Editing Ford Pinto (section)

==Production history==
On September 11, 1970, Ford introduced the Pinto under the tagline ''The Little Carefree Car.''<ref name=sdcmeet>{{cite news |url= https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HJNYAAAAIBAJ&pg=5900%2C2733608 |newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=Washington state |title=Meet Ford's new Pinto. The little carefree car (advertisement) |date=September 10, 1970 |page=12 |access-date=December 31, 2020 |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210124141414/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HJNYAAAAIBAJ&pg=5900,2733608 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kirkl |first1=Giles |title=Ford Pinto: A Little Carefree Car Gone Very Very Wrong |work=Great Cars |url= http://gt-cars.co.uk/ford-pinto-a-little-carefree-car-gone-very-very-wrong/ |date=June 11, 2019 |access-date=December 31, 2020 |archive-date=November 25, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201125231743/http://gt-cars.co.uk/ford-pinto-a-little-carefree-car-gone-very-very-wrong/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

After structural design on alternate body styles encountered obstacles,<ref name="HowStuff"/> Ford offered the Pinto solely as a two-door sedan, with entry-level models priced at $1,850, undercutting GM's [[Chevrolet Vega]] and directly targeting imported models&nbsp;– which included such new competitors as the [[Mazda Familia|Mazda 1200]] in 1971, the [[Subaru Leone|Subaru DL]] in 1972, and the [[Honda Civic (first generation)|Honda Civic]] in 1973.<ref>{{cite magazine|title= Quart in a Pinto |magazine=The Motor |volume=3558 |pages=26–27 |date=August 26, 1970}}</ref>

The Pinto had sold over 100,000 units by January 1971,<ref name="HowStuff">{{cite web |url= https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1971-1980-ford-pinto.htm |title=1971–1980 Ford Pinto |website=auto.howstuffworks.com |date=August 9, 2007 |access-date=December 31, 2020 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210125183045/https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1971-1980-ford-pinto.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and 352,402 for the entire 1971 production run; 1974 saw the most Pintos produced in a single model year, with 544,209 units.<ref name="Ford 2007">{{cite book |last1=Gunnell |first1=John |title=Standard Catalog of Ford |date=2008 |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=978-0-89689-615-4 |edition=Fourth}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; background: white; margin:auto;"
|-
!width="105px"|Calendar year
! 1971
! 1972
! 1973
! 1974
! 1975
! 1976
! 1977
! 1978
! 1979
! 1980
|-
| Units
| 352,402
| 480,405
| 484,512
| 544,209
| 223,763
| 290,132
| 225,097
| 188,899
| 199,018
| 185,054
|-
!colspan="11" style="background:silver;"|Total production 3,173,491
|}

===1971–1973===
[[File:Ford Pinto (1910839183).jpg|thumb|1971–1972 Ford Pinto sedan with enclosed trunk]]
[[File:Ford Pinto runabout (1).jpg|thumb|1973 Pinto Runabout with its large hatch and rear window]]

The Ford Pinto went on sale on September 11, 1970, in one body style, a fastback [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]] with an enclosed trunk. A [[hatchback]] became available on February 20, 1971, debuting at the [[Chicago Auto Show]].<ref name="HowStuff"/> In 1971, the Pinto brochure came with a paper cutout Pinto that one could fold to make a 3D model.<ref name="oldcarbrochures.com"/> Marketed as the ''Runabout,'' the hatchback went on sale five days later, priced at $2,062 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|2062|1971}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}).<ref name="HowStuff"/> The hatch itself featured exposed chrome hinges for the liftgate and five decorative chrome strips, sprung scissor struts to assist in opening the hatch, a rear window approximately as large as the sedan's, and a fold-down seat&nbsp;– a feature which became simultaneously an option on the [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]]. The hatchback model matched the sedan in all other dimensions and offered {{convert|38.1|cuft|m3}} of cargo space with its seat folded.<ref name="HowStuff"/> By 1972, Ford redesigned the hatch itself, with the glass portion of the hatch enlarged to almost the entire size of the hatch itself, ultimately to be supplemented for 1977–1980 with an optional rear hatch that was entirely glass.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://i.pinimg.com/736x/40/f2/60/40f2609e7d16248e91a8a72ae8715d90--ford-pinto-ford-maverick.jpg |title= 1980 Ford Pinto brochure |access-date= 2017-12-24 |archive-date= 2018-10-17 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181017001918/https://i.pinimg.com/736x/40/f2/60/40f2609e7d16248e91a8a72ae8715d90--ford-pinto-ford-maverick.jpg |url-status= live }}</ref>

