When typing in Ford Pinto into google just to see what pops up and reading various articles and thinking about writing a book on Pinto's, I came across what I'm sure is only a taste of what some people, non-Pinto fanatics obviously, think. Here are a few quotes from buisnessweek.com
"If the vehicle was rear-ended, it made the accident worse than it should've been because the gas tank exploded." ---
Well, yes. That is true. But exploding gas tanks wasn't what actually made the Pinto worse in the accident, a lot of cars in the 70's had weak gas tank designs. But the fact that the body crumpled and trapped passengers inside is what really caused the Pinto to perform worse in rear-end collisions, so this person really didn't know exactly what was going on.
"Junk from the day they built it! Do you see any around anywhere? Not even close to a collectible car."---
Wow really? Is that why the Pinto was #2 only to the Ford Mustang in sales? Junk? You get what you pay for, which was hardly junk. Not even close to a collectible? Oh is that why the price for a Pinto that is in need of a lot of work is gradually climbing to the price that it cost new?
"My neighbor had a vanity plate that read 'IXPLODE' on his Ford Pinto. I was a kid and understood the significance and humor."---
We joke about this now and that is a pretty catchy vanity plate I must say LOL
"Underpowered, cheap plastic, bodies prone to rust...oh, yeah, they blow up, too."---
If Ford wanted another muscle car with a V-8, which couldn't be farther from Ford's outlook for the Pinto, it would have had more power. Cheap plastic? Actually... No. No. I don't agree with that my Pinto is 30 years old and the interior is still in pretty great shape, you just, like anything else, have to take care of it. Bodies prone to rust? Show me a car that isn't prone to rust if not properly maintained.
LOL I felt the need to rant on this. Feel free to read and comment on it, sorry it is a little lengthy.
Outsiders dont really understand the epicness that is Pinto. People are so quick to comment on the car but seem to forget that everybody knows someone who had a Pinto. They were a cheap and practical car in their day and they WOKRED.
Quote from: Smeed on March 19, 2008, 08:58:52 PM
....they WOKRED.
You stated that BETTER than you intended.....
55: There are so many conflicting documents on so many different sites; who knows what the entrire "truth" is.
IMHO: The sure way to know that a car will never be a 'classic' is when all the "experts" say it will be.
Bill
Quote from: 77turbopinto on March 19, 2008, 09:35:30 PM
IMHO: The sure way to know that a car will never be a 'classic' is when all the "experts" say it will be.
Bill
SO true. I heard of a fellow who had a brand new PONTIAC SUNFIRE that he bought and stored in his backyard as he believed it would one day become a collector's car. Who really knows I guess. I have my doubts any of the newer cars will last long enough to become classics :P
Quote from: Ponygal on March 19, 2008, 09:52:20 PM
SO true. I heard of a fellow who had a brand new PONTIAC SUNFIRE that he bought and stored in his backyard as he believed it would one day become a collector's car. Who really knows I guess. I have my doubts any of the newer cars will last long enough to become classics :P
Which makes the survivors worth that much more. It took YEARS for the Pinto to get where it's at, value wise. That in itself is a testament to it's longevity.
You know, :wow: I am sick and tiered of people telling me that I should have got a mustang or God forbid a piece of s# *t chevy anything, just because it will be or is a collectible. For the most part people can be called either sheep or lemmings as they just follow the crowd. When I was in high school back in the 80's I was a huge Dukes of Hazzard fan and of course I loved the General Lee and wanted a 1969 Dodge Charger. back then they could be bought for 500 to 1500 running! Now you can't touch one for under 10 grand and thats a rusted out piece of junk. If you have to have a good driver that is still one color be prepared to pay upwards around 35 to 45 grand! Anyway, I forgot where I was going with this but the point I am making is that people need to stop following the masses and think for themselves. If I want to drive a Pinto or even a YUGO because I think they're cool that's my choice so keep your opinion to yourself! Besides, we all know that Pintos are collectible, just ask Pintony ;D He's determined to own them ALL!
