Before I continue with my 2nd Pinto's story, I'd like to make a few comments about part one. 

Lets go back to Model A Fords and how I see it so similar to Pintos today.  When I got my A, The Model A was just starting to be collectible, and guys with cars they thought were collectibles, looked down on the lowly Model A. Looking at Pintos for sale on eBay, many are right at the end of their existence, well worn, or in salvage yards, very similar to when I got my Model A in 1967. Parts too were hard to come by and really helped build the A clubs. 

Fast forward to today, and you can just about buy a complete Model A from a parts catalog.  Pinto parts are very scarce, and repops are just starting.  There sure seems to be a link here!  Maybe someday you may be able to build a "new" Pinto out of a parts catalog!

There was a comment on my part 1 about new cars.  Oh I so remember the covered new cars, opaque dealer showroom windows, and on "opening night" searchlights filled the sky. When the new Corvair was announced but no pone had seen one. one of my friends spotted one in an old warehouse and if you peaked in just right through the boarded windows, you could see it there.  This was like a major secret, and we so carefully approached the building, one at a time, being real casual not to be noticed, took turns peaking in thinking we were really doing something we could get into major trouble for. 

Yes, and the model cars dealers gave away!  I got them each year, and today have a huge collection. I stopped collecting them in about 1980 when the new looked like the old and they simply became boring.

Cars in the 50's were so different.  You could not only tell the year, you could tell the trim, and in some instances Ford and Chevy, the engine and transmission (auto or stick). Now, I can hardly tell you the make let along year. 

Digressing here, our 73 Pinto was involved in a near head on accident at 3am on I-5 when a wrong way driver without lights ran us off the road. The Pinto was a great off road car, and no damage as I plowed to a stop through the weeds. I got a good look at the car, and proceeded onward, and a short distance later found a car that had been hit.  Reported to the CHP, left a description and drove on, shaken but car and family fine.

About six months later, my called and said the Sheriff was at the door with a subpoena for me.  What?  Oh oh, what did I do! I called and arraigned service, and it was for the incident we were in on I-5.

From the description I gave at the time, a red 1963 Buick LeSabre 2 door hardtop, they did make an arrest on multiple charges that night. In court I was able to describe the car in detail to the point there was a conviction on all charges.

Not long ago, I was witness to an armed robbery and was very near the car the guys sped away in. When I questioned, I only could describe the car as a large SUV.  Things have sure changed.