On October 30, 1970, less than two months after introduction, 26,000 Pintos were recalled to address a possible problem with the accelerator sticking on once engaged at more than halfway.<ref>{{harvnb|Jones|1978}}: Soon after the Pinto was introduced, 26,000 were recalled because accelerators were sticking.</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ford Recalls 26,000 Pinto Cars |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=October 31, 1970 |url= http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1970/10/31/page/10/article/ford-recalls-26-000-pinto-cars |access-date=March 6, 2016 |quote=Ford Motor Co. announced today it is recalling 26,000 early production models of its 1971 Pinto equipped with the 1600 cubic centimeter engine because of an accelerator problem&nbsp;... The company found that when the throttle is opened more than halfway, it is possible that it may not always return to the closed position when pressure on the accelerator pedal is removed |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170202173354/http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1970/10/31/page/10/article/ford-recalls-26-000-pinto-cars/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Associated Press|1971}}: For many of the motorists, it's the second time around&nbsp;... Last October Ford recalled some 26,000 Pintos because of complaints about accelerator pedals sticking when the throttle was opened more than halfway.</ref> On March 29, 1971, Ford recalled all 220,000 Pintos manufactured before March 19, 1971, to address a problem with fuel vapors in the engine air filter possibly igniting by a backfire through the [[carburetor]].<ref>{{harvnb|Jones|1978}}: 220,000 Pintos were recalled for modifications to prevent possible engine compartment fires.</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mateja |first=James |title=Ford Recalls 204,000 Pintos to Prevent Fuel Vapor Fires |date=March 30, 1971 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |quote=Ford Motor Co. will recall about 204,000 subcompact 1971 Pintos for modification to prevent possible ignition of fuel vapors in the engine air cleaner, it announced yesterday. A Ford spokesman declined to give the cost of the recall, but all Pintos produced thru March 19, including 204,000 in the United States, 13,000 in Canada, and 2,500 overseas, are involved in the program&nbsp;... Ford said its investigation of complaints revealed that the possibility of fire existed because the vapors in the air cleaner could be ignited by a backfire thru the carburetor.}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Associated Press|1971}}: About 165,000 American owners of Ford's new Pinto are affected by the automaker's announcement that virtually all the mini-cars are being recalled for an engine defect.</ref>

On February 24, 1972,<ref name="HowStuff"/> the Pinto [[station wagon]] debuted with an overall length of {{convert|172.7|in|mm|abbr=on}} and {{convert|60.5|cuft|m3}} of cargo volume.<ref name="HowStuff"/> The first 2-door Ford station wagon since the 1965 Falcon, the Pinto wagon was equipped with flip-open rear quarter windows. Along with front disc brakes, the 2.0L engine was standard equipment. A ''Pinto Squire'' wagon featured [[Woodie (car body style)#Simulated woodgrain|simulated woodgrain]] trim similar to the full-size [[Ford Country Squire|Country Squire]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://oldcarbrochures.org/index.php/New-Brochures---May/1972-Ford-Pinto-Brochure-Rev/1972-Ford-Pinto-Rev--08-09 |title=1972 Ford Pinto brochure (rev 08-09) |access-date=2018-05-31 |archive-date=2019-11-16 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191116233751/http://oldcarbrochures.org/index.php/New-Brochures---May/1972-Ford-Pinto-Brochure-Rev/1972-Ford-Pinto-Rev--08-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=1972 Ford (USA) Pinto Station Wagon|url= http://www.automobile-catalog.com/make/ford_usa/pinto/pinto_station_wagon/1972.html |website=automobile-catalog.com |access-date=October 26, 2017}}</ref>

Also in February 1972, the Sprint Decor Group was made available for the Pinto for one model year only. The Sprint Decor Group included white [[Automotive paint|exterior paint]] with blue accent paint and red pin-striping, a blacked-out grille, color-keyed wheels with bright trim rings and hubcaps, [[whitewall tire]]s, and color-keyed dual sport mirrors. The interior included red, white, and blue cloth and vinyl bucket seats, full carpeting as well as a deluxe steering wheel. The Sprint Decor Group was offered simultaneously on the Maverick and Mustang.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://pintopage.fordpinto.com/72%20Pinto%20Sprint%20Package.htm |title=1972 Ford Pinto Sprint |website=fordpinto.com |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190103110310/http://pintopage.fordpinto.com/72%20Pinto%20Sprint%20Package.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

