashed some truly wild automotive creations, but few capture the era's flamboyant spirit like the 1978 Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon. This rare, funky version of Ford's iconic Pinto compact transformed the humble coupe into a rockin' mini van complete with porthole windows, radical custom graphics, and shagadelic interiors.

This comprehensive guide will dive into the Pinto Cruising Wagon's unique retro style, review its performance and capabilities as a customizable compact, and highlight why these rare 70s survivors make fun, affordable classics today. We'll also showcase a standout example currently up for auction to give you an in-depth look at this peachy keen cruiser. Let's take a trip back to the bell-bottom decade and rediscover one of Ford's grooviest rides!

The History of Ford's Entry-Level 70s Pinto

Before we get to the far-out Cruising Wagon, let's look back at the Ford Pinto's origins and run as a mass-market economy car:

• Debuted for 1971 - Developed in just 25 months to combat the VW Beetle and Japanese compacts.
• Subcompact dimensions - Originally measured just 161 inches long and weighed around 2,000 pounds.
• Annual sales over 500,000 - Top seller and Ford's smallest car throughout the 1970s.
• Hatchback and wagon models - Added practicality to the sporty 2-door coupe.
• Multiple engine choices - Thrifty inline 4-cylinders and peppy V6 options up to 2.8 liters.
• Fuel tank controversy - Suffered deadly, fiery crashes prompting major recalls by late 70s.
• Last model year - 1980 - Lingering safety reputation and new economy car competition ended Pinto's long run.

While troubled by recalls, the Pinto brought subcompact dimensions and surprising performance on a budget.

Introducing the Far-Out Pinto Cruising Wagon

Seeking to inject some spice into the aging but strong-selling Pinto, Ford's marketing gurus devised the Cruising Wagon treatment. Key aspects included:

• Launched in 1977 - Added unique wagons to existing Pinto coupe and regular wagon models.
• Bubble window panels - Signature porthole-style fixed side windows created mini van vibe.
• Custom exterior graphics - Wild tape stripe kits and color accent packages offered.
• Upgraded interior trim - Brighter fabrics and mod 70s patterns gave Cruising Wagons flair.
• Appearance packages - Optional styling kits further enhanced the groovy aesthetics.
• Special badging - Exclusive Cruising Wagon decals on front fenders announced the funky model.

While not a full custom van, the kits made basic Pintos into far-out cruisers on a budget.

Cruising Wagon Design and Styling Overview

Nearly stock from the B-pillar forward, Cruising Wagons featured special details aft. Design features included:

• Bubble side glass - Fixed windows added privacy and custom van feel.
• Fender flares - Extended wheel openings accommodated larger tires.
• Body graphics - Bold tape stripes and color accent outlines offered.
• Grille inserts - Dress-up pieces enhanced stock front grille.
• Interior patterns - Plaid seats and door inserts created one-of-a-kind vibe.
• Porthole opera windows - Optional fixed rear side windows doubled the bubble window look.

While non-functional, the trim additions gave Pintos serious 70s street swagger on a budget.

Cruising Wagon Interior Treatments and Features

Inside, plush seats and trippy patterns enhanced livability:

• Custom upholstery - Wild plaid and tweed seat inserts cranked up coziness.
• Mood lighting - Illuminated foot wells added ambiance.
• Upgraded audio - Cassette decks and speakers made Pintos primo for cruising to tunes.
• Cabinetry trim - Faux wood paneling on lower doors and dash modernized the cabins.
• Bed conversion - Rear seats folded flat into a small bed - perfect for road trips.
• Sunroofs - Optional power moonroofs enhanced the breezy van vibe.
• Shag carpet - Deep floor covering complemented the lounge-like feel.

Pinto cabins usually ranked sparse, but Cruising Wagons upgraded comfort and style.

Performance and Handling of 70s Cruising Wagons

Mechanically identical to other Pintos, Cruising Wagons delivered decent pep:

• 2.3L 4-cylinder base - With standard 4-speed manual transmission, offered adequate acceleration. Optional 3-speed auto dulled performance.
• Available V6 engines - A 2.3L V6 offered improved torque for cruising. The 2.8L V6 provided serious scoot.
• Nimble handling - Short wheelbase still allowed agile cornering by 1970s compact standards. Camper additions compromised handling somewhat.
• Rear suspension - Live rear axle suspension susceptible to wheel hop under hard launches. Handled respectably overall.
• Front disc brakes - Provided strong stopping power for a economy car of the era.
• No A/C - Rolling down the bubble windows and opera side glass kept things cool!

Cruising Wagons delivered an enjoyable balance of power and maneuverability for mellow cruising.

Factory Custom Options to Personalize Cruising Wagons

To further deck out their Pinto, Ford offered official add-ons like:

• Porthole opera windows - Additional fixed rear side windows accentuated the bubble window theme.
• Body side moldings - Dress-up trim enhanced exterior styling.
• Tu-Tone paint - Two-tone schemes made exteriors extra snazzy.
• Wheel lip moldings - Details like chrome wheel well trim finished off the look.
• Camper shell - A fiberglass camper converted the wagon for camping trips.
• Vinyl roof covers - A fabric roof cap added unique style.
• Tow packages - Allowed lugging around motorcycles, snowmobiles, or other toys.

Factor or dealer add-ons let buyers customize their Pinto into the ultimate 70s leisure machine.

Why Ford Created the Far-Out Cruising Wagon

So what motivated Ford to transform its economy car into a rockin' mini-hauler?

