Ford Pinto
The subcompact that promised to 'Put a Little Kick in Your Life' before becoming a symbol of corporate controversy.
- Power
- 100 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.8 s
- Top speed
- 108 mph
- Est. value
- $5k–$22k
About the Ford Pinto
The Ford Pinto was Lee Iacocca's response to the rising tide of small Japanese and European imports, designed to weigh less than 2,000 pounds and cost under $2,000. The 2.0-litre 'EAO' engine, sourced from Ford of Europe, was the performance choice over the base 1.6-litre unit, offering respectable power for its class. While initially a massive sales success, the car's legacy was permanently marred by a design flaw regarding the fuel tank's placement, leading to a landmark safety recall. Today, survivors are increasingly rare and have gained a cult following among collectors of 1970s Americana.
Ford Pinto specs
The Ford Pinto produces 100 bhp (75 kW) and 163 Nm (120 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 10.8 seconds and has a top speed of 108 mph (174 km/h).
| Make | Ford |
|---|---|
| Model | Pinto |
| Trim | 2.0 |
| Years | 1970–1980 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United States |
| Original price | About $2,100 when new |
| Engine | 2.0-litre inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,993 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 100 bhp (75 kW) at 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 163 Nm (120 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 10.8 s |
| Top speed | 108 mph (174 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 948 kg (2,090 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 105 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Ford Pinto worth?
A typical Ford Pinto is estimated to be worth $5,000 – $22,000 (about £3,700 – £16,000).
Its original price when new was about $2,100.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Ford Pinto rarity in CarSpot
The Ford Pinto is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 21 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Ford Pinto fun facts
- The 2.0-litre engine used in the 1971 Pinto was the 'Cologne' OHC engine, which later became a staple for European Fords like the Capri and Cortina.
- Ford sold over 352,000 Pintos in its first model year alone, nearly matching the first-year success of the original Mustang.
- The Pinto was the first American car to use rack-and-pinion steering, a feature typically reserved for sports cars at the time.
