How much did a Pinto cost in 1973?
In 1973, a new Ford Pinto typically carried a list price around $2,000, with variation by body style and options.
This article explores what buyers paid for a Pinto in 1973, the main configurations available, and the economic context that shaped those sticker prices. Prices varied by model, trim, and optional equipment, and could be affected by dealer charges and regional differences.
Pricing landscape in 1973
1973 was the year the Pinto hit its stride as a budget-friendly subcompact, amid rising inflation and an energy crisis. Ford offered several body styles to appeal to different buyers, from a basic two-door Runabout to a small wagon. The sticker price ranged in the low thousands, with differences driven by body style and options rather than dramatic leaps between models.
The following figures illustrate typical sticker price ranges for common 1973 Pinto configurations.
- Pinto Runabout (two-door hatchback, base model): roughly $2,000–$2,200.
- Pinto Runabout Deluxe or higher trim: roughly $2,200–$2,500.
- Pinto Wagon (five- or six-seat variant): roughly $2,300–$2,500.
- Higher-trim or specialty versions (limited availability): roughly $2,400–$2,700.
Prices could vary by dealer, region, and whether factory options or destination charges were added; the ranges above reflect typical 1973-dollar sticker prices rather than exact MSRPs for every configuration.
Economic context and price drivers
In 1973, inflation and shifting fuel prices affected car prices nationwide. The Pinto’s appeal as an affordable subcompact helped Ford position it as an economical choice for buyers facing rising costs, while price differentials tracked with body style length, seating capacity, and equipment levels.
Model variants and price bands
The Pinto lineup encompassed several configurations, with the most common price bands summarized below to reflect how price varied by body style and trim.
- Runabout: base two-door hatchback priced toward the low end of the spectrum (~$2,000–$2,200).
- Runabout Deluxe or higher trims: incremental features pushed prices into the mid-range (~$2,200–$2,500).
- Wagon: family-oriented variant typically in the $2,300–$2,500 range due to extra space and equipment.
- Higher-trim or specialty versions: limited availability at roughly $2,400–$2,700.
The final price for any given Pinto in 1973 depended on the exact combination of body style, trim level, and optional equipment, negotiated with the dealer.
Summary
In 1973, the Ford Pinto typically cost around $2,000 as a starting point, with variations by model and options. While base prices hovered in the low thousands, trims and optional equipment could push the sticker price higher. Buyers in 1973 faced a range rather than a single figure, reflecting the Pinto’s flexible family of subcompact options during a period of economic change.
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How much did a Ford Pinto cost in 1972?
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