Bargain Bins: Stripped Econo Boxes
There’s been no shortage of digital ink spilled, including on these virtual pages, about Tesla’s decision to infuse its lineup with a pair of stripper models in an attempt to broaden its base and increase sales. Whether this will work long-term or not remains to be seen - but it’s not like this tactic hasn’t been tried before.
Decades ago, but particularly in the ‘80s and ‘90s, brands ranging from Ford to Toyota were busy coming up with ultra-base versions of already affordable models, binning certain features and turning the things from econo boxes to penalty boxes. Air conditioning? Probably not. Tape player? Yeah, right. Even the passenger side mirror got the axe in some cases.
[Images: Murilee Martin]
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Ford attempted the game by reviving its Pony trim on the new-for-’91 Escort, a designation once used on the old Pinto in a similar application. The lowly Pony trim were powered by the 1.9L engine found in all other Escorts save the GT, so cheapskates didn’t sacrifice power - but what they did sacrifice was just about all manner of creature comforts. According to brochures of the day, a Pony didn’t have split folding rear seats or power steering, the rear defroster was deleted, and air conditioning wasn’t even an option.
The fuel door lost its remote release and you’re on yer own to remember to shut off its headlamps since the warning chime was binned. An automatic transmission could be added, though for similar money smart shoppers moved up to the LX and learned to drive stick. A radio of any sort was optional. At least Ford unlocked most of the good colors on the Pony - the likes of Wild Strawberry, Cabernet Red, and Ultra Blue were all available. There was even four choices of color for the interior upholstery.
Chrysler got in on the act with its Plymouth Sundance America. Like its rivals at Ford, it also recycled a name from its past; the America designation was also used on ultra-cheap variants of the outdated Omni.
This brand arguably went even further with its cost cutting, replacing parts and pieces which the average owner would never examine - the America’s alternator was smaller than a regular Sundance (75 ampere versus 90 ampere), for example. And while both the America and the next-level trim came with the 2.2L engine as standard, the spendier customers could opt for the larger 2.5L mill.
A radio was optional, intermittent wipers were not available nor was a tachometer. And forget about opening the rear liftgate from a lever inside the car. As with the Blue Oval, numerous paint colors were on tap including Black Cherry, Radiant Red, and Electric Blue.
