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How much was a Ford Pinto in 1976?

In 1976, the Ford Pinto, a compact car produced by the Ford Motor Company, had a starting price of around $2,600. This was a relatively affordable price point for a new car at the time, making the Pinto a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers.


The Ford Pinto's Pricing and Features


The Ford Pinto was introduced in 1971 as a response to the growing demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. In 1976, the base model Pinto had a suggested retail price of $2,599, which is equivalent to approximately $12,500 in today's dollars, adjusting for inflation. This price point made the Pinto one of the more affordable cars on the market at the time.


The Pinto came in a variety of body styles, including a two-door sedan, a three-door hatchback, and a station wagon. Standard features included a 2.3-liter inline-four engine, a four-speed manual transmission, and basic amenities like cloth upholstery and a AM/FM radio. Buyers could also opt for additional features like air conditioning, power steering, and an automatic transmission, which would increase the overall cost of the vehicle.


The Pinto's Popularity and Controversy


The Ford Pinto was a popular choice among consumers in the 1970s, particularly those looking for an affordable and fuel-efficient car. However, the Pinto also became embroiled in controversy due to safety concerns, including a design flaw that made the car susceptible to rear-end collisions and fuel tank fires. This issue, along with other quality and reliability problems, ultimately led to the Pinto's demise, with production ending in 1980.


Despite the controversies, the Ford Pinto remains an iconic car from the 1970s, representing a time when affordability and fuel efficiency were key priorities for many American consumers.

How much was a gallon of gas in 1976?


Gas Prices in the U.S. Throughout History

YearNational Average Gas Price (Dollars/Gallon) ThenNational Average Gas Price (Dollars/Gallon) In 2022 Dollars
1976$0.59$3.04
1977$0.62$2.99
1978$0.63$2.85
1979$0.86$3.52



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 was a brand new car in 1976?


The average car price in 1976 was $4,900 dollars The average 2021 price was $40,000. The median weekly salary in 1976 was $206. The median weekly salary in 2021 was $981. In 1976 it took 24 weeks pay to buy a car versus 41 weeks in 2021.



How much did a Ford Pinto cost in 1972?


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 a Ford Pinto cost in 1976?


$2,895



What was the most expensive car in 1976?


10 Most-Expensive American Coupes of 1976

  • Lincoln Continental Mark IV: $11,060. 1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV.
  • Cadillac Eldorado: $10,586. 1976 Cadillac Eldorado.
  • Lincoln Continental: $9142.
  • Cadillac Coupe DeVille: $9076.
  • Ford Thunderbird: $7790.
  • Chevrolet Corvette: $7605.
  • Oldsmobile Toronado: $7137.
  • Buick Riviera: $6798.



How many Mustangs were made in 1976?


Mustang Sales by Year

Mustang Model YearTotal U.S. Sales
1975188,575
1976187,567
1977153,173
1978192,410



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 gallon of gas cost in 1975?


Gas Prices in the U.S. Throughout History

YearNational Average Gas Price (Dollars/Gallon) ThenNational Average Gas Price (Dollars/Gallon) In 2022 Dollars
1972$0.36$2.51
1973$0.39$2.59
1974$0.53$3.19
1975$0.57$3.12



How much did a Ford Mustang cost in 1972?


Mustang Values by Year

Year / Model / TrimBase MSRPAdj. for Inflation
1972 Mustang Hardtop$2,766$20,133
1972 Mustang Fastback$2,996$21,808
1972 Mustang Convertible$3,051$22,208
1972 Mustang Grande Hardtop$2,952$21,487


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.