How much did a 1973 Pinto cost?
The Ford Pinto, a subcompact car introduced by Ford in the early 1970s, became a popular choice for budget-conscious drivers. Known for its affordability and compact design, the Pinto was marketed as an economical option for everyday transportation. But how much did a 1973 Ford Pinto actually cost? Let’s take a closer look at its pricing and what made it a standout in its time.
The Price of a 1973 Ford Pinto
In 1973, the Ford Pinto had a starting price of approximately $2,078. This price made it one of the most affordable cars on the market during that era. The Pinto was designed to compete with other small, economical cars like the Volkswagen Beetle and the Toyota Corolla, offering American consumers a low-cost alternative to foreign imports.
What You Got for the Price
Despite its low price, the 1973 Ford Pinto came with a range of features that appealed to drivers looking for practicality and efficiency. Here’s what buyers could expect:
- A choice of two-door sedan, hatchback, or station wagon body styles.
- A standard 1.6-liter inline-four engine, with optional larger engines for more power.
- Basic interior features, with optional upgrades like air conditioning and an AM radio.
- Compact dimensions, making it easy to maneuver and park in urban areas.
Why the Pinto Was Popular
The Pinto’s affordability wasn’t its only selling point. It also gained popularity for the following reasons:
- Fuel Efficiency: With rising gas prices in the 1970s, the Pinto’s small engine and lightweight design made it an economical choice for fuel-conscious drivers.
- Customization Options: Buyers could choose from a variety of trims and optional features to suit their needs and budget.
- American-Made: At a time when foreign imports were gaining traction, the Pinto appealed to buyers who wanted to support domestic manufacturing.
The Pinto’s Legacy
While the Ford Pinto was initially celebrated for its affordability and practicality, it later became infamous due to safety concerns related to its fuel tank design. Despite this controversy, the Pinto remains a significant part of automotive history as one of the first American subcompact cars to challenge the dominance of foreign competitors in the U.S. market.
For car enthusiasts and collectors today, the 1973 Ford Pinto represents a nostalgic piece of 1970s automotive culture, with its original price tag of just over $2,000 serving as a reminder of how much the automotive landscape has changed over the decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Mustangs were sold in 1973?
Mustang Sales by Year
| Mustang Model Year | Total U.S. Sales |
|---|---|
| 1972 | 125,813 |
| 1973 | 134,817 |
| 1974 | 385,993 |
| 1975 | 188,575 |
How much did a Pinto cost?
After structural design on alternate body styles encountered obstacles, 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 – which included such new competitors as the Mazda 1200 in 1971, the Subaru DL in ...
What engine is in a 1973 Ford Pinto?
Q: What engine did the 1973 Ford Pinto have? A: The engine powering the 1973 Ford Pinto was a Inline 4 (1999 cc | 122.0 cu in. | 2.0 L.) with 86 HP (63.296 KW) @ 5400 RPM.
How many people died because of Ford Pinto?
In fact, NTHSA data showed that for 1971-77, there were 38 rear-end collisions of Pintos that resulted in fire, leading to 27 deaths and 24 non-fatal burn injuries. During the same period, Ford produced 2,600,000 Pintos.
How much did a 1972 Mustang cost new?
Prices dropped slightly with the Hardtop listing from $2,729, the Fastback at $2,786, Convertible at $3,015, Grande Hardtop at 2915 and Mach 1 at $3,053. Horsepower was now calculated in a SAE “net” form, rather than at the crank, and so figures plunged.
What was the best selling car in 1977?
USA 1977: Chevrolet Impala/Caprice takes the lead, Ford F-Series now best-selling truck. After two years of Oldsmobile domination, the Chevrolet Impala/Caprice takes advantage of its downsizing to become America's best-selling vehicle and passenger car with a whopping 657,151 sales, up 45% on 1976.
Why was the Pinto a bad car?
The Pinto, a subcompact car made by Ford Motor Company, became infamous in the 1970s for bursting into flames if its gas tank was ruptured in a collision.
How much did a Pinto cost in 1973?
Ford Pinto and Mercury Bobcat: Prices and Sales
| FORD PINTO | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model year | Production | Price - Sedan |
| 1971 | 352,402 | $1,919 |
| 1972 | 480,405 | $1,960 |
| 1973 | 484,512 | $2,021 |
How much did a Mustang cost in 1973?
Prices rose slightly, with the Hardtop costing from $2,760; Fastback at $2,820; Convertible at $3,102, Grande at $2,964, and Mach 1 at $3,088.
What was the fatal flaw in the Ford Pinto?
The Ford Pinto, a popular compact car introduced by Ford Motor Company in 1970, faced a major controversy due to its fuel tank design. The positioning of the fuel tank made the vehicle susceptible to rupture and explosion upon rear-end collisions.