• Van craze - Custom vans surged in popularity through the 1970s. The Cruising Wagon brought a taste of that style to the masses.
• Pinto sales slipping - The aging, increasingly controversial Pinto needed a sales stimulant by the late 70s.
• Profitable accessories - The add-ons gave Ford ample opportunities to boost profits on existing platforms.
• Lifestyle focus - Ford sought to inject more flair into its stodgy 1970s lineup. The flashy Cruising Wagon helped strengthen its styling reputation.
• Youth market - The funky treatment targeted younger buyers and tapped into 1970s design excitement.

While a niche model, the Cruising Wagon generated valuable buzz and provided budget-minded buyers a piece of the customized van action.

Common Factory Graphics and Color Combos

Cruising Wagons stood out thanks to wild factory graphics packages with names like:

• Free Wheeling - Bold side stripes and color accents. Available in schemes like white with red and blue graphics.
• Tripper - Multi-color striping in combinations like green with orange and yellow accents.
• Street Machine - Thick side stripes paired with contrasting wheel lip and lower body moldings for muscle car-inspired look.
• Night Cruiser - Matte black accents and shadowed Excitement Series tape stripes for after-dark attitude.
• Cruising Wagon - 3M dual body side tape stripes that extended front to rear. Offered in colors like light blue with red and silver stripes.

Beyond the kits, two-tone paint combinations were also available from the factory.

Collector Car Spotlight - 1978 Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon

This tangerine orange 1978 Cruising Wagon currently up for auction exemplifies these rare 70s icons:

• Extremely low 59,000 original miles
• Essentially in new condition both inside and out
• Free Wheeling appearance package graphics
• Extra rear opera window option
• 2.3 liter inline 4-cylinder engine with 4-speed manual transmission
• Factory orange plaid cloth interior
• Stock AM/FM radio with modern Bluetooth cassette adapter
• New whitewall radials mounted on factory styled steel wheels

This time capsule Cruising Wagon seamlessly blends factory condition originality with welcome modern updates like the audio Bluetooth receiver to let you cruise in retro style with your digital music library pumping through its retro sound system. It's the epitome of far-out 70s style.

Driving a Pinto Cruising Wagon Classic Today

What's the Cruising Wagon ownership experience like today?

• Fun, economical cruiser - Strong highway manners and 30+ MPG make it a great weekend driver.
• Nimble handling - Quick steering response and compact dimensions handle curves with vintage flair.
• Strong visibility - Bubble windows and tall greenhouse provide excellent sightlines.
• Basic maintenance - Simple mechanics make DIY repairs and parts sourcing affordable.
• Rarity - Guaranteed neck-snapping attention wherever you roll up. Most examples long gone.
• Appreciation potential - Values rising as collector interest in 1970s American cars grows.

A well-kept instance like this auction example provides an affordable, unique classic to enjoy cruising back in time.

Is the Cruising Wagon a Smart Collector Car Purchase?

For certain buyers, the Cruising Wagon checks the right boxes:

• Nostalgic Style - Quintessential 1970s leisure machine with high kitsch factor.
• Reasonable Cost - Rough drivers start under $5k. Mint survivors under $15k - very accessible for a 49+ year old collectible.
• Easy Maintenance - Basic mechanicals make upkeep simple compared to more complex classics.
• Strong Community - Known as a dependable, economical enthusiast's car with ample parts supply.
• Customization Potential - Tailor it to your tastes easily. Return to stock easily too if desired.
• Future Growth - Ford fan appeal and gen X nostalgia should continue to elevate desirability.

If you dig far-out 70s style, the Pinto Cruising Wagon deserves consideration as an enjoyable collector. Just beware of its crash safety shortcomings.

Is the Cruising Wagon Safe to Drive Today?

Crashing any 1970s compact brings major safety concerns. But smart precautions help minimize risk when cruising a Pinto:

• Add 3-point seat belts if absent
• Improve brakes to modern standards
• Upgrade tires to prevent blowouts
• Remedy fuel tank issues on early models via recall retrofits or aftermarket solutions
• Add shoulder harnesses if not factory equipped
• Drive defensively and avoid highway speeds

Reduce risk further by saving Cruising Wagons mostly for local weekend cruising, parades, and car shows rather than extensive road trips at higher speeds.

FAQs

How many Pinto Cruising Wagons were produced?

Total numbers are hazy, but estimates suggest around 50,000-75,000 Cruising Wagons were built over its 1977-1980 model run. Exact totals were not broken out from regular Pinto wagons.

Did the Cruising Wagon come with a V8 engine option?

No, the largest available engine was the 2.8L V6. But some owners have installed V8 engine swaps over the years to enhance performance.

Could you order a Pinto Cruising Wagon with 4-wheel drive?

No, 4WD was never offered. The Cruising Wagon was based on the standard rear-wheel-drive Pinto platform.

Did they make Pinto Cruising Wagon versions of the Pinto hatchback coupe?

No, the Cruising Wagon conversion was only available on the regular Pinto wagon body style, not the coupe hatchback models.

What was the towing capacity of a Cruising Wagon?

Equipped with the towing package, Cruising Wagons could tow up to 1,000 lbs according to original specs - enough for light recreational towing needs.

Fire Up That Cassette Deck and Get Cruising!

The Pinto Cruising Wagon embodied affordable 70s flair and freedom. With their innovative camper conversions and custom graphics packages, a Cruising Wagon let you groove to the maximum Pinto experience. Today, these rare funky Ford survivors recapture the joy and style of a more innocent era. For classic car lovers craving maximum shagadelic mojo at minimal cost, this unique Pinto can't be beat. Just be sure to comb your hair, put on your mood rings and bell bottoms, and let the good times roll! What are you waiting for? Grab that cassette adapter and your favorite disco jams and go find your Pinto paradise!

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