Does anyone think that maybe after the 2011 show we might get enough attention to resurrect the Pinto?
I'm doubting it, but hey, it's a modern car I would buy!
After all, the charger and challenger are back, as well as the Camaro and the Thunderbird!
It would take A LOT of interest in a new Pinto for it to sell, but I think with the same roots of ideas Ford had in mind with the production of the Pinto, it might possibly succeed.
One thing that holds it back, I think, is that to many people still remember only one thing about the Pinto...The one that exploded. Without knowing the truth to the fact, and that several other Ford cars were prone to the exact same problem, I don't think the "exploding Pinto" comments will ever cease.
It'll be a Pinto in name only, so why fret it?
I highly doubt it... :(
I know the Pinto name would never be used again, since the media has tarnished it for life. Any car will blow up if in the right wreck, especially when hit at high speeds. I have heard of lots of toyo-trash burst into flames this way.
Now it would be nice to see the Pinto body style again. Being it is a bit bubble shaped, it should fit right in. However, if it is meant to be retro, it will be expensive. Look at the new VW bug... The original intent in the 50's was to be affordable by all, but the new one was clearly not.
Hopefully the body style would be recreated and with a spiffy name also.
The new econo cars are so ugly, it's pathetic. The Pinto style would be welcomed...
According to my sources at FoMoCo the Pinto name will never be used again. :(
Well that about sums up this thread. How about we move it onto......What would you think if they WERE to bring back the Pinto?
Quote from: dave1987 on December 16, 2009, 12:07:33 AM
Does anyone think that maybe after the 2011 show we might get enough attention to resurrect the Pinto?
I'm doubting it, but hey, it's a modern car I would buy!
After all, the charger and challenger are back, as well as the Camaro and the Thunderbird!
It would take A LOT of interest in a new Pinto for it to sell, but I think with the same roots of ideas Ford had in mind with the production of the Pinto, it might possibly succeed.
One thing that holds it back, I think, is that to many people still remember only one thing about the Pinto...The one that exploded. Without knowing the truth to the fact, and that several other Ford cars were prone to the exact same problem, I don't think the "exploding Pinto" comments will ever cease.
It might be more realistic to find out if the Presence of a Large contingent of Pintos at Carlisle would trip the Interest of Venture capitalists who would Underwrite the cost of Buying up the reproduction rights to the Pinto design from FoMoCo.
Then a company could be formed to Recreate the Body stampings and Re certify the car parts for restoration purposes. This would eliminate the Rusted hulk scrappage AND MAKE ALL Year model pintos worth saving. Would you invest in restoration Like the Porsche 356 Groups do? I've seen a tub come out of the acid bath looking like swiss cheese, and then the sheet metal stampings are welded up to a jig and the car lives on with Original VIN.
To be realistic, a restored 356 is worth about 50+ k depending on model and history, easily pushing 100k for a rare Carrera. Does the Pinto warrant such consideration? It's all about economics and subject to demand. There will never be a Ford Pinto Modern version, but it could rise up as a Kit Car.
My 2 cents,
Pintosopher
I think this topic came up before. Loving the Ford Pinto since I was knee high to a filly foal I would welcome the reintroduction of this well-loved little car. In fact, when I was going to San Bernardino Valley College in 1997 I saw an Escort ZX2 and the Pinto immediately came to mind. I even looked for filly insignia! If Ford can't bring the Pinto name back, maybe they can at least bring back the kicking foal emblem. In my humble opinion I think if they ever resurrect the Ford Pinto they should keep the bodies. Compared to the modern-day cars I'm surrounded by, my Pintos have sleek lines and the lovely tapered front ends.
As for the "blow up" thing, you need to remember- Pintos didn't "blow up". Some unfortunately ignited and burst into flames, but other cars did that too. The early Mustangs had infernosis (my invention) problems when they rolled in accidents but you don't see the disdain aimed at those cars (I love them too).
With thing as they are, it would be an electric car, called the Green Pinto or hybridto, and have so many computer controled @#%& all over it. Let's pool our money and buy the rights and build ourself Pinto Motor Company, LTD.
I like CB's idea! :D Would be happy to be part of PMC! :)
I agree with everyone else's comments as well, the Pinto deserves much more attention than it gets, and much more recognition. It's a big part of automotive history, along with it's competitors like the Pacer. I feel that these cars boomed the small car industry.
Quote from: Carolina Boy on December 16, 2009, 08:35:11 PM
With thing as they are, it would be an electric car, called the Green Pinto or hybridto, and have so many computer controled @#%& all over it. Let's pool our money and buy the rights and build ourself Pinto Motor Company, LTD.
"Pool WHAT money"?
Chris
I saw something interesting yesterday while browsing on ebay- a business card holder with a Pinto on it. The kicker is, it looks modern-day! It has a sticker or tag that says "Ford Officially Licensed Product". It's hella cool! Perhaps Ford is toying with the idea of reintroducing the Pinto. They're not above putting its likeness on merchandise.
Yeh we had a post like this one beforem, so I WIll reiderate my previous statement. Had the pinto not been killed off the new Ford Escort in 1981 would have had a Ford Pinto Badge, it would not have been the same car anymore, times would have seen to that. So as far as I am concerned, the Pinto left with its integrity and style before the designers turned it into the Ford Chevette.
Interesting posts here, my observations:
When I go to the mall, which isn't very often, I never have a problem finding one of my Pintos. They are almost always the only one in a sea of black, silver or white nondescript lumps of ?. And if there is another one when I come in I will do everything I can to park next to it. Have met some good Pinto fanatics that way.
As to venture capitalists, Dynacorn comes to mind. I think they are making Cameros and Challengers now as well as Mustangs. Let's see what we can do with them.
Ford has worked hard to make Mustang the longest continuous running marque so I agree that letting the Pinto go before it became something that even we wouldn't want was for the best.
P
Great words pintoman!
Funny thing about going to the mall....
I had to park at the back of the huge parking lot at the Boise Town Square Mall this x-mas season to do some shopping.
Forgetting what row I was in, I began the hunt for my car. For the love of my life I could not seem to find my little Pinto!! Even though it always stands out with it's big aluminum bumpers against the metallic blue paint, I could not find the darn car!!
I found out how hard it was to find a short little sub-compact car in a lot full of SUVs. :(
"Pool WHAT money"?
Chris
[/quote]
??? ::)
Didn't you hear, Pinto owners are among the richest people in the nation. :lol: Just not financialy. :mad:
Quote from: blupinto on December 17, 2009, 04:06:23 PM
I saw something interesting yesterday while browsing on ebay- a business card holder with a Pinto on it. The kicker is, it looks modern-day! It has a sticker or tag that says "Ford Officially Licensed Product". It's hella cool! Perhaps Ford is toying with the idea of reintroducing the Pinto. They're not above putting its likeness on merchandise.
that came from ford about 3yrs ago as they released a few pinto items on there web site.