No, these were not cool, they were watered down family cars (my mother had one). Cool was the 68 Mustang like the one used in the movie "Bullit" starring Steve McQueen.

Now that was a cool car.

Not just cool, WAY COOL!

Ahhhh, the Pintang! (Pinto+Mustang).....

Brings back memories! (Not good ones.)

Ahem-mm;

It used the same front suspension and undercarriage as the pinto.

It is very doubtful that this would have been hacked up for bits even though it was considered a half breed. (been there, done that) The aftermarket occurred because of its popularity not in spite of it so many where saved. I was particularly happy when Ford began putting 302's in them in (Cobra II.) imitation of all us rodders as it meant future survival of fords famous pony car.

You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

This was a real pig.

And you can't polish a turd. But we make due with what we've got.

Also I hope your considering the fact that many automotive companies where simply trying to keep their more popular brands alive in very trying times.

Even Harley was producing total crap in the 70's. We had a whole new Japanese market to compete against and then came the gas crunch.

Many brands or styles didn't make it. Even a manufacturer or so. (anyone out there besides me remember AMC?)

Personally I was glad to see that not only was there still some type of mustang but it almost looked like one too.

Look what happened to the Chevy Nova! OUCH!

Aside from that there where many good things that came from the whole Pinto/Mustang II era. The first would be fuel tank design and placement.