P.S. We should all collaborate and publish a book about the Pinto Facts and Fallacies
Interesting idea, there, osiyo59... a book about Pintos. I know you mentioned that as an afterthought, but the idea COULD have some merit. I'm not sure what the total membership of this site is, but it hosts some of the most knowledgeable Pinto people I've ever encountered. Then there are those of us who aren't particularly mechanical, but DO know what we like. I've never cared too much what anybody else thought about me, or what I drive; I simply like my Pinto. This is coming from a guy who has driven everything from Pintos to Rolls Royces. It's just a happy, honest little car that makes me feel good. Anyway... here's some food for thought: Although my previous work has all been in the form of novels, I am a published author and, therefore, do have a relationship with a publisher. If some of the members here would be willing to share their input for a project of this type, I'd be willing to put the compilation together, work with editing staff to make sure it's done correctly, and to see it through the publishing process. Obviously, a book of this type would appeal only to a niche market and we'd have to be careful not to plagerize previously published information, but it could, if done right, become the PCCA handbook. Well, there you go... the offer's on the table. If anyone here is interested, speak up!!!
Dwayne :smile:
I saw the crowd following a certain path. I guess I am tone deaf and did not hear the Pied-Piper's tune???
I think the reason I like the Pinto most is, it boggels the human mind.
I know I see it in most peoples eyes even if they do not ask..
WHY? Is what I see...
I got into the Pinto because THEY said Y? And I built a Pinto that would STOMP their V8 into the pavement. Then they said HOW?
I remember a certain street race against a V8. I told the guy that to make the race "FAIR" I would pull of a spark plug wire from my engine so he had a chance!!! ;D
The guy backed down when I pulled $100 from my pocket to back it up... 8)
I'm In for a Pinto BOOK
I got plenty of lies to add.. ;D ;D ;D
From Pintony
Quote from: osiyo59 on March 19, 2008, 11:42:52 PM
I should have got a mustang or God forbid a piece of s# *t chevy anything
In 2002 I bought my second Mustang II (both 1976 models) because I couldn't find a Pinto. The first was junk when I bought it but it was a V6/4spd car just like a friend of mine had when we were in high school. Many miles and memories. The second is a V6 Ghia with perfect interior and V6/Auto and runs OK. I just couldn't get moving on it. Then I got to thinking, started looking and found my 77 cruising wagon. The mustang was my friends car and he currently has a restored 69 fastback. I drove Pinto's and always liked the looks of them. Always wanted to fix one up, now I can so I do and will. Now the mustang sits and I still have no desire to work on it. I've only driven it a couple times and most likely have under 50 miles on it.
I'm not a "serious" car collector even a car guy for that matter. I never went to car shows, races or built one up and to be honest cars have always been a get from point a to point b for me and nothing else. Don't get me wrong I have liked most of the cars I have owned, worked on them when I could and do appriciate a nice looking ride but Pinto's are the only ones I'll go to these extreams for...
Plus as Tony said... the looks and comments are worth it. Amazing the reactions I get when people see them.
I used to hear Y alot,I don't hear that much any more.Now I hear what is it,Or I bet that things fast.From time to time I end up in endless conversations about the cars their folks had and the good times and memories that went with them.I love owning my little rocket car as it's known by the kids around here.When it came down to do I want to keep the Porsche's or my pinto you can guess who moved out.In closing I will say this little car has done alot to disspell the myths of the pinto around here.
It's definitely a talking point, and not in a bad way. :)
A couple of weeks ago I had a guy pull level with me in traffic, honking and waving frantically. Turned out he just wanted to tell me that it was great to see one of them still on the road, and that he'd owned one "back in the day". I've had a few people react that way.
Or there's the "did I just see what I thought I saw?" reaction, where someone will do a complete double-take as I go by.
I've also heard one or two comments along the lines of "those should be a classic by now".
My two cents,
It's been many years since my '72 was street legal (barely) but even then I found a way to swap intakes and get it smogged every 2 years with a stock motor internally. But I also could get Leaded Unocal 87 in '88, so I could play more with tuning. Then I decided to swap Motors for smog check and put the hot engine in most of the time, and cocktailed my own gas blend at the pump.
