Pinto Stampede Rides Through Hell This WeekendPinto Stampede Rides Through Hell This Weekend

7/18/14 - There will be a stampede of a much-maligned, but still beloved 1970’s cars through the Livingston County area this weekend. Dozens of Pinto enthusiasts will spend the weekend driving their vintage Ford economy cars around the Detroit area as part of an annual event. The Pinto Stampede will stop today at the Ford Employee Car Show in Dearborn and then drive to Hell and back on Saturday. Hell in this case is the Putnam Township hamlet. Organizers of the fourth annual event say all proceeds from sponsorships and a fundraising raffle will go to the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps disabled soldiers regain normal lives. The Pinto Stampede already has raised $38,000 for the organization. Despite being labeled as one of the most “questionable” vehicles ever manufactured because of problems with fuel tank combustion in rear-end collisions; the Pinto has maintained a loyal following. According to Pinto Stampede officials, 3 million Pintos were sold from 1971 to 1980, and there are 6,500 members of the Pinto Car Club of America. (JK)