Author Topic: Pinto stories (Read 441 times)

joebob · « **on:** January 22, 2012, 03:32:32 PM »

So I take Bob out to 4-5 shows per year. Of course most people think he is a pinto. That's to be expected. Everyone who stops by says the same things. "I had one," "my brother had one," "my uncle had one," etc. The next thing they say is something like this. I remember back in "74" We all piled into my sister's pinto and did this or that. They don't say , We were driving the pinto, We rode in the pinto, we took the pinto, No! everyone piles in to the pinto. No exceptions. The next thing is that everyone has a pinto story that they must tell. My bobcat is the only car I ever took to a car show. So those of you who have shown other cars tell me, does everyone have a mustang story, or a nova story, or a pick-up story? I don't think so, but I could be wrong. What is it about our car that made people's lives so rich?
One more observation, everyone who has been to a car show with their Pinto or Bob knows. The biggest attraction is not the vet or mustang. It is not the car with the most chrome or fanciest engine. It is the simple little car everyone loves.
Bill

blupinto · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2012, 04:26:36 PM »

I think one of the main reasons is that, like the Dodge Dart, you either had one or knew someone who did. Back in the day they were everywhere (at least in southern California!). In my opinion, of the three or four (if you include the VW Bug) economy cars of the early '70s that were in competition, the Pinto had the best styling and didn't sound like a tin can full of gravel at idle. lol. In my opinion (I'm full of opinions! lol) the Pinto's looks aged well and I like the car's lines way better than the modern cars (though I do like the new Mustang's retro looks). I don't take Ruby to car shows for prizes (she rarely gets one) but for the abject joy her being there brings to other people. Their joy brings me joy... and I've met and made friends with some great people who either have great Pinto stories or are just happy to see one amongst the cherried out rods surrounding us.

mrskydog · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2012, 06:06:52 PM »

I agree its neat to see the reaction of people a the Car Shows when you bring a Car that was a simple Car in the Day. I havent taken my Pinto yet as it is in the Re-hab stage. But I do own its larger Brother a 73 Maverick. Smiles and storys from so many people at the shows. Hope to get the Pinto out with the Maverick this Year.....Kirk

Srt · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2012, 03:09:36 AM »

Joe Bob the last paragraph of your post says it all.

Starliner · « **Reply #4 on:** January 24, 2012, 08:34:41 PM »

My 73 Pinto is too ratty for a car show. (I park it away from the car show and walk in!)
But every time I stop for gas someone comes over and starts talking like joebob says.
And constant thumbs up on my 100 mile a day round trip commute on the freeway.

Norman Bagi · « **Reply #5 on:** January 24, 2012, 10:54:41 PM »

I was talking to John Clor from Ford Racing, he put it this way. "The Pinto was a huge success! To put it into perspective, Toyota just celebrated a big milestone by manufacturing one million Prius in a ten year span. And they should celebrate, but by comparison in that same ten year run Ford sold over 3.1 million Pinto's."

So it is no wonder that at every stop someone talks about a Pinto, they were everywhere!

80_2.3_ESS · « **Reply #6 on:** January 25, 2012, 09:15:32 AM »

Norm hit the nail on the head. In the Pinto's day, they were EVERYWHERE.

I have a couple stories with mine. When I was younger, my dad and I took the car to a show just for fun. The car has no badges on it except the "ESS" on the fenders, and the pinto logo on the back glass, but it is covered by the louvers. Everybody was walking past it, gawking at it, saying "What the hell is an ESS?". Only one guy walked over to the car, with his wife, looked at it, smiled and said "look at this hunny, a pinto".

And yes, I have had so many people tell stories of "oh man, when I was in college, I had this pinto...." or "I once dated this girl who had a pinto....".

blupinto · « **Reply #7 on:** January 25, 2012, 05:58:37 PM »

Well, I said that first... that back in the day Pintos were everywhere...

r4pinto · « **Reply #8 on:** January 27, 2012, 11:20:43 AM »

Quote from: blupinto on January 25, 2012, 05:58:37 PM

Well, I said that first... that back in the day Pintos were everywhere...

Nu, uhh. lol... I gotta mess with ya Becky lol. I'm just glad that they are getting just what I hoped would happen back in 1991 & that is the car to be at a car show & treated like a classic, not slammed for what supposedly happened when rear ended. I love my Pinto & even love her more when she lets me take her for a drive, which isn't very often. Harold II likes her beauty sleep & does not like to be disturbed.

blupinto · « **Reply #9 on:** January 27, 2012, 08:17:12 PM »

Alas, so does mt green wagon! lol At least Ruby grudgingly takes me to work. lol The funny thing is, Ruby is more recognizable than War Wagon. I guess people don't recall the wagons so much, while the sedans/Runabouts are remembered well at a glance! You gotta love old cars.

I hope Harold II gets Spring Fever soon and happily takes you for a spin. I hope to see you and her in Carlisle next year!

r4pinto · « **Reply #10 on:** January 27, 2012, 08:32:34 PM »

I have already requested the week off & my Dad is looking forward to it as well. Does this mean you & Ruby will be blessing Carlisle with your presence again?

blupinto · « **Reply #11 on:** January 28, 2012, 01:12:30 AM »

Well... you just never know... I would love to do it! That was a great trip and those back-east states are beautiful! I gotta see more CW battlefields though...

That'll be cool to see you, your Dad, and Harold II! I would love to see the others too, for that matter!

r4pinto · « **Reply #12 on:** January 28, 2012, 11:18:45 AM »

Quote from: blupinto on January 28, 2012, 01:12:30 AM

Well... you just never know... I would love to do it! That was a great trip and those back-east states are beautiful! I gotta see more CW battlefields though... That'll be cool to see you, your Dad, and Harold II! I would love to see the others too, for that matter!

That's what brings me to the Carlisle show just about every year. Since 2006 I have tried to get there if possible. It's great to see the same peope every year & get caught up one what has gone on. It would be great if you are able to come out here. You're just too far away for me to hop in the car & drive to your place, which sux lol. The one thing both of us have in common is we don't have the same doubt of whether the car will make it or not.

blupinto · « **Reply #13 on:** January 28, 2012, 04:16:55 PM »

Actually, matt, I can't really say that anymore. Since the trip, I've had to replace her starter (ask me how fun THAT was) and if it weren't for the belt she would've lost her alternator (literally!). Naturally I will have her checked out and maybe, with Fred's permission, stop by his place again on the way.

The interesting thing is, on the way as part of the Stampede, we (Ruby and I) got thumbs up and happy honkings (no not THAT kind of honking! lol) but when it was just us we were largely ignored except when we stopped for gas. THEN people would comment on my Pinto and share stories.

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Author Topic: Pinto stories (Read 441 times)