Sporting a convenient hatchback, reliable motor, and affordable price point, the Ford Pinto was a pretty decent little car in the '70s and early '80s. That is, with one very literal fatal flaw. 

You probably know the Ford Pinto for its tendency to explode when hit in the rear end, thanks to some truly brainless fuel tank placement, and the coverup and lawsuits that followed. 

But we're not here to talk about that, we're here to show you that when they weren't exploding, Pintos were actually kind of cool.

Here are 20 vintage photos of people and their Pintos, before any explosions.