The look on the employees faces at the time was worth all the grief of using my beaker and funnels. The usual comment was "how much V8?" and "can I see under the hood?" My 3 inch tip exiting under the passenger door would emit a cam stumble with the Webers that fooled most of them. The disbelief that it was a 2.0L four was answered by a 7000 rpm burnout as both rear tyres let go into the boulevard. An it continued through second and a chirp in third.
I am tempted to relinquish my now spotless driving record and return to my old habits, but I just am this close to another age related insurance discount with my carrier.
Live long , blaze a path of significant glory...
Pintosopher
I will race anyone in my school or town with my little supposed POS Pinto and see who gets the last laugh :2fast4u:
Oh I just love these stories. Makes me happy I decided to "go with a car that was really DIFFERENT" this time around, rather than the '98ish Jetta TDI I had intended on searching for. I can't wait til my car is finally on the road.
I also own a '66 Mustang, and call me a big fat follower if you will, but I have wanted one since I knew what the car was all about, and was thrilled to drag her carcass home on a dolley that snowy night. I didn't want one because everyone else had one, I wanted one BECAUSE I WANTED ONE!! that being said, I've always wanted a cool little "ugly" car from the 70's as a daily driver, and fell in love with Pintos many years ago. My heart still breaks over the '76 wagon I passed up on years ago because the fiancée didn't think parts were available anymore for the 2.0.
I look forward to the horrified faces on all the Honda drivers out there when I pull up behind their perfectly shined car with my brown & black beast. She's here, she's ugly and she ain't goin' away anytime soon! :D
Being a regular on "The Dragon" AKA US129 through Deal's Gap. I get a LOT of attention from Hi HP cars. They just cannot understand why this little car with 88HP can hang with them. On that road HP is NOTHING. Handling is EVERYTHING. If you've driven Pintos long enough, you know how unstable they are at speed. That instability works to thier advantage in the twisties. The only 4cyl cars that give me probs are the Miatas, and Solstice/Sky twins. My Pinto isn't fast, but it tracks like it's on rails.
If you get to this part of the coutry you NEED to check this road out.
www.tailofthedragon.com
(http://www.tailofthedragon.com/maps/poster2005.jpg)
Quote from: Ponygal on March 20, 2008, 02:20:15 PM
I've always wanted a cool little "ugly" car from the 70's as a daily driver, and fell in love with Pintos many years ago.
The Pinto is the Audrey Hepburn of the car world!
I was 14 when the Pinto hit the market. Back then guys all ran around with what were then called "slotted" mags (today they seemed to be referred to with the term "kidney bean" wheels). Anyway, these were very deep dished wheels (lots of offset) and the only way to use them was to jack up the rear of the car with shackle extenders or air shocks, leaving them to stick many inches outside the edge of the wheel well opening. This look was then accompanied with stainless steel flaps screwed to the lower rear of the wheel well.
What so struck me all those years ago about the Pinto was how wide a wheel/tire combination could be fit - without exceeding the wheel wells. In that regard the Pinto was WAY ahead of it's time. Back then I was a Datsun 510 guy (still have one too). Though, I must admit I was a closet admirer of the Pinto. And, that is why I own one today.
Regarding everyone having one, yea. My step-sister had the bicentennial Pinto, my youngest brother has a 72 - 1600, he sold it to the middle brother who also had a 72 - 2000 and later a 73 "vinyl woodie" wagon. I haven't had contact with him in years, but last we spoke he always wanted another early wagon. I guess I'm living my brothers dream.
Tom
So I guess to end the debate have ANY OF YOU EVER FOUND A FORD PINTO IN THE WREACKING YARD BECAUSE OF A REAR END (GAS TANK FIRE).....Anyone?????? My answer is HELL NO......Engine bay fires of cars(any make) YES!!!!! It would seem to me that most modern EFI cars have that problem....BUT really, gas tank fires due to being rear ended....Not so much.....BTW maybe we need to have the MYTHBUSTERS on the case.....As for those damn skyjackers didn't a Pinto have a gas tank fire due to having those installed and the getting rear ended????? Like I stated earlier I have yet to any pinto in the wreacking yard due to blowing up....Has anyone.......
