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1972 Ford Pinto
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1972 Ford Pinto: America’s No-Frills Answer to the Compact Car Craze

The 1972 Ford Pinto was part of Ford’s response to growing demand for small, affordable, fuel-efficient cars in the early 1970s—especially with imports like the VW Beetle and Toyota Corolla gaining traction in the U.S. market. It was compact, simple, and inexpensive, designed to be America’s answer to the economy car boom.

Overview

  • Body Styles:
    • 2-door sedan (coupe)
    • 3-door hatchback (Runabout)
  • Later offered as a 2-door station wagon
  • Seating Capacity: 4 passengers
  • Designed for minimalism: rear-wheel drive, small footprint, and very few frills

Specifications

  • 1.6L Inline-4 (Kent engine) – ~75 hp
    • Originally sourced from Ford UK, reliable but underpowered for U.S. highways
  • 2.0L Inline-4 (OHC engine) – ~86 hp
    • Introduced in 1971, this German-sourced engine became the better option and more popular for U.S. buyers
  • Transmission:
    • 4-speed manual (standard)
    • 3-speed automatic (optional)
  • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
  • Suspension: Front coil springs, rear leaf springs
  • Brakes: Front disc, rear drum (manual brakes unless optioned)
  • Top speed: ~90–95 mph, depending on engine
  • Fuel economy: ~25–30 mpg (a key selling point)

Styling & Features:

  • Clean, minimal body lines with a long hood and short rear deck
  • Chrome bumpers and basic steel wheels (hubcaps optional)
  • Inside: basic bench or bucket seats, vinyl trim, simple dash layout
  • Optional features: AM radio, automatic transmission, air conditioning, woodgrain trim (on Runabout)