For the 1973 model year, more appearance options were offered. There was a new Sport Accent Group offered in white exterior paint with a choice of two-tone orange or avocado accent paint, matching [[vinyl roof]], and a deluxe interior with wood-tone trim. There was also a new Luxury Decor Group with bright exterior dress-up mouldings, black bumper rub strips, and a deluxe interior with wood-tone trim. New slotted forged aluminum wheels were offered.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Ford/1973_Ford/1973%20Ford%20Pinto%20Brochure/index1.html |title=1973 Ford Pinto brochure |website=oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170914030917/http://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Ford/1973_Ford/1973%20Ford%20Pinto%20Brochure/index1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===1974–1978===
In 1974, to meet federal regulations, [[5 mph bumper]]s were added to both the front and rear. Unlike most 1970s cars, the addition of larger bumpers to the Pinto did not necessitate major changes to the bodywork. While the underpowered Kent engine was dropped, the optional OHC engine was expanded to 2.3&nbsp;L; in various forms, this engine powered a variety of Ford vehicles for 23 years. In 1974, Mercury began selling a rebadged version of the Pinto called Bobcat as a Canada-only model. 544,209 units sold; 1974 became the most popular model year for the Pinto.<ref name="Ford 2007"/> Steel-belted tires, an anti-theft alarm system, and metallic glow paint were optional.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://oldcarbrochures.org/index.php/New-Brochures---March/1974-Ford-Pinto-Brochure-Rev/1974-Ford-Pinto-Rev--10-11 |title=1974 Ford Pinto brochure (Rev 10-11) brochure |access-date=2018-03-25 |archive-date=2019-11-16 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191116233749/http://oldcarbrochures.org/index.php/New-Brochures---March/1974-Ford-Pinto-Brochure-Rev/1974-Ford-Pinto-Rev--10-11 }}</ref>

In 1975, in a move to better compete with the AMC Gremlin, Ford introduced the 2.8&nbsp;L V6; while far less powerful than the Gremlin's standard {{convert|232|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} I6, the V6 gave the Pinto a feature unavailable in the Chevrolet Vega. Sales of the Mercury Bobcat were expanded to Lincoln-Mercury dealers in the United States; it was sold as a hatchback and station wagon.{{sfn|Lewis|2003|pp=286–290}}

As a minor styling update for 1976, the Pinto received the egg-crate grille and chrome headlamp bezels recycled from the Canada-only 1974 Mercury Bobcat. For one model year only, two new option packages were offered. One was the sporty new Stallion appearance package with blackout trim and black two-tone accent paint offered in red, yellow, silver, and white body colors.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Peters |first1=Eric |title=Automotive Atrocities! - The Cars We Love To Hate |date=2004 |publisher=Motorbooks International |location=St Paul United States |isbn=0-7603-1787-9 |page=128}}</ref> This option package was shared with the Mustang II and Maverick. The other new option package was the Runabout Squire which featured wood-grain vinyl bodysides like the Squire wagon. The interior received the optional Luxury Decor Group which featured new low-back vinyl or plaid cloth bucket seats with matching door trim.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://paintref.com/cgi-bin/brochuredisplay.cgi?year=1976&manuf=Ford&model=Pinto&smod=&page=1&scan=1|title=1976 Ford Pinto brochure |website=Paintref.com |access-date=2018-01-02 |archive-date=2021-01-24 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210124211332/http://paintref.com/cgi-bin/brochuredisplay.cgi?year=1976&manuf=Ford&model=Pinto&smod=&page=1&scan=1|url-status=live}}</ref> A new basic low-cost model was introduced known as the Pinto Pony with less standard equipment and cheaper interior trim. A wagon version of the Pony would later arrive for the 1979 model year.