I used to own a Pinto a long time ago. Don't remember the exact year but it was a full glass hatchback. I drove it 35,000 miles in one year. Was a terrific car.
Fast forward to today. I was looking for a new projectcar and I found I was really interested in turbos so i started looking at forums and found turboford. Well one thing led to another and i found my 75 about 3 miles from my house. I am damn glad I have it for anumber of reasons but 2 stand out the most.
1. The PEOPLE. I have made some really cool friends while doing this and I suspect there will be more.
2. I have a problem having a car that I see coming down the street like I am driving. I like being different and the odds of seeing another Pinto in my area is slim to none.
PS: About the issue of exploding gas tank.... What about the a*****e that hits you at 55mph???? These are small cars and all small cars all have the same issue.
jim
Greetings all,
In reviewing the commentary in the thread, I see all types of reactive and mostly supportive perceptions about what the public reaction to Pinto ownership was, or currently is.
Regarding the gas tank issue, this has been debated ad nauseum, and it's been established that the final repair design was "adequate" but a poor band aid, for a flawed design.
Yes ,we've seen the crash photos of toasted rear-ended Pintos, but we've never really discussed the 64-66 Mustang and it's lack of a trunk floor and the resulting consequences of a rear end collision. But it's a cult classic of enormous following and no less or more a great design. Yes, I'll bet there were burned up rear-ended pintos in salvage yards, but not much was worth holding onto for salvage after the fires. Heck, look at the Crown Victoria Police interceptor fuel tank recall.
The Bottom line today is : if there's still prejudice against these cars, Do we really care?
I enjoy and revel in the distinctive misperceptions of the general populace, as do Many Corvair owners, and even Vega owners!
Oh Lord won't ya buy me a Taurus....
Pintosopher ... Not Society's Child
Quote from: pintosopher on March 20, 2008, 12:16:42 PM
The look on the employees faces at the time was worth all the grief of using my beaker and funnels.
I get that same look when I take the '73 to the local Shell to get it filled with propane.
Quote from: ni2sml on March 20, 2008, 11:50:20 AM
A couple of weeks ago I had a guy pull level with me in traffic, honking and waving frantically.
Last Saturday I was driving the brown 71 around in the city I live in. There was a man, probably in his 70's driving a Rolls Royce from the 60's or 70's. He got up next to me for about a half mile and was just starring at the car the whole time until he turned off the street. A lowly Pinto being admired by a Rolls Royce owner. You got to love it!
Bob
Quote from: D.R.Ball on March 21, 2008, 07:33:12 AM
So I guess to end the debate have ANY OF YOU EVER FOUND A FORD PINTO IN THE WREACKING YARD BECAUSE OF A REAR END (GAS TANK FIRE).....Anyone?????? My answer is HELL NO......Engine bay fires of cars(any make) YES!!!!! It would seem to me that most modern EFI cars have that problem....BUT really, gas tank fires due to being rear ended....Not so much.....BTW maybe we need to have the MYTHBUSTERS on the case.....As for those damn skyjackers didn't a Pinto have a gas tank fire due to having those installed and the getting rear ended????? Like I stated earlier I have yet to any pinto in the wrecking yard due to blowing up....Has anyone.......
Having spent the last 35 + years in more than 9 different wrecking yards,After 15 yrs as a registered tow operator,And 13 phone calls to operators I have worked with or for,None of us have ever had a fire by rearender.I have delt with over 100 vehicle fires myself,Many different reasons for the fires.Most fires are caused by the electrical system,much more common in newer cars than older for obvious reasons.Second reason is fuel system,more common in older cars than newer cars Reasons also obvious.Last is accidents,These are few and far between.I may have had 1or2 in 15 yrs.To put this in perspective,I have a better chance of getting killed on the job(5 OF MY CO WORKERS HAVE BEEN KILLED IN THE 15 YRS I HAVE BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY)than finding a car fire caused by a rear ender.
