How much is a 1973 Ford Pinto worth?
A typical 1973 Ford Pinto in today’s market ranges from around $5,000 for a rough, drivable example to $12,000–$18,000 for a nice, well-maintained car; pristine restorations or rare variants can fetch $20,000–$25,000 or more.
Prices depend on condition, variant, originality, mileage, and provenance. The Pinto’s collector market is modest but active, with demand driven by restoration enthusiasts and nostalgia for early 1970s economy cars. This article outlines current ranges, common variants, and buying tips.
Current market snapshot
Prices for 1973 Pintos are influenced by overall condition, cosmetic quality, and mechanical reliability. The following ranges are rough benchmarks based on contemporary listings and dealer inventories.
- Fair/rough condition (cosmetic wear, some mechanical issues): roughly $4,500–$7,000
- Driver-quality (running, presentable interior and exterior): roughly $7,000–$12,000
- Excellent/mostly original or restored: roughly $12,000–$18,000
- Concours-grade or exceptionally rare variants: commonly $18,000–$25,000+
Across this spectrum, prices can vary based on provenance, mileage, and whether the car is a common hatchback or a more unusual wagon or edition. Buyers should verify with current listings for precise figures in their region.
Variants and price expectations
Among the Pinto lineup, buyers encounter the standard hatchback as the most common model, with rarer wagon or utility configurations and limited-edition or dealer-added packages affecting value. The price implications of these variants tend to track overall condition but can add a premium when the car is unusually complete or documented.
Variant spotlight
Wartime-era nostalgia aside, rarity and documentation often push values beyond the baseline. A well-documented restoration or a rare body style can tip a sale toward the higher end of the market range.
- Pinto hatchback (the familiar compact): most seen in listings; price range aligns with general condition.
- Pinto wagon/utility variants (less common, some collectors seek them): may carry a modest premium if well-preserved or restored, particularly if original.
- Special or rare editions and well-documented restorations: potential premium when history and parts are verifiable.
Note that the specific configuration can influence desirability and resale value, but condition remains the dominant factor in price.
Buying tips and what to check
When evaluating a 1973 Pinto for purchase, a thorough inspection can help you avoid costly surprises. Use this practical checklist as a guide.
- Body and frame: look for rust in common trouble spots (floor pans, rocker panels, wheel arches) and signs of prior bodywork.
- Engine and transmission: assess mechanical reliability, compression (if applicable), leaks, and transmission function.
- Underbody and alignment: check for accident damage, frame straightness, and signs of rust treatment.
- Interior and electronics: test gauges, lights, switches, and seat condition; ensure upholstery is not hiding moisture damage.
- Documentation: review ownership history, service records, build sheets, and restoration receipts; verify VINs and title accuracy.
Consider a professional pre-purchase inspection for a more precise assessment, especially on rare or restored cars.
Summary
The 1973 Ford Pinto remains an affordable classic by modern standards, with most well-maintained examples landing in the mid-teens in value, and common drivers often priced lower. The key to a fair deal is assessing condition, originality, and provenance, then comparing current listings to gauge the going rate in your region. For enthusiasts, a well-kept Pinto can offer a tangible link to a distinctive era of American automotive history.
How much is a Ford Pinto worth today?
A Ford Pinto's value today is highly variable, but the average price is around $9,700, with some excellent examples selling for much more, upwards of $21,200. The value depends heavily on the car's condition, mileage, trim, and history, with rare, original, or high-performance versions commanding higher prices.
Factors influencing the value
- Condition: A well-maintained or restored Pinto will be worth significantly more than a car in poor condition.
- Trim and features: Models like the Squire or those with higher-performance engines are more desirable and valuable.
- Rarity: While over 3 million were produced, very few remain, making any survivor a collector's item.
- Mileage: Lower mileage, especially in well-preserved examples, can significantly increase the value.
- Originality: Cars that are original with no major modifications are generally worth more.
- Recent sales:
- A 1977 Ford Pinto wagon sold for $21,200 on Bring a Trailer in October 2025.
- A 1979 Ford Pinto sold for $16,995 in October 2024.
- A 1974 Ford Pinto sold for $5,700 in 2021, while another was for sale for $9,995 in November 2025.
- Online listings: Listings show a wide range of prices. For example, you can find listings starting around $10,500 in Michigan, while others in more expensive markets are listed at $15,995 or higher.
How much horsepower does a 1973 Ford Pinto have?
Four-cylinder units were the only choices when the Pinto debuted, with a V6 joining the lineup in 1975. The 1973 model year could be had with a 1.6-liter rated at only 53 horsepower and a more powerful 2.0-liter with 86 horsepower.
What was the top selling car in 1973?
The best-selling car in 1973 was the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. It was also named Motor Trend's "Car of the Year" for its quality handling and new innovations that year, according to Wikipedia.
- Top seller: The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 1973.
- Award winner: It was also crowned Motor Trend's "Car of the Year" for that year.
Are Ford Pintos rare?
Over three million Pintos were produced over its ten-year production run, outproducing the combined totals of its domestic rivals, the Chevrolet Vega and the AMC Gremlin.
