Description
Book SynopsisThe story of Ford's original, home-grown small cars, the Mustang II and Pinto. Follow their progress through a difficult decade when Henry took on the imports, battled bureaucracy and gave America the economy and sports luxury subcompacts they wanted. This book details the successful design, building and sale of these small American Fords that faced domestic and foreign rivals. Mustang II and Pinto went through many permutations, appearance and performance packages - options that have helped the cars become collectible classics, and are prime examples of the decade the pony car survived. Going beyond stock standard were the customizers and racers that pushed the cars and their designs to the limit. Mustang II and Pinto graced enthusiast car magazine covers, and became stars in TV and films. They were small cars that made a big impact, and kept the Mustang galloping. Marc Cranswick draws on his lifelong passion for iconic American cars and this book delivers another unique insight into these models. His other books include Ford Midsize Muscle - Fairlane, Torino & Ranchero; MOPAR Muscle - Barracuda, Dart & Valiant; and Pontiac Firebird - The Auto-Biography.
Trade ReviewThe book is a must-read for anyone keen on US auto history - Classic Car Weekly. --- Marc Cranswick draws on his lifelong passion for iconic American cars and this book delivers another unique insight into these models - Mustang Round-up. --- You'll look at Mustang IIs and Pintos differently after reading this--Classic Cars. --- This book was a wonderfully nostalgic look at the automotive experience of the 1970s. The photos are beautifully done, feature good detail and variety, and keep the book visually interesting on every page. My highest recommendation as an outstanding reference and an enjoyable reading experience. - IPMS/USA Journal. --- Make your own decisions after reading this informative and well-written biography of two of Ford’s less loved cars - Classic American
Table of ContentsIntroduction - Dearborn discovers small cars 1. Mustang II - Henry's new Deuce 2. Sporty Mustang II - The Pony becomes a Cobra 3. Ford Pinto - Dearborn's own subcompact 4. Total performance - Ford Pinto goes racing Appendix A - The Sudden Death Mustang II Appendix B - Pavement Pounder Pinto - V8 Street & Cruise Night Special Appendix C - Famous & Infamous Pintos Appendix D - Pinto Safety - Unfairly accused Appendix E - Ford items of interest Appendix F - Pangra - What Pinto is this?