Doc.
Regarding the issue of Fuel tanks and collisions, Refer to the Fordpinto.com home page under Goals #3 . Then go to bric a brac and read the whole article and then look at the bottom of the page under the headings of fuel tank design.
This is old news, been there- done that!
Pintosopher
Now , where's my Black helicopter? :nocool: :lost: :lol:
I guess the people who ask "why" are just ignorant to the love affair that we have to our Pinto's. At one car show I went to I got two of those to which I replied "how many other Pintos do you see here? When was the last time you saw one driving down the road? Everyone has a Mustang, Camaro or Honda." Most of the time though people love it. I get stares and thumbs up on the interstate all the time, and people will follow me when I pull in somewhere so they can get a better look. People take pictures of it at the gas station or grocery store and many of them say "I had one, I really liked that car." The funny thing is the younger generation doesn't even know what they are. I pulled through Hardee's drive thru one time and the little girl working the window said "I like your car, what is it?" I replied "It's a Pinto." She looked confused and said "Is it new?" I said "No, they stopped making these cars when you were just a gleam in your daddy's eye!" Her friends working there came over to look at it and one girl said "Is it fast?" I said "Fast enough to make you pee your pants!" They just squealed and giggled!!
Quote from: 71 pintoracer on March 21, 2008, 11:38:36 PM
The funny thing is the younger generation doesn't even know what they are. I pulled through Hardee's drive thru one time and the little girl working the window said "I like your car, what is it?" I replied "It's a Pinto." She looked confused and said "Is it new?" I said "No, they stopped making these cars when you were just a gleam in your daddy's eye!" Her friends working there came over to look at it and one girl said "Is it fast?" I said "Fast enough to make you pee your pants!" They just squealed and giggled!!
Ha FUNNY!!!
That is a good read there 71 pintoracer.
Tooo Funny!!!!
I drive a '79 sedan with a 302 and a white with black stripe BOSS paint job. I am 6'1", and it is the only car I have ever driven or rode in where my legs didn't cramp up. I drove all the way from central MO to southeastern OH to northern PA and back without a single cramp. And everytime I drive I come across a Honda or a Cavalier that wants to race, and all I have to do is smile and wave and they never see me again. It's one of the greatest feelings in the world, and it gets even better when it's some guy driving with his girlfriend in the passenger seat! It's also funny when I'm driving through a parking lot and pull up next to a new car with an alarm system and give it just a little gas. I don't know how many of those alarms I've set of by accident because of the dual glasspacks.
In '07, Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Palm Springs sold Lot #1, a '76 Pinto Runabout with 7,091 actual miles for $11,500. Now tell me Pinto's aren't worth something.
About the fuel tanks exploding, I know of one of the stories that started all the paranoia. An older woman was driving down I-70 in MO and came up to a construction zone and had to stop. Unfortunately, it was on a steep downslope just over the crest of a hill. A semi trailer cruizing at about 75 mph came over the hill and was unable to stop fast enough due to a fully loaded trailer. He rear-ended her doing about 65-70 and the Pinto was launched over 200 feet into the woods. After landing the car exploded and the woman's family sued Ford for poor fuel tank design. I feel sorry for the woman for two reasons. First, she was killed in an accident which is terrible for anyone. Second, her family was so greedy they wanted to sue Ford for something that could have happened to just about make of car when rear-ended by a semi traveling that fast. And, a few decades earlier the rear bumper for several cars was the gas tank and no one complained. Doesn't that seem a little strange to you?
These are wonderful cars. They were never built to be fashionable, classy, or for race use. "Out of the box", they were affordable, pedestrian, and common. The reason Ford had great success wiith them is because they were the "average man's" car, and were adequate. They came in "flavors" that made sense, and were swept up by the buying public.
