Ford Pinto

The Ford Pinto was Ford's entry into the subcompact market, debuting for the 1971 model year to compete with imports from Volkswagen and Datsun. Produced until 1980, it was available as a sedan, a hatchback (Runabout), and a popular station wagon. While its reputation was forever marked by the controversial fuel tank design, the Pinto was a sales success, with over 3 million units sold during its production run.

Collectors are drawn to the Pinto for its 1970s nostalgia and affordability. It's a simple, rear-wheel-drive platform that's easy to work on, and parts for the common 2.3L inline-4 are still available. Station wagons, V6-equipped models, and rare dealer-customized versions like the Pangra are particularly sought after by enthusiasts looking for a distinctive piece of automotive history.

The market for Pintos is modest but active, with clean, low-mileage survivors commanding strong prices. The average sale price hovers around $10,000, but exceptional wagons or pristine early hatchbacks can sell for more than double that. Most available cars are projects or drivers, reflecting the car's original purpose as disposable transportation.

Based on 29 recent sales, prices range from $525 for project cars to $24,500 for top-spec examples.