Last year for the Pinto. The replacement was
nicknamed “Erika”. Later changed to Escort. ONE engine only available, 2.3L.
The I4 received some changes to boost fuel mileage. (NOTE: MPG was Ford’s
emphasis this year as the 1980 CAFE Goal for automakers’ fleets was raised from
19 to 20mpg). Styling was virtually identical to ’79, and 3 new interior trim
colors were available. Low-Buck Pony now wore steel belted radial shoes.
Batteries were maintenance free and cars carried a restyled scissors jack.
Radios played a Traveler’s Advisory band and the Cruising PKG option was
revised. Rallye Pack introduced in 79 for the hatchbatch & wagon was
expanded.
The Pony LACKED the STANDARD equipment of: tinted glass, rear
defroster, AM radio, bumper rub strips, and vinyl insert bodyside moldings as
well as bright window frame, and belt and B-pillar moldings.
ESS PKG
included a charcoal grill and headlamp doors, black windshield and backlight
moldings, dual black racing mirrors, glass 3rd door with black hinges, blackout
paint treatment, black wheel lip moldings, “ESS” Fender insignia, and black
window frames.
BASE ENGINE: 140 cid 2.3L Cast iron block
& head Bore/Stroke: 3.78 x 3.13 9.0:1 comp. Brake HP: 88 @ 4600
rpm TQ: 119 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm 5 main bearings Hydralic valve lifters
Carb: 2bbl MOTORCRAFT 5200 VIN Code: “A”
Rack-and-pinion steering Front
Suspension: Coil springs with short/long control arms, lower leading arms
Rear suspension: Rigid-axle w/ semi-elliptic leaf springs
Fuel tank:
13 gal (Wagon 14)
OPTIONS: Drivetrain: SelectShift
Cruise-O-Matic ($340) Optional axle ratio ($15) Power steering ($160)
California emission system ($253) High altitude option ($36)
Appearance: ESS PKG ($281 - $313) Cruising PKG ($355 - $606)
(Tape delete: $70 CREDIT) Sport pkg ($103 - $118) Rallye Pack Hatch=
$369 Wagon=$625 Exterior Decor Group ($24 - $44) Interior Decor Group
($165 - $238) Interior Accent Group ($5 - $50) Convenience group ($26 -
$118) Protection group ($36 - $40) Light group ($41) A/C ($538)
Rear defroster, electric ($96) Tinted glass ($65) Cigar lighter ($8)
Trunk light ($5) Driver’s REMOTE Mirror ($18) Dual sport mirrors
($58) Day/Night mirror ($11) AM radio Pony ($80) AM/FM radio ($65 -
$145) AM/FM Stereo radio ($103 - $183) AM/FM Stereo radio w/ CASSETTE
player ($191 - $271) Radio flexibility option ($60) Flip-up open air
roof ($206 - $219) All-glass 3rd door ($31) Metallic glow paint ($45)
2 tone paint/tape treatment ($80) accent tape strip ($80) Black
narrow vinyl-insert bodyside moldings ($43) Premium bodyside moldings ($11 -
$54) Bumper rub strips ($34) Roof luggage rack ($71) Mud/Stone
deflectors ($25) Lower bodyside protection ($34) 4-way drivers seat
($38) Load floor carpet ($28) Cargo area cover ($30) Front floormats
($19) Wire wheel covers ($104) Forged aluminum wheels ($225 - $300)
Forged aluminum wheels WHITE ($256 - $331) Styled steel wheels ($56)
Lacy-spoke aluminum wheels ($225 - $300) Tires: BR78 x 13 WSW ($50)
BR70 x 13 RWL ($87)