I have owned two hatches (a new '77, a beat '80), and a converted panel wagon (1979), which was my Grandfather's car. Each one of these cars was a testament to reliability - the '79 wagon literally sat for years between ours and the neighbors house while in transition from my use to my brothers, and after a few harsh winters, and some gas in the carb, fired right up. This car carried me many years across Pennsylvania from Philadelphia to Erie, an eight hour drive, with no worse issue than a broken rear shock tab.
The appeal for me is simple, and echoed in many responses here - it's DIFFERENT. I >had< a 1957 Chevy, which I bought in 1982, spent many years, $$ restoring, and let go of in 1995. Now I go to car shows and see TOO MANY of them, the same thing, over and over, replete with thousands of dollars of chrome and exotic paint jobs, never to be driven or enjoyed. SO? Give me a fun, different car that I can enjoy, and people can look at, and say "huh"?? After all, isn't that the point?
Chris
I think you just totally summed up the entire forum's feeling right there popbumper. Well put.
Quote from: Bipper on March 21, 2008, 10:40:40 AM
I get that same look when I take the '73 to the local Shell to get it filled with propane.
Last Saturday I was driving the brown 71 around in the city I live in. There was a man, probably in his 70's driving a Rolls Royce from the 60's or 70's. He got up next to me for about a half mile and was just starring at the car the whole time until he turned off the street. A lowly Pinto being admired by a Rolls Royce owner. You got to love it!
Bob
Hey Bob,
Maybe he was just tring to make sure he was out of the flame travel distance? ;D
See you in a few weeks...
From Pintony
"(Pinto) the only car I have ever driven or rode in where my legs didn't cramp up."
Strangely the seating accommodations of the Pinto are VERY similar to those of a '72 240Z I owned. And, yes, you could put your legs out straight in that car too. In fact, the similarities don't stop at the front leg room. The perspective of the hood (inside, looking out), the window sill position, the dash (dual gauge pod) etc. etc..
Tom
Well as for that last post, I think I will have to challenge that, but it's okay because I own both of the cars in the last reply....Yes I have a 1976 Ford Pinto and a 1971 Datsun 240Z.......But as for plain old gas and go cars the Pinto beats anything I have owned,including a Beetle......I fact that is why I bought an other one.....It just has taken me longer to reanimate this previously dead car than I thought.....BUT I still have not found any of the so called Bombs !!!! Now a WWII Sherman Tank was known as a American(Tommy) Cooker or a Rosen IE it lite up the first time every time.....It was hit by a German anti tank round....
Nowadays I can't go anywhere, or even get of my car without someone saying something like how much they love my car and had one when they came out.
So who's to say that no one like them? Everyone that has approached me has loved them. Even when I was broke down on the side of the road rebuilding my carb people were stopping to tell me they loved my car.
i drove one to high school in the mid 90's it got me very teased. but now i have not herd a bad thing in about 10 years! they all love it. i didnt change my mind. i just changed every one els's mind on what they thought of my car.
Quote from: apintonut on May 19, 2008, 01:36:28 AM
i drove one to high school in the mid 90's it got me very teased. but now i have not herd a bad thing in about 10 years! they all love it. i didnt change my mind. i just changed every one els's mind on what they thought of my car.
I wish I could drive mine to school.... I want to next year but that will take a couple thousand dollars and gas will probably be $100/gal. next year and I wouldn't be able to afford it lol. BUT the thought to just buy a Pinto to tinker with would be nice... a good 4 cyl thats easy on gas and in a car I love... sounds good to me. :fastcar:
-beegle55
On Saturday I went to 3 car cruises.
The fist 2 were small but the last one was FULL of nice rides.
I lucked out and got a good parking spot.
I was standing there with my clkeaning rag tring to catch any spots I might have missed.
Some guy walks up about "50 yrs old" and asks "Didn't ford stop making the Pinto because it was DANGEROUS"? I was in the middle of my reply about how the front wheel drive was the up and comming thing, and he said something about FIRE.
So I asked if he had ever seen a Pinto on fire? He said no. I asked about a Fiero.
