In fact, the first impression we have when seeing the Ford Pinto is that it looks like a maverick which had its rear abruptly cut off.
This appearance could earn him the nickname “Quail” in Brazil, as Chevrolet Chevette Hatch , an affectionate nickname given by Chevetteiros to the most compact and peculiar version of this model.
However, unlike the Chevette, the name “Pinto” refers to something much more noble, as it is a tribute to the coat pattern of horses. mustang , with brown and white spots, like American wild animals.
So, no nonsense; the name was inspired by an animal, and not by any dubious connotation!
If the Pinto had been launched in Brazil, it is possible that the Ford I even had to change the name to avoid possible cultural embarrassments.
But even with a controversial design and some notable flaws, the Pinto performed impressively in the market and became an icon of compact cars in the 1970s.
If the Pinto had been designed with more thought and care, it might have been remembered only for its success and innovation, but instead it was marked by a mistake that could have been avoided.
Today, the Ford Pinto it's more than just a car;
He is a symbol of how a small mistake can have big repercussions, affecting a brand's reward and people's lives.