How much did a Ford Pinto cost in 1972?
The Ford Pinto, a compact car that became iconic in the 1970s, was introduced to the American market with much anticipation. Understanding its pricing during its launch year provides insight into the automotive landscape of that era. In 1972, the Ford Pinto was marketed as an affordable vehicle, appealing to a wide range of consumers looking for economical transportation.
Pricing Overview
In 1972, the base price of a Ford Pinto was approximately $1,919. This price made it one of the more affordable options available at the time, especially for a new car. The Pinto was designed to compete with other compact cars, and its pricing strategy was a key factor in its popularity.
Factors Influencing the Price
Several factors contributed to the pricing of the Ford Pinto in 1972:
- Market Demand: The early 1970s saw a growing demand for smaller, fuel-efficient cars due to rising fuel prices and changing consumer preferences.
- Manufacturing Costs: Ford aimed to keep production costs low, which allowed them to offer the Pinto at a competitive price.
- Features and Options: The base model was relatively simple, but various options and upgrades could increase the price, with fully loaded models costing more.
Conclusion
The Ford Pinto's pricing in 1972 reflected the economic conditions and consumer needs of the time. Its affordability played a significant role in its sales success, making it a notable vehicle in automotive history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the MSRP for a 1973 Ford Pinto?
A 1973 Pinto wagon started at $2319 ($15,285), though naturally the Squire goodies and other options would bump that tally higher. This was the year the Wagon became the most popular Pinto, with an impressive 217,763 sold, along with 150,603 Runabouts and 116,146 sedans.
How much did a 1972 Ford Pinto cost?
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 was a Ford Pinto in 1971?
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 ...
How much did cars cost in 1972?
Cars. A sweet ride cost far less in 1972 than now. If you had $2,510 — $17,636 in today's dollars — you could have driven out of the dealership with a brand-new Ford Mustang. These days a new pony will set you back anywhere from $28,865 to $57,665, according to Edmunds, the car pricing experts.
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.
What was the top selling car in 1972?
Volkswagen Beetle
On February 17, 1972, the 15,007,034th Volkswagen Beetle comes off the assembly line, breaking a world car production record held for more than four decades by the Ford Motor Company's iconic Model T, which was in production from 1908 to 1927. The history of the VW Beetle dates back to 1930s Germany.
How many miles per gallon did the Ford Pinto get?
Better mileage than any small luxury car. Lower priced than any foreign competitor. small luxury car now gives you the luxury of increased mile- age. Official EPA highway tests got 34 miles to a gallon (23 mpg city) with a 4-speed manual transmission.
How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1972?
Gas Prices in the U.S. Throughout History
| Year | National Average Gas Price (Dollars/Gallon) Then | National Average Gas Price (Dollars/Gallon) In 2022 Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | $0.36 | $2.70 |
| 1971 | $0.36 | $2.60 |
| 1972 | $0.36 | $2.51 |
| 1973 | $0.39 | $2.59 |
How much is a Ford Pinto worth today?
Q: What is the lowest sale price of a Ford Pinto? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $2,000 for a 1980 Ford Pinto Pony Wagon on Oct 5 2023. Q: What is the average sale price of a Ford Pinto? A: The average price of a Ford Pinto is $10,818.
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.