By then there was a small crowd and they all said they had seen Fiero burning on the side of the road.
So I asked them to let me know IF they saw a Fiero at this show??
I grabed my Extinguisher and put it by the front bumper and no one asked the rest of the night. 8)
From Pintony
I am seriously considering turning my 77 cruising wagon into a fire/rescue themed ride...
complete with ladders, etc... then pull a little cart with a fire hose....
cookieboy don't forget to throw some flames on the side, that would be HOT. :lol: :)
I just saw this post & thought I'd mention my recent conversation with the pizza delivery guy. I went to get the pizza from him, and he saw my Pinto sitting in the driveway. Next thing I knew he was going on & on how he had one & loved it, not to mention how he couldn't believe I had one. He was so nice & liked the car, even done up in primer & bondo that he got a tip. Normally I don't give tips since there's that $1.75 delivery charge, but felt like it since he was being nice about the Pinto.
Quote from: r4pinto on May 19, 2008, 01:53:01 PM
I just saw this post & thought I'd mention my recent conversation with the pizza delivery guy. I went to get the pizza from him, and he saw my Pinto sitting in the driveway. Next thing I knew he was going on & on how he had one & loved it, not to mention how he couldn't believe I had one. He was so nice & liked the car, even done up in primer & bondo that he got a tip. Normally I don't give tips since there's that $1.75 delivery charge, but felt like it since he was being nice about the Pinto.
that $1.75 goes to the store not the driver tips pay the gas and upkeep on the car he still only makes minimum wage i know thats how i pay for part of my pinto addiction!
I wasn't aware of that. I'll keep that in mind next time I order pizza. OH well, now back to topic.
I am in Kirkland Washington for business training right now and I haven't seen one Pinto, much less any classics of any merrit.
Anyhow...
Last Friday I did a lot of running around town after work (I was off at 5 PM) and I noticed a lot of classics driving around. It was a really nice sunny day, not to mention hot out, but it was still odd how many classics were out around my area of the city of Boise.
Driving down the freeway at 65 I noticed this restorted beautiful dark puple 69 Camaro. I am not a Chevy person but I do have a profound respect for classic cars of all makes. I sped up to take a closer look at this beauty and the driver looks over real quick and then turns is attention back to the road ahead of him. Not even 5 seconds he turns to take a second look as if in disbelief. I gave the driver a thumbs up and he smiled and waved back. He didn't speed up to show off or anything intimidating like most muscle car drivers do around Idaho. Right then I knew I wasn't the only one in Idaho who drove a classic to enjoy it, not to show off!
After getting off the freeway I was driving down one of the main streets and a guy on a Harley comments on the car saying it's a pretty hot car and he wishes he had one. I smiled and said thanks as he sped up to pass.
Not five minutes later I'm driving down another road and a young kid (probably in his early 20s like myself) passes by in a Maverick, takes a good look to smile and wave.
Then I finally arrive at my work place (McDonalds) to drop off some things I grabbed from the main office. I left my lights on (why I had them on I do not know). This young guy arond my age group follows me in and waits at the front counter for around 10 minutes while I am back in the office puttings things away. I come back out and he tells me I left my lights on. I told him thanks and he says he understand because his car does the same thing. As we walk out I see him walk to his car and he is driving a very nice restored, highly reflective black fastback mustang with a high back end. I smiled and went back in. I would have stayed to chat with him if I didn't have so much to do before coming here to Kirkland.
I really felt the strength of a non bias classic car community that day. No one said anything bad about the car except for some kids who wanted to race me and though I was driving a "cheby" (that is exactly how they pronounced it too). I really love the atmosphere in Boise about classic cars. People come up to me all the time asking about the car, following me around a store just to ask about it or to see if they could go back outside to take a closer look at it. No one seems to care that it is a Pinto, but everyone remembers owning one and how much fun they had with them, wishing they never sold them.
In some way I find driving my Pinto daily as a contribution to the community. To bring back fond memories of their past, and to bring a smile to everyone's face as they see me driving around the neighborhood and town in general.