The Ford Pinto could have been the car that could best compete with the small and compact European and Japanese cars during its time. Based on Lee Iacocca’s specifications, the Ford Pinto should not weigh “an ounce over 2,000 pounds and not cost a cent over $2,000.” This design limits, and the car being rushed to soon in the market, made it a disaster rather than a success.
The Ford Pinto is a small, compact car manufactured and sold by Ford in the USA from 1971 to 1980. It was called together with a Mercury twin called the Mercury Bobcat. It was manufactured as Ford’s entry to the small-car market being dominated at that time by Volkswagen and several Japanese car manufacturers.
The Ford Pinto came in various body styles, which includes a 2-door sedan, 4-door hatchback and a 2-door station wagon. A body style called the Cruising Wagon was introduced in 1977 which lasted until the model was last sold in 1980. All were designed using a front engine, rear-wheel drive body platform. Engine options for the first year of sales include a 1.6 liter straight four and a 2.0 liter straight four engine. A 2.3 liter version of both engines appeared in 1974 while a 2.8 liter V6 option was available in 1975. Powers of these engines are transmitted to the wheel either via a manual or an automatic transmission.
The design limitations established by Iacocca and the rush in the design process of the Ford Pinto took its toll on the car’s safety. Upon introduction, authorities discovered that the car’s fuel tank could be easily damaged during minor rear end collisions and would easily result to deadly fires and explosions. This was reflected and showcased on many crash tests that the authorities have made on the Ford Pinto. Ford wasn’t able to address the problem soon enough, leading to various issues and lawsuits filed against the Ford Motor Company.
The Ford Pinto could have been a great car if not for its design flaws, making it extremely dangerous to drive. The flaws, however, can now be remedied with the emergence of high performance and high quality Ford Pinto parts. Here at Parts Train, we offer high quality Ford Pinto auto mechanical parts that can remedy most of the Ford Pinto’s problems, like high-grade engines, fuel tanks and a lot of other Ford Pinto mechanical parts. By equipping your Ford Pinto with the parts offered here at Parts Train, you can enjoy driving your Ford Pinto without fear of any fire or explosions.
Featured Products
Ford Pinto - Seat Belt
"UNIVERSAL 3-POINT RETRACTABLE SEAT BELTS, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE, SOLD AS PAIR -- This Seat Belt May Require Modification Or Other Adjustments To Your Vehicle Upon Installation, 1-3/4 in. Width x 131 in. Full Extended Length, Comes With Center Push Buckle, Without Air Bag Sensor"
Brand:Replacement
Ford Pinto - Oxygen Sensor
"UNIVERSAL OXYGEN SENSOR -- 4 Wires, Quality Construction And Materials Make This Item One Of The Top Selling OE Replacement Oxygen Sensors. This May Require Modification Or Other Adjustments To Your Vehicle Upon Installation, Direct Fit Part "
Brand:Replacement
1971,1972,1973 - 4Cyl 1.6L Base
1971,1972,1973,1974 - 4Cyl 2.0L Base
1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980 - 4Cyl 2.3L Base
"UNIVERSAL 2-POINT SEAT BELT, DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE, SOLD INDIVIDUALLY -- This Seat Belt May Require Modification Or Other Adjustments To Your Vehicle Upon Installation, 1-3/4 in. Width x 54 in. Full Extended Length, Comes With Center Push Buckle"
Brand:Replacement
Ford Pinto - Oxygen Sensor
"UNIVERSAL OXYGEN SENSOR -- 3 Wires, Quality Construction And Materials Make This Item One Of The Top Selling OE Replacement Oxygen Sensors. This May Require Modification Or Other Adjustments To Your Vehicle Upon Installation, Direct Fit Part "
Brand:Replacement
Ford Pinto - Oxygen Sensor
"UNIVERSAL OXYGEN SENSOR -- 1 Wire, Quality Construction And Materials Make This Item One Of The Top Selling OE Replacement Oxygen Sensors. This May Require Modification Or Other Adjustments To Your Vehicle Upon Installation, Direct Fit Part "
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