For the 1977 model year, the Pinto received its first significant styling updates with slanted back urethane headlamp buckets, parking lamps, and grille. The tail lamps were revised except for the wagons. Runabouts offered an optional all-glass rear hatch for the first time. Pinto wagons were given a new option package. Dubbed the ''Pinto Cruising Wagon'', it was the [[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.{{sfn|Lewis|2003|pp=289–303}}

Ford offered new sporty appearance packages similar to those found on the Chevrolet Vega and AMC Gremlin but were strictly cosmetic upgrades that added nothing to vehicle performance.{{sfn|Lewis|2003|pp=289–303}}

In 1978, the Pinto was no longer the smallest Ford sold in the U.S., as the company introduced the [[Ford Fiesta|Fiesta]]. Nearly two feet shorter than the Pinto, the German-designed Fiesta was the first front-wheel-drive car sold by Ford in the United States.{{sfn|Lewis|2003|pp=304–309}}

<gallery widths="170" heights="120">
File:1974 Ford Pinto two-door wagon, rear left.jpg|1974 Ford Pinto station wagon
File:1976 Ford Pinto (9912822385).jpg|1976 Ford Pinto Runabout
File:1978 Ford Pinto hatchback at 2015 Rockville Show 2of5.jpg|1977–1978 Ford Pinto Runabout
File:Turbo Pinto (14430994634).jpg|1977–1978 Ford Pinto Runabout with optional all-glass hatch
File:1978 Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon, front left.jpg|1977–1978 Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon
File:2022 Downtown West Allis Classic Car Show 085 (1978 Ford Pinto Squire Wagon).jpg|1978 Ford Pinto Squire Wagon
</gallery>

===1979–1980===
[[File:Classic Yellow Ford Pinto.jpg|left|thumb|1979–1980 Ford Pinto sedan]]
[[File:'80 Ford Pinto Hatchback (Orange Julep).jpg|thumb|1979–1980 Ford Pinto Runabout]]

For the 1979 model year, the Pinto featured rectangular headlamps, inboard vertical parking lamps, and a taller slanted back grille. Except for the wagons, the tail lamps were revised. The interior was updated with a new rectangular instrument cluster and a modified dash-pad for vehicles without the optional sports instrumentation. The variety of sports appearance packages was revised, some with new graphics.{{sfn|Lewis|2003|pp=310–315}}

The Pinto ESS (European Sports Sedan) trim package became available in 2-door Sedan and 3-door Runabout body styles featuring black roof drip mouldings, lower back panel, rocker panels, glass surrounds and door frame trims (incl. black tape along lower side window ledges), dual sport mirrors, premium body-side mouldings, and hinges for the standard all-glass third door. The grille and headlamp surrounds were charcoal, the fenders had ESS identification and the styled steel wheels had black wheel trim rings. The Sports Package (front stabilizer bar, sport steering wheel, full instrumentation, optional axle ratio on 2.3L manual cars) was standard.<ref>{{Cite AV media|url= https://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/79pi/bilder/3.jpg|title=Ford Pinto 3-Door|website=www.lov2xlr8.no}}</ref>

July 1980 marked the end of the Pinto's production run, with a total production run of 3,150,943 cars.<ref>https://www.motortrend.com/features/ford-pinto/  ''Gold, Arron, The History (and Tragedy) of the Ford Pinto: Everything You Need to Know'', retrieved 22 September 2024</ref>  Ford's designated replacement for the Pinto was<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autoweek.com/news/a2099001/ford-100-defective-pinto-almost-took-fords-reputation-it/|title=Ford 100: Defective Pinto Almost Took Ford's Reputation With It|last=Sherefkin|first=Robert|website=[[Autoweek]]|date=2003-06-17|access-date=2024-03-17|ref=none}}</ref> the front-wheel drive [[Ford Escort (North America)|Ford Escort]]. For the 1980 model year, the V6 engine was discontinued, leaving the 2.3&nbsp;L as the sole engine.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Lamm |first1=Michael |title=PM Owners Report: Ford Pinto |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=TM8DAAAAMBAJ&q=mercury+bobcat+1974&pg=PA62 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=August 1974 |access-date=2020-10-31 |archive-date=2021-01-24 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210124164229/https://books.google.com/books?id=TM8DAAAAMBAJ&q=mercury+bobcat+1974&pg=PA62|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= The Ford Pinto |url= http://pintopage.fordpinto.com/Production%20Figures.htm |access-date=2016-04-22 |archive-date=2019-11-16 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191116233802/https://pintopage.fordpinto.com/Production%20Figures.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

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