Stuff You Should Know – Selects: SYSK Live: Back When Ford Pintos Were Flaming Deathtraps

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know”, the hosts take listeners back in time to Detroit in the mid-60s to explore the history of the Ford Pinto. They use a “way back machine” to fly over Detroit and uncover the design flaws and dangerous reputation of the Ford Pinto. From an arm-wrestling match for the presidency of Ford to lawsuits and a PR crisis, this episode reveals the shocking truth behind the infamous Ford Pinto.

Main Takeaways

Design and Creation of the Ford Pinto

• Lee Iacocca, designer of the Ford Mustang, challenged Bunky Knudsen to an arm-wrestling match for the presidency of Ford Motor Company.
• Iacocca won the match and became the president of Ford Motor Company.
• Iacocca initiated Project 2,000 to create a subcompact car known as the Ford Pinto.
• The Pinto had design flaws that caused it to catch fire in rear-end collisions.

The Dangerous Fuel Tank

• The original design of the Pinto had a gas tank that started six inches from the rear bumper.
• The improved bumper could only withstand a five-mile impact.
• The Pinto’s fuel tank was described as “arguably the most dangerous fuel tank of all time” by Popular Mechanics magazine.
• The Pinto spilt gas faster than it could be pumped, making it a dangerous car to drive.

The Public’s Awareness and Lawsuits

• Consumer crusader Ralph Nader attended a press conference about the dangers of the Pinto.
• Ford was aware that its Pintos were flaming death traps.
• Lawsuits arose as people were burned alive in Pintos, leading to the notion that cars should be made safer.
• Ford faced negative media coverage and a PR crisis due to damning evidence coming out during jury trials.

Summary

The Creation of the Ford Pinto

In the mid-60s, Lee Iacocca, known for designing the Ford Mustang, challenged Bunky Knudsen to an arm-wrestling match for the presidency of Ford Motor Company. After winning the match, Iacocca became the president and initiated Project 2,000 to create a subcompact car. The result was the Ford Pinto, which had design flaws that would later prove to be deadly.

The Dangerous Fuel Tank

The original design of the Pinto had a gas tank that started dangerously close to the rear bumper. The improved bumper could only withstand a five-mile impact, leaving the fuel tank vulnerable. The Pinto’s fuel tank was described as one of the most dangerous of all time, as it would spill gas faster than it could be pumped, making the car a potential deathtrap in rear-end collisions.

The Public’s Awareness and Lawsuits

Ralph Nader, a consumer crusader, brought attention to the dangers of the Pinto, leading to negative media coverage and a PR crisis for Ford. Lawsuits began to arise as people were burned alive in Pintos, prompting the call for safer cars. Ford faced significant financial losses and had to recall 1.4 million Pintos and Mercury Bobcats. The company’s reputation was tarnished, and criminal charges were even filed against Ford executives.

Conclusion

The Ford Pinto will forever be remembered as a dangerous car with a flawed design. The story of its creation, the dangerous fuel tank, and the public’s awareness and lawsuits shed light on the importance of safety in the auto industry. The legacy of the Pinto serves as a reminder of the need for responsible engineering and prioritizing consumer safety over profit.