Picturing the Past 124: Pick a Pinto

Posted Monday, August 8, 2011, at 6:41 PM

Think this was a good deal on a used Pinto in 1974? (T-G File Photo)

Talk about rising prices: In 1974 would you have paid $50 down and $1,888 plus interest for this late model Ford Pinto at Cannon Chevrolet's used lot?

Times were different then. It seemed like few thought that much about how Pintos would catch fire if hit in the rear. Or was that common knowledge yet?

And almost every car on that lot had a vinyl top. I once thought cars looked stripped down without a vinyl top. Yep, I've certainly changed.

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It is strange that you should mention the Pinto. The Pinto is the only car our family ever made money on. In 1978 our son bought a used Pinto for $700 and drove it until he had it paid for, then he sold it to his sister for $500. She was in a rear-end (no fire) collision. The insurance company totaled it and gave her $800. It was driveable so she continued to drive it and sold it to her sister for $100. That daughter continued to drive it until she had it paid for and traded it in on another car. She got $100 trade-in for it.

-- Posted by leeiii on Tue, Aug 9, 2011, at 6:37 AM

I really enjoy readings your posts! Keep them coming!

-- Posted by amshaye on Wed, Aug 10, 2011, at 9:14 AM

Well used cars for new car prices?I would say that car did good to sell new for 2100.00Some things never change.I know I went to the lot in about 73 and they had new Heavy Chevy for 3200 dollars in 74 they had the same car traded in and they wanted 3100.The same thing goes on today.A car lot will ask you within 2000 for a used car with 20000 miles on it than the new one with the same options.I guess we were stupid back then,and still are today.STAY ON THEM USED CAR GUY !!!!!!!!!!!

-- Posted by mytaxesaremine on Wed, Aug 10, 2011, at 1:11 PM

The Volkswagen Beetle on the other side of the sign is probably still on the road somewhere.

-- Posted by superx1250 on Thu, Aug 11, 2011, at 9:58 AM

Didn't the Chevrolet Vega and older Corvairs have fire problesm?

-- Posted by justwanaknow on Sat, Aug 13, 2011, at 6:22 PM

Didn't the Chevrolet Vega and older Corvairs have fire problesm?

-- Posted by justwanaknow on Sat, Aug 13, 2011, at 6:24 PM