1971 Ford Pinto

The Pinto is forever associated with its fuel tank scandal — Ford's calculated decision that paying wrongful death settlements was cheaper than fixing the design. That scandal defined automotive ethics debates for decades.

But before that, the Pinto was just Ford's answer to the import invasion. It was cheap, efficient, and sold millions. The car itself was adequate transportation for people who needed adequate transportation. The scandal shouldn't define the car, but it's impossible to separate them.

Pintos that survived are rare simply because most were driven until they fell apart. The unibody construction rusts predictably. These weren't collector cars until recently — survivors exist because someone couldn't afford to replace them.

A Pinto with honest wear tells a story about working-class America in the '70s. They're artifacts of an era.

The 2.3L four-cylinder became Ford's Ranger/Mustang II engine — parts are available. The earlier engines are more obscure. The fuel tank issue can be addressed with aftermarket solutions if it bothers you.

These are simple cars to work on, with no electronics to speak of. Find one that hasn't rusted away and you'll have a quirky conversation piece that actually runs.