I did some "back reading" here and want to add just one comment. I visit a lot of 70's and 80's nostalgia sites on the web, and Pintos ALWAYS come up - somehow - as a "horrible, horrible vehicle that killed people". "Twelve worst cars of all time". "Twenty cars that should have never been made". "Blah Blah Blah". In EVERY case, and where I can - I dole out the facts, because the MAJORITY of people out there associate Pintos and death like peanut butter and chocolate.
And WHY is it like this? Because the Pinto was the FIRST car to gain such notoriety in the American press - that's why. And myths die HARD - unless someone is unwilling to unlearn incorrect facts. As a past and present Pinto owner, I will NEVER be ashamed of these cars, in fact I always encourage people - "go ahead and laugh" - and then tell them the facts. I'll be the one laughing when I walk away with a trophy one day for "most unique restored" or "crowd favorite", because you JUST DON'T SEE THESE CARS OFTEN. Be a proud owner. You'll catch someone's eye LONG before the 50 millionth Mustang, Corvette, Camaro, or Challenger will. I guarantee it.
Oh, and yes - let me roll into your 2015 Camaro and watch what my SOLID STEEL BUMPERS will do to your tin can.
Chris