Editing Ford Pinto (section)

===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>