>>28628134
>>28627917
>not a classic
>clunker
This falls under the matters of taste clause.

What would be considered "best in class" for American subcompacts from the 1970s if not the Pinto? The Lima 2.3 became Ford's bastion standard engine model that lasted for over twenty-five years and has proven itself so robust that its simple architecture provided higher levels of performance in SVO Mustang and Thunderbird cars up through 1996 when it was discontinued, only to be revived 15 years later. Not to mention its drivetrain system, even its simplicity made it profoundly robust when pushing hard on the 4-speed toploader.

Sure, it was reviled when the scandal hit, but it was still a profoundly big hit with most people that have ever driven one. Hell, for rally racing circuits, it's considered one of the greats because of its low-profile and lightweight, wide-bodied balanced design. The Escort Mk1 is still better in my opinion, but it made its cultural landscape as the "cure" for the VW Bug.

The funnier part about is that because they were so cheap and plentiful for their time, new drivers beat them to hell and back. But its history, absolutely is part of the charm. My Bobcat will absolutely get more attention then some schlub's random Corvette just for the novelty. And yes, Pintos have sold pretty darn well at Barret Jackson and Mecum in recent years. One marvelous example sold for 33k. This set off a domino effect for interest in these old babies.

https://www.foxnews.com/auto/perfect-1978-ford-pinto-squire-wagon-set-to-steal-the-show-at-fancy